Occupation AtlasAdvertising Sales Agents
O*NET · 41-3011.00
Advertising Sales Agents
Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.
31 more
Advertising Sales Representative (Ad Sales Representative) · Advertising Solicitor · Digital Advertising Sales Rep · Digital Advertising Sales Representative (Digital Advertising Sales Rep) · Directory Advertising Sales Rep · Directory Advertising Sales Representative (Directory Advertising Sales Rep) · Display Advertising Sales Rep · Display Advertising Sales Representative (Display Advertising Sales Rep) · Displays Sales Rep · Displays Sales Representative (Displays Sales Rep) · Displays Salesperson · Inside Sales Advertising Executive · Media Consultant · Multimedia Sales Consultant · Outdoor Advertising Leasing Agent · Outside Sales Advertising Executive · Radio Time Sales Rep · Radio Time Sales Representative (Radio Time Sales Rep) · Radio Time Salesperson · Retail Advertising Account Executive · Sales Promotion Rep · Sales Promotion Representative (Sales Promotion Rep) · Signs Sales Rep · Signs Sales Representative (Signs Sales Rep) · Signs Salesperson · Site Leasing Agent · Solicitor · Time Broker · TV Time Sales Rep · TV Time Sales Rep (Television Time Sales Representative) · Yellow Pages Space Salesperson
Compare with another occupationCompare with Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
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
ECAEnterprising · Conventional · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- E Enterprising6.65
- C Conventional4.34
- A Artistic3.64
- S Social2.96
- I Investigative1.52
- R Realistic1.18
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 1 year, up to and including 2 years (28%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (45%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (51%)
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.
- PersuasionImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- NegotiationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
Show the other 23
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- InstructingImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
20 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Prepare and deliver sales presentations to new and existing customers to sell new advertising programs and to protect and increase existing advertising.Importance 4.4
- Explain to customers how specific types of advertising will help promote their products or services in the most effective way possible.Importance 4.4
- Obtain and study information about clients' products, needs, problems, advertising history, and business practices to offer effective sales presentations and appropriate product assistance.Importance 4.4
- Maintain assigned account bases while developing new accounts.Importance 4.3
- Locate and contact potential clients to offer advertising services.Importance 4.3
- Provide clients with estimates of the costs of advertising products or services.Importance 4.3
- Recommend appropriate sizes and formats for advertising, depending on medium used.Importance 4.3
- Process all correspondence and paperwork related to accounts.Importance 4.2
- Deliver advertising or illustration proofs to customers for approval.Importance 4.2
- Draw up contracts for advertising work, and collect payments due.Importance 4.2
- Determine advertising medium to be used, and prepare sample advertisements within the selected medium for presentation to customers.Importance 4.1
- Consult with company officials, sales departments, and advertising agencies to develop promotional plans.Importance 4.1
Show the other 8
- Prepare promotional plans, sales literature, media kits, and sales contracts, using computer.Importance 4.1
- Arrange for commercial taping sessions, and accompany clients to sessions.Importance 4.1
- Inform customers of available options for advertisement artwork, and provide samples.Importance 4.0
- Identify new advertising markets, and propose products to serve them.Importance 4.0
- Gather all relevant material for bid processes, and coordinate bidding and contract approval.Importance 4.0
- Write copy as part of layout.Importance 3.7
- Attend sales meetings, industry trade shows, and training seminars to gather information, promote products, expand network of contacts, and increase knowledge.Importance 3.6
- Write sales outlines for use by staff.Importance 3.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Sales and MarketingImportance 4.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- English LanguageImportance 4.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.2Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Communications and MediaImportance 4.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- AdministrativeImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- MathematicsImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Show all 33
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.7Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- PsychologyImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.3Level 2.8
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- DesignImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Fine ArtsImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TransportationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- GeographyImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.3Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.9
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
Show all 52
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.8
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.3Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.1Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.1Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.1Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 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.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.7Level 5.9
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.5Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Prepare or deliver press releases
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.5Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Gain cooperation from a diverse group of executives with competing interests
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 4.3Level 5.6
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Getting InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Processing InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.5Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
23 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 (10)
- Adobe Creative Cloud softwarehot
- Adobe InDesignhot
- Adobe Photoshophot
- Canvahot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
- Salesforce softwarehot
Hot (5; 10 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Illustrator
- Google Analytics
- Microsoft Access
- WordPress
Other tools (8)
- Contact management software
- Email software
- FileMaker Pro
- Google Ads
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Publisher
- QuarkXPress
- Web browser software
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.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis −0.7, Mathematics −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Travel Agents
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation −0.8, Systems Analysis −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +0.6, Negotiation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Real Estate Sales Agents
Average difference 0.2 points · Troubleshooting +0.9, Coordination +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources +0.7, Coordination +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.2, Persuasion −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Fundraisers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.9, Coordination +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation −1.0, Persuasion −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Use this in your own job architecture
BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.
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.