How to Be Outside Salesperson - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 24, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The demand for outside salespeople has increased in recent years due to the rise of digital marketing and e-commerce. Companies are realizing the importance of having a face-to-face presence in their target markets, and are increasingly investing in outside sales teams. This increased demand has resulted in higher salaries and better working conditions for outside salespeople.

Furthermore, companies are now relying more heavily on outside salespeople to identify new business opportunities, build relationships with customers, and provide valuable feedback on their product or service. This increased need for outside salespeople has led to an increase in competition for jobs and a greater focus on customer service, which has resulted in improved customer loyalty and an enhanced customer experience.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Degree. Most outside salesperson positions require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have a college degree or specialized training in a related field. Consider pursuing a degree or certification in business, marketing, or a related field to improve your chances of landing an outside salesperson job.
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire outside salespeople who have prior experience in the field. Consider gaining experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities that relate to sales or customer service.
Develop Sales Skills. Outside salespeople must possess strong communication, persuasion, and problem-solving skills. Take courses or attend workshops to sharpen your abilities and increase your knowledge of sales techniques and strategies.
Get Certified. Many employers require their outside salespeople to be certified by a professional organization such as the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). Consider taking courses and exams to become certified in your area of expertise.
Networking. Networking is an essential tool for any job seeker, but especially for outside salespeople. Join professional organizations and attend events to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
Apply. Start applying for outside salesperson jobs that match your qualifications. Be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for, highlighting your specific skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate.
Interview. Prepare for the interview by researching the company and practicing your answers to common interview questions. Make sure to dress professionally and arrive on time for the interview.

In order to stay updated and competent as an outside salesperson, it is important to stay up to date on the latest industry trends and news. This can be done by regularly reading industry publications, attending conferences and webinars, and staying connected with industry contacts. staying abreast of the latest technological advancements will help to ensure a competitive edge.

By staying well informed, an outside salesperson can remain knowledgeable of the latest products, services, and market changes, and effectively adjust their selling strategies accordingly. Finally, continued education and training in the sales field is essential to maintaining a high level of competence in the field.

You may want to check Automobile Salesperson, Clothing Salesperson, and Commissioned Salesperson for alternative.

Job Description

Develop new business opportunities by prospecting, networking, and generating leads.
Develop and sustain long-term relationships with clients by providing superior customer service.
Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the companys products and services.
Make regular sales calls to prospective and existing customers to explain products and services.
Monitor industry trends and competition in order to develop sales strategies and identify new opportunities.
Negotiate pricing and other terms of sale with customers.
Prepare sales presentations and proposals for potential customers.
Follow up on sales inquiries and ensure customer satisfaction.
Prepare weekly/monthly sales reports and forecasts.
Attend industry conferences and trade shows in order to network and generate new business.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Self-motivation
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to develop relationships with customers
Negotiation and sales skills
Knowledge of product lines
Ability to handle customer inquiries and complaints
Time management and organizational skills
Knowledge of the local market
Understanding of customer needs
Computer proficiency

Confidence is an important skill for a successful salesperson, as it is essential for building trust with customers and closing sales. A lack of confidence can lead to a lack of motivation, lower sales numbers, and increased stress levels. On the other hand, a confident salesperson is able to connect with customers, build relationships, and show enthusiasm for their products and services.

This leads to higher sales numbers, increased customer satisfaction, and improved job satisfaction for the salesperson. Confidence is therefore a key ingredient for success in the sales industry, and can make all the difference in achieving success.

Salesperson, Real Estate Salesperson, and Apparel Salesperson are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in outside sales?
How do you build relationships with potential clients?
Describe a time when you successfully closed a sale.
What strategies do you use to handle difficult customers?
How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks?
What resources do you use to stay up to date on industry trends?
How do you stay motivated and driven in an outside sales role?
What is your understanding of the products and services we offer?
What are your goals for this position?
Describe a time when you overcame an objection during a sales call.

Common Tools in Industry

CRM Software. Customer Relationship Management software helps salespeople to track customer interactions, store customer data, and automate sales processes. (e. g. Salesforce)
Email Campaign Management Software. Software to create and manage email campaigns, track open and click rates, and segment lists. (e. g. MailChimp)
Presentation Software. Software used to create professional presentations for clients and prospects. (e. g. PowerPoint)
Contact Management Software. Software to manage contact information and make notes about customer interactions. (e. g. Nimble)
Lead Generation Software. Software to identify potential customers, track leads, and generate sales leads. (e. g. Leadfeeder)
Social Media Management Software. Software to help manage multiple social media accounts, create content, and track metrics. (e. g. Hootsuite)
Telemarketing Software. Software for automated outbound calling campaigns, appointment setting, and lead qualification. (e. g. Dialpad)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP)
American Marketing Association (AMA)
Professional Association for Sales and Marketing Management (PASMM)
National Association of Independent Sales Representatives (NAISR)
The National Association for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs (NABEOE)
American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AAISP)
National Sales Network (NSN)
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
National Retail Federation (NRF)
Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI)

We also have Car Salesperson, Medical Salesperson, and Electronics Salesperson jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cold Calling. Cold calling is a technique used by salespeople to solicit potential customers and make a sale. It involves making unsolicited phone calls, emails, or in-person visits to people who have never used the product or service being sold.
Lead Generation. Lead generation is the process of identifying and cultivating potential customers for a business. It usually involves creating content that encourages prospects to provide their contact information in exchange for a product or service.
Prospecting. Prospecting is the process of identifying and qualifying potential customers or clients for a business. It involves researching potential customers to determine if they are likely to become paying customers.
Networking. Networking is the process of building relationships with people who can help you advance your career or business. It involves attending events, joining groups, and connecting with people who may be able to help you find new opportunities.
Closing. Closing is the process of getting a customer to commit to a sale. It involves convincing the customer that the product or service meets their needs and that they should take action now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Outside Salesperson? A1: An Outside Salesperson is an individual who engages in sales activities away from their employers physical place of business, such as visiting clients and prospective customers. Q2: What skills are needed for an Outside Salesperson? A2: Skills needed for an Outside Salesperson include strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities, as well as proficiency with technology and customer service. Q3: How much does an Outside Salesperson typically earn? A3: The average salary for an Outside Salesperson is $41,278 per year, with salaries ranging from $31,000 to $56,000 depending on experience and location. Q4: What type of training do Outside Salespeople typically receive? A4: Outside Salespeople typically receive training on the products and services they are selling, as well as sales techniques such as effective communication and negotiation. Q5: What are the job duties of an Outside Salesperson? A5: Job duties for an Outside Salesperson include meeting with clients and prospective customers, presenting products and services, negotiating contracts, and providing customer service.