Occupation AtlasSales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
O*NET · 41-3091.00
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.
Also called Auto Sales Consultant · Automobile Club Membership Sales Agent · Automotive Sales Consultant (Auto Sales Consultant) · B2B Sales Representative · B2B Sales Representative (Business to Business Sales Representative) · Business Services Sales Representative · Customer Service Sales Rep · Customer Service Sales Representative (Customer Service Sales Rep)
28 more
Field Sales Consultant · Field Sales Representative · Independent Sales Representative · Inside Sales Rep · Inside Sales Representative (Inside Sales Rep) · Member Service Representative (MSR) · Membership Rep · Membership Representative (Membership Rep) · Membership Solicitor · MSR · National Sales Executive · Outside Sales Rep · Outside Sales Representative (Outside Sales Rep) · Pest Control Service Sales Agent · Route Sales Rep · Route Sales Representative (Route Sales Rep) · Sales Account Executive · Sales Advisor · Sales Agent · Sales Associate · Sales Consultant · Sales Development Representative · Sales Rep · Sales Representative (Sales Rep) · Sales Specialist · Salesman · Technical Sales Representative · Wireless Sales Specialist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Brokerage Clerks
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
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 Enterprising6.73
- C Conventional5.07
- S Social3.75
- I Investigative1.94
- A Artistic1.45
- R Realistic1.07
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.
- Related work experience
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (47%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (33%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (55%)
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 ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Service OrientationImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- PersuasionImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- NegotiationImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- WritingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Time ManagementImportance 3.4Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
Show the other 23
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- InstructingImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- ProgrammingImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
13 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Answer customers' questions about services, prices, availability, or credit terms.Importance 4.4
- Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and provide ongoing support.Importance 4.4
- Develop sales presentations or proposals to explain service specifications.Importance 4.4
- Create forms or agreements to complete sales.Importance 4.3
- Contact prospective or existing customers to discuss how services can meet their needs.Importance 4.2
- Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.Importance 4.2
- Quote prices, credit terms, contract terms, or fulfillment dates for services.Importance 4.1
- Emphasize or recommend service features based on knowledge of customers' needs and vendor capabilities and limitations.Importance 4.0
- Identify prospective customers using business directories, leads from clients, or information from conferences or trade shows.Importance 4.0
- Inform customers of contracts or other information pertaining to purchased services.Importance 4.0
- Maintain customer records using automated systems.Importance 4.0
- Distribute promotional materials at meetings, conferences, or trade shows.Importance 3.8
Show the other 3
- Monitor market conditions, innovations, and competitors' services, prices, and sales.Importance 3.6
- Compute and compare costs of services.Importance 3.9
- Attend sales or trade meetings or read related publications to obtain information about market conditions, business trends, regulations, or industry developments.Importance 3.7
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.6Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- MathematicsImportance 2.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
Show all 33
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PsychologyImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.9Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- DesignImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- MechanicalImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- TransportationImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- ChemistryImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- GeographyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.3Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.3Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.6
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Number FacilityImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.1Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.8Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Prepare or deliver press releases
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.7Level 5.9
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 4.7Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Deliver a major sales campaign in a new market
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 5.7
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
- Processing InformationImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
13 toolsSoftware 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 (3)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Salesforce softwarehot
Hot (7; 3 more marked hot above)
- Apple macOS
- HubSpot software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (3)
- Enterprise application integration EAI software
- JamBoard
- Microsoft Dynamics
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
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.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →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.
Brokerage Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion −0.9, Operations Analysis +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Customs Brokers
Average difference 0.2 points · Complex Problem Solving +0.6, Learning Strategies +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.8, Operations Analysis +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Insurance Underwriters
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.8, Negotiation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Insurance Sales Agents
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.8, Management of Material Resources −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Customer Service Representatives
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources −0.6, Service Orientation +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation −0.8, Operations Analysis +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Human Resources Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.8, Learning Strategies +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Use this in your own job architecture
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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.