Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products: Career & Application Guide

What do sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products do?

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Account Representative
Customer Account Technician
Inside Salesperson
Outside Sales Representative
Route Sales Representative
Sales Consultant
Sales Professional
Sales Representative (Sales Rep)

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.
Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
Prepare sales contracts and order forms.
Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.
Monitor market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales.
Perform administrative duties, such as preparing sales budgets and reports, keeping sales records, and filing expense account reports.
Contact regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders.
Identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences.

Prepare an application for this occupation

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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