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Occupation AtlasSales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

O*NET · 41-4012.00

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

Also called Account Representative · Account Specialist · Agricultural Produce Commission Agent · Apparel Trimmings Sales Representative · Architectural Supplies Sales Representative · Artists Materials Sales Representative · Barber and Beauty Equipment Sales Representative · Barber and Beauty Supplies Sales Representative
117 more

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Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code ECS35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Travel Agents

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ECSEnterprising · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • E Enterprising6.12
  • C Conventional4.92
  • S Social2.69
  • R Realistic2.63
  • I Investigative2.24
  • A Artistic1.65

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent48%
  • Some College Courses14%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
  • Bachelor's Degree34%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (31%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (40%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Persuasion3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Negotiation3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Social Perceptiveness3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Writingbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Service Orientation3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
Show the other 23

Tasks

10 core · 8 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.4.4
  2. Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.4.3
  3. Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.4.3
  4. Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.4.2
  5. Prepare sales contracts and order forms.4.2
  6. Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.4.1
  7. Monitor market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales.4.1
  8. Perform administrative duties, such as preparing sales budgets and reports, keeping sales records, and filing expense account reports.4.0
  9. Contact regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders.3.9
  10. Identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences.3.9
Show the other 8
  1. Check stock levels and reorder merchandise as necessary.4.4
  2. Plan, assemble, and stock product displays in retail stores, or make recommendations to retailers regarding product displays, promotional programs, and advertising.4.4
  3. Negotiate with retail merchants to improve product exposure, such as shelf positioning and advertising.4.4
  4. Negotiate details of contracts and payments.4.2
  5. Prepare drawings, estimates, and bids that meet specific customer needs.4.0
  6. Obtain credit information about prospective customers.4.0
  7. Forward orders to manufacturers.3.9
  8. Arrange and direct delivery and installation of products and equipment.3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Sales and Marketing4.95.3Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Customer and Personal Service4.85.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language4.44.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Mathematics3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Transportation3.73.9Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Computers and Electronics3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Administration and Management2.94.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Communications and Media2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
Show all 33
  • Telecommunications2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Psychology2.61.7Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and Accounting2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Production and Processing2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Administrative2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Design2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Food Production1.9—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Fine Arts1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Foreign Language1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.6—
  • Law and Government1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Education and Training1.4—
  • Public Safety and Security1.41.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Engineering and Technology1.3—
  • Geography1.31.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Mechanical1.2—
  • Building and Construction1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Physics1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Chemistry1.0—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.0—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.0—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Oral Comprehension3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech Clarity3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Comprehension3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Category Flexibility3.13.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Information Ordering3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.13.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Originality3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Flexibility of Closure2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.42.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Selective Attention2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Far Vision2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Memorization2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Time Sharing2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Control Precision2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Finger Dexterity2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual Dexterity2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Perceptual Speed2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of Closure2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visualization2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Multilimb Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Trunk Strength2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Auditory Attention1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Visual Color Discrimination1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Response Orientation1.81.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Extent Flexibility1.60.8
  • Glare Sensitivity1.60.8
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.60.9
  • Peripheral Vision1.60.8
  • Reaction Time1.60.8
  • Gross Body Coordination1.50.6
  • Night Vision1.50.6
  • Rate Control1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Spatial Orientation1.50.8
  • Stamina1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.6
  • Dynamic Strength1.40.5
  • Explosive Strength1.40.5
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.40.4
  • Sound Localization1.40.5
  • Static Strength1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Selling or Influencing Others4.95.1Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Getting Information4.53.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.44.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.44.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.34.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.23.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Working with Computers4.13.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
Show all 41
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.03.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.03.1Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.93.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.93.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Thinking Creatively3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Processing Information3.82.9
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.74.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.53.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.32.7
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.22.4Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.02.7
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.02.3Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.01.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.02.6
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.82.7
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.62.7
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Developing and Building Teams2.21.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Training and Teaching Others2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.00.9Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.5—
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.2—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.1—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others5.0
  • Telephone Conversations5.0
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.9
  • E-Mail4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.5

Technology

138 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (5)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Salesforce softwarehot

Hot (39; 5 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Apple macOS
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Cisco Webex
  • Eclipse IDE
  • Epic Systems
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Facebook
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Docs
  • HubSpot software
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Marketo Marketing Automation
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Teams
Show the other 15
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
  • SAP software
  • SAS
  • Slack
  • Tableau
  • UNIX
  • Yardi software
  • Zoom
Other tools (94)
  • 3M Post-it App
  • ACT! Premium
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Advantage Signature Marketing Group Web Master
  • Airtable
  • Apache Groovy
  • Apple Keynote
  • Aptean Onyx CRM
  • Ardexus Mode
  • Ardexus TASC
  • Blackboard software
  • Blink
  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • Commence Application Suite
  • Computerized call calendars
  • Computerized time management systems
  • Contact management systems
  • Contract Central
  • Contract tracking software
  • Data entry software
  • Database software
  • Delphi Technology
  • Dropbox
  • Eko
  • Evernote
  • FaceTime
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Fund accounting software
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Google Ads
  • Google Classroom
  • Google Drive
  • Google Meet
  • Google Slides
  • GroupMe
  • Handheld computer device software
  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
  • HEAT Software GoldMine
  • HydraNet
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • IBM Notes
  • IBM Power Systems software
  • interlinkONE
  • LexisNexis
  • LinkedIn
  • LogMeIn GoToMeeting
  • LogMeIn GoToWebinar
  • MASterMind
  • Maximizer Software Maximizer Enterprise
  • McAfee
  • Medical condition coding software
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Dynamics CRM
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft OneNote
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • MicroStrategy
  • Mozilla Thunderbird
  • NetSuite ERP
  • NetSuite NetCRM
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Novo Customer Tracking Software
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Oracle Eloqua
  • Oracle Fusion Applications
  • Oracle Hyperion
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Oracle WebLogic Server
  • Qlik Tech QlikView
  • Relational database management software
  • Relavis CRM Portal
  • Root Systems SPS Process Management
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Sage SalesLogix
  • Sales force automation software
  • SalesInSync
  • SamePage StudioCRM
  • SAP Business Objects
  • Screencastify
  • SeaMonkey
  • Skype
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Social media sites
  • Soffront CRM Portal
  • SSA Global BPCS
  • Tax software
  • Tigerpaw
  • Virtual private networking VPN software
  • Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
  • vtiger CRM
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
  2. Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
  3. Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
  4. Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
  5. Advertising Sales Agents
  6. Sales Engineers
  7. Sales Managers
  8. Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
  9. Purchasing Managers
  10. Procurement Clerks

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Show the other 23

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Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.