How to Be Aerospace Sales Representative - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 20, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The growth of the aerospace industry has had a direct effect on the need for sales representatives. The increasing demand for commercial aircraft, military jets, and space exploration vehicles has created a high demand for individuals with experience selling high-tech products. Sales representatives must have a deep understanding of the aerospace industry, be able to explain complex technical details to customers, and have excellent negotiation skills.

They need to be able to create customised solutions to meet the unique needs of their clients, and to successfully manage customer relationships. As a result, aerospace sales representatives are in high demand and often receive great compensation for their services.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Aerospace sales representatives typically must have at least a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Most employers prefer candidates with a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field.
Pursue Professional Experience. Professional experience in the aerospace industry is essential for those hoping to become aerospace sales representatives. Candidates should seek out internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions that will give them the experience they need to be competitive in the job market.
Develop Sales Skills. Aerospace sales representatives need to have excellent sales skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with customers, manage complex sales processes, and understand the technical aspects of aerospace products. Candidates should take courses or pursue certifications that will help them develop these skills.
Become Familiar with Aerospace Regulations. Aerospace sales representatives must understand and comply with a variety of regulations and safety standards that are specific to the industry. Candidates should make sure that they are familiar with these regulations and can comply with them.
Build a Professional Network. Aerospace sales representatives need to have a network of contacts in the industry to help them find new customers and stay on top of the latest trends and developments in the aerospace sector. Candidates should make sure they attend industry events and make connections with other professionals in the field.

In order to stay ahead and efficient as an Aerospace Sales Representative, it is essential to stay on top of trends and developments in the aerospace industry. By staying informed, Representatives can quickly identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market. Representatives should look for ways to streamline their processes, such as utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) software, to help manage customer interactions more efficiently.

Finally, Representatives should take advantage of marketing automation tools to help create more targeted campaigns and increase response rates. By staying informed, streamlining processes and utilizing marketing automation tools, Aerospace Sales Representatives can remain at the top of their game and stay efficient.

You may want to check Aerospace Business Development Manager, Aerospace Project Coordinator, and Aerospace Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Liaise with aerospace customers and develop new business opportunities.
Provide technical advice and support to clients.
Generate sales leads, identify potential customers and assess customer needs.
Develop long-term relationships with key aerospace customers.
Negotiate contracts, pricing and delivery terms with customers.
Monitor the market for new business opportunities and trends.
Develop marketing plans and strategies for new products or services.
Monitor competitor activities in the aerospace industry.
Visit customers on a regular basis to discuss their requirements and to update them on new products or services.
Prepare sales presentations and quotations for customers.
Maintain accurate sales records and reports.
Stay up-to-date with industry news and developments.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Technical knowledge of aerospace products and systems
Knowledge of sales strategies and tactics
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Outstanding negotiation and closing skills
Ability to maintain strong customer relationships
Proven track record in meeting sales goals
Strong analytical skills for market research and forecasting
Ability to develop business plans and strategies
Knowledge of export and import regulations
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software

An Aerospace Sales Representative plays a crucial role in the aerospace industry, as they are responsible for selling aircraft and aerospace products. To be successful in this field, it is essential to have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with clients. A successful Aerospace Sales Representative must also be able to stay organized and highly motivated throughout the sales process.

They must possess excellent communication skills, be knowledgeable about the industry, and understand the technical aspects of the products they are selling. Good negotiation skills and a creative approach to problem solving are also essential for success in this field. Without these skills, an Aerospace Sales Representative may not be able to close sales and provide the best service to their customers.

Aerospace Tooling Specialist, Aerospace Parts Specialist, and Aerospace Tool Designer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aerospace sales?
What challenges have you faced in previous aerospace sales roles?
How do you manage customer relationships in aerospace sales?
What techniques do you use to identify and develop new customer opportunities?
How do you ensure that customer objectives are met?
How do you stay current with industry trends and competitive intelligence?
What methods do you use to negotiate and close deals with customers?
How do you handle difficult customer situations?
What strategies do you use to maintain customer loyalty?
How do you stay motivated and achieve sales targets?

Common Tools in Industry

CRM Software. Customer Relationship Management software used to manage customer interactions and sales data. (eg: Salesforce)
Email Marketing Software. Software used to create, send and track marketing emails. (eg: MailChimp)
Quoting Software. Software used to generate price quotes for potential customers in a timely manner. (eg: QuoteWerks)
Proposal Software. Software used to create, manage and track sales proposals. (eg: Proposify)
Social Media Management Software. Software used to manage multiple social media accounts and monitor conversations. (eg: Hootsuite)
Telemarketing Software. Software used to automate outbound calls and schedule follow-up activities. (eg: Call-Em-All)
Lead Management Software. Software used to track, nurture and qualify leads throughout the sales cycle. (eg: LeadSquared)
Project Management Software. Software used to manage tasks, resources and timelines for projects. (eg: Asana)

Professional Organizations to Know

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Air Transport Association of America (ATA)
National Aeronautic Association (NAA)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA)
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

We also have Aerospace Research Scientist, Aerospace Process Technician, and Aerospace Technical Writer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aerospace Industry. An industry involving the development, production, and use of aircraft, spacecraft, and related technology.
Sales Representative. A professional who works in sales, responsible for promoting and selling a company's products or services.
Business Development. The process of creating and maintaining long-term relationships with customers, partners, and suppliers to help a business grow.
Cold Calling. A sales technique in which sales representatives contact potential customers who have not expressed interest in their products or services.
Networking. The process of meeting and establishing professional relationships with people who may be able to provide assistance in a particular area.
Lead Generation. The process of finding potential customers for a business by identifying and targeting prospects who are likely to become customers.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM). A system that helps a business manage its customer interactions, automate processes, and improve customer relations.
Negotiation. The process of discussing and attempting to resolve differences between two or more parties.
Market Analysis. The process of analyzing a market to better understand the trends, opportunities, and challenges that exist within it.
Market Research. The process of gathering information about target markets to gain insights into customer needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key responsibilities of an Aerospace Sales Representative?

A Aerospace Sales Representative is responsible for developing sales and customer relationships, managing the sales process from start to finish, and ensuring customer satisfaction. They must be knowledgeable about the industry and the products they are selling, and be able to effectively communicate with clients and potential customers. Additionally, they must be able to develop and implement effective sales strategies, analyze market trends, and prepare reports on sales activities.

What qualifications do I need to become an Aerospace Sales Representative?

To become an Aerospace Sales Representative, you typically need a bachelors degree in business or a related field. Additionally, experience in sales, customer service, and the aerospace industry is helpful. Good communication and problem solving skills are also important.

How much does an Aerospace Sales Representative earn?

The average salary for an Aerospace Sales Representative is $65,000 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience, geographic location, and other factors.

What type of customer does an Aerospace Sales Representative typically serve?

An Aerospace Sales Representative typically serves customers who are interested in purchasing aircraft or aerospace parts and services. This may include government agencies, commercial airlines, defense contractors, and private customers.

What are the main challenges of working as an Aerospace Sales Representative?

The main challenges of working as an Aerospace Sales Representative are staying up to date with industry trends and changes, developing effective sales strategies, and managing customer relationships. Additionally, they must be able to effectively communicate with customers and potential customers in order to build trust and close deals.

Web Resources

Sales Intern (Aerospace) Career Center | Emory University careercenter.emory.edu
What is Aerospace Engineering? - Pennsylvania State University www.aero.psu.edu
Aerospace Success Center | University of North Dakota aero.und.edu