What Does a Sales Representative Do?
A sales representative serves as the main point of contact between a company and its customers, responsible for promoting products or services, identifying customer needs, and closing sales. They work to build strong relationships with clients while meeting or exceeding revenue targets. Sales reps often handle tasks such as prospecting new clients, delivering presentations or product demonstrations, negotiating contracts, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Their efforts directly contribute to a company’s revenue growth and long-term success.
Beyond selling, sales representatives also act as brand ambassadors who communicate the value and benefits of a company’s offerings. They collaborate closely with marketing, customer service, and account management teams to ensure that customers have a positive experience throughout the buying journey. A successful sales rep not only understands the technical or practical aspects of their product but also uses strong interpersonal skills to connect with clients, overcome objections, and build lasting partnerships.
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Sales Rep Core Responsibilities
- Prospect and qualify new leads through research, networking, and outreach
- Present and demonstrate products or services to potential customers
- Manage existing accounts and maintain strong client relationships
- Negotiate pricing and terms to close sales deals
- Achieve or exceed individual and team sales quotas
- Update and maintain accurate records in CRM systems
- Provide feedback from customers to marketing and product teams
- Attend industry events, trade shows, or conferences to generate new business
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in CRM tools such as Salesforce or HubSpot
- Strong product knowledge and ability to present value propositions
- Experience with lead generation, prospecting, and pipeline management
- Negotiation and contract management skills
Soft skills
- Excellent communication and active listening abilities
- Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills
- Resilience and adaptability in competitive environments
- Time management and organizational skills
- Goal-oriented mindset with self-motivation
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or related field preferred
- Equivalent sales experience considered
Certifications
- Not required; Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) or similar designations may be valued
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–5 years of experience in sales or account management
- Proven ability to meet or exceed quotas
- Experience in specialized industries such as tech, healthcare, or retail
- Background in B2B or B2C sales environments
- Familiarity with consultative or solution-selling approaches
National Average Salary
Sales rep salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Sales Representative is:
$64,792
Sample Job Description Templates for Sales Reps
Entry-Level Sales Representative
Position Overview
We are looking for an entry-level sales representative to join our growing sales team. This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals eager to learn the fundamentals of sales while building relationships with customers. As an entry-level sales rep, you will receive training and mentorship while helping generate new leads and supporting the sales cycle.
Responsibilities
- Prospect and qualify potential leads through calls, emails, and networking
- Learn and deliver product presentations under supervision
- Support account executives in client meetings and demos
- Maintain accurate data in CRM systems
- Assist in preparing proposals and sales documentation
- Achieve entry-level sales quotas and performance targets
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of CRM platforms such as Salesforce or HubSpot
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities
- Familiarity with sales processes or willingness to learn
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and grow in a sales career
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport
- Self-motivation with a goal-oriented mindset
- Organizational and time management abilities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or project experience in sales or customer service
- Exposure to B2B or B2C environments
Mid-Level Sales Representative
Position Overview
We are hiring a mid-level sales representative to manage client relationships, generate new business opportunities, and consistently meet sales targets. This role requires prior experience in sales and the ability to work independently while contributing to team success.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage a pipeline of qualified leads
- Conduct product demonstrations and presentations for prospects
- Negotiate pricing and terms to close deals
- Maintain relationships with existing clients to encourage repeat business
- Track sales activity in CRM systems and prepare reports for management
- Collaborate with marketing to align lead-generation strategies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in CRM systems such as Salesforce
- Strong understanding of prospecting, negotiation, and closing techniques
- Ability to analyze sales data and prepare accurate forecasts
- Experience with contract management and proposal writing
Soft skills
- Effective communication and active listening
- Strong relationship-building and networking abilities
- Resilience and adaptability in competitive environments
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple accounts
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related discipline
Certifications
- Not required; sales certifications valued
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of professional sales experience
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales quotas
Senior Sales Representative
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior sales representative to lead high-value client engagements, close complex deals, and mentor junior sales staff. This role requires extensive sales experience and the ability to manage strategic accounts while consistently exceeding revenue goals.
Responsibilities
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities with key clients
- Negotiate large contracts and complex agreements
- Develop strategies for account growth and long-term customer success
- Provide mentorship and coaching to entry- and mid-level reps
- Report on sales performance and market trends to leadership
- Represent the company at trade shows and industry events
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of CRM tools and sales enablement platforms
- Expertise in consultative selling and solution-based sales approaches
- Strong negotiation and closing abilities for high-value deals
- Proficiency in sales forecasting and reporting
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to influence decision-makers at executive levels
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred
Certifications
- Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) or similar valued
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of sales experience with proven success in high-value accounts
- Experience leading or mentoring a team of sales professionals
Key Account Executive
Position Overview
We are hiring a key account executive to manage relationships with our most important clients and ensure long-term account success. This role requires exceptional relationship management skills and the ability to identify opportunities for growth within strategic accounts.
Responsibilities
- Manage relationships with key accounts and act as the primary point of contact
- Develop account plans to grow revenue and ensure client satisfaction
- Negotiate renewals and upsell additional products or services
- Collaborate with internal teams to deliver customized solutions
- Monitor account performance and provide regular updates to leadership
- Resolve escalated issues quickly and effectively
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in account management and client retention strategies
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills
- Proficiency with CRM systems for account tracking and reporting
- Ability to identify and capitalize on upselling opportunities
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
- Strategic communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
- Ability to manage multiple high-value accounts simultaneously
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- 4–6 years of experience in account management or enterprise sales
- Proven success managing and growing key accounts
Business Development Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a business development manager to identify new market opportunities, establish strategic partnerships, and drive revenue growth. This role focuses on long-term growth initiatives and requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on sales execution.
Responsibilities
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities in target markets
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships to expand market reach
- Develop business development strategies aligned with company goals
- Negotiate contracts and partnership agreements
- Collaborate with marketing on lead-generation and promotional campaigns
- Track business development activities and report to leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong market research and business analysis skills
- Proficiency in CRM and business development tools
- Experience in contract negotiation and deal structuring
- Ability to develop and execute long-term growth strategies
Soft skills
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills
- Strategic and innovative thinking abilities
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset with adaptability
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, sales, or related field
Certifications
- Not required; business development certifications are a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in business development or strategic sales
- Proven ability to open new markets or establish successful partnerships
Regional Sales Executive
Position Overview
We are hiring a regional sales executive to oversee sales efforts across a designated geographic area. This role requires managing client relationships, expanding business opportunities, and ensuring revenue growth within the assigned territory.
Responsibilities
- Manage sales operations and client accounts across the assigned region
- Develop and implement regional sales strategies
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the territory
- Negotiate and close deals with regional clients
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity in the region
- Prepare sales reports and forecasts for senior leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of regional market dynamics and sales trends
- Proficiency in CRM systems and sales analytics
- Expertise in pipeline management and forecasting
- Contract negotiation and closing skills
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and self-management abilities
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinking tailored to regional markets
- Ability to travel as required within the territory
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related discipline
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive sales experience
- Proven success managing sales across multi-state or regional territories