Sales is a very broad and lucrative career field. If you enjoy talking to people face to face, are willing to travel to meet potential customers and existing customers, and are self motivated, then you may be the perfect fit for becoming an outside sales associate!
Outside sales associates need a high level of ambition and must be able to work independently because they are not in an office setting most of the time. These individuals are usually traveling to potential customers’ homes or businesses in an effort to sell their products or services. It is important to be relationship-oriented and a great salesperson in order to obtain upsells from current customers.
Sample job description
Average salary and compensation
The average base salary for an outside sales associate is $62,000 per year in the United States. While only base salaries are reflected here, commissions and bonuses may greatly increase total compensation. Additionally, salaries will vary based on experience, company size, industry, and geographic market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $58,450 | $79,100 |
| Los Angeles, California | $65,950 | $89,250 |
| Denver, Colorado | $55,000 | $74,400 |
| Washington, DC | $66,950 | $90,600 |
| Miami, Florida | $54,700 | $74,050 |
| Orlando, Florida | $50,500 | $68,300 |
| Tampa, Florida | $51,000 | $68,950 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $53,500 | $72,350 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $61,500 | $83,150 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $66,450 | $89,950 |
| Minneapolis-St.Paul, Minnesota | $53,000 | $71,700 |
| New York City, New York | $70,000 | $94,650 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $56,950 | $77,100 |
| Dallas, Texas | $55,500 | $75,050 |
| Houston, Texas | $55,250 | $74,700 |
| Seattle, Washington | $64,000 | $86,550 |
| National Average | $50,000 | $67,600 |
Sample interview questions
- What is your favorite part of the sales process?
- What is your least favorite part of the sales process?
- What led to you getting into sales?
- Can you tell us about your sales experience?
- Sales can have its good and bad days. What do you do to regroup after a tough day?
- What is your process like when it comes to building rapport with prospects?
- What is your sales process like?
- Can you try and sell us this coffee mug?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What skills would you say a sales associate needs to be successful?
- What are your career goals?
