Sales support representatives
A sales support representative handles mostly clerical duties for a company's sales force. Sometimes, sales support representatives may even attempt to make a sale themselves. But their primary responsibilities tend to be focused more on handling office tasks such as answering phones, greeting customers, faxing documents and typing reports. That said, sales support representatives provide critical links between salespersons and their clients.
Basics
Sales support representatives work in a wide variety of industries and handle a multitude of tasks, many of which change on a daily basis. Still, their responsibilities are important and can result in saving the sales force time or even an account. In some industries, sales support representatives may handle light bookkeeping. On top of their other duties, many enter crucial information regarding sales and clients into computers. Sales support representatives also take messages involving clients (or important clients) and relay them to team members and may even take minutes at sales meetings.
Skills
Sales support representatives need to posses an array of office skills. They should be accomplished typists and strong communicators, as well as capable problem-solvers. They should be organized, analytical, professional, courteous and motivated. On top of those things, sales support representatives may need to feel comfortable making a sale, knowing their company's products and services inside and out.
Background
Sales support representatives almost always need to possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some have obtained an associate degree or certificate in general office work from a vocational or trade school. Rarely are bachelor's degrees required to work in a sales support role. Areas of study for most sales support representatives include business, math, keyboarding, English and perhaps communications and marketing.
Prospects
Jobs for sales support representatives should be solid for at least the next decade, and likely beyond. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that employment for office clerks in general is expected to increase by 12 percent from 2008 to 2018, while those for administrative assistants will increase by 11 percent. Sales support representatives are likely to see their prospects improve at a similar rate.
Earnings
Unlike members of a sales force, sales support representatives rarely work on commission. Most are paid by the hour, and their wages tend to fluctuate based on industry, as well with experience. According to PayScale.com, sales support workers earned anywhere from $10 to more than $24 per hour in April 2010.
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