Entry-Level Salesperson Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the dynamic world of business, the need for entry-level salespeople is ever-growing.

The business landscape progresses, and with each stride, the demand for skillful individuals who can drive, increase, and secure our sales targets heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an entry-level salesperson?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the pulse of the sales industry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile entry-level salesperson job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Entry-Level Salesperson Duties and Responsibilities

Entry-Level Salespersons are typically involved in promoting and selling products or services, and maintaining customer satisfaction.

They often represent the first tier of interaction between the company and its clients.

The duties and responsibilities of an Entry-Level Salesperson may include:

• Identify, contact and build relationships with potential customers
• Present, promote and sell products or services using solid arguments to prospective customers
• Execute established sales goals and ensure a harmonious balance between volume and profitability targets
• Handle customer inquiries, present appropriate solutions and alternatives within the time limits; follow up to ensure resolution
• Coordinate sales efforts with team members and other departments
• Continuously improve through feedback, participate in educational opportunities and keep abreast of industry trends and competition
• Follow and achieve department’s sales goals on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis
• Maintain accurate and updated records of all contacts and sales activities in the company’s Customer Relationship Management system
• Provide reliable after-sales support to enhance customer loyalty and avoid customer churning

 

Entry-Level Salesperson Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a motivated and energetic Entry-Level Salesperson to join our dynamic sales team.

The salesperson will be responsible for developing leads, connecting with potential clients, and closing deals.

In this role, you will learn how to identify and research potential clients, build and maintain relationships with new and existing customers, and meet and exceed sales targets.

Our ideal candidate is someone who is eager to learn, grow, and excel in the field of sales.

 

Responsibilities

• Identify and reach out to potential clients through cold calls and emails
• Establish, develop, and maintain positive business relationships
• Analyze market trends and client requirements to identify sales opportunities
• Present, promote and sell products/services to existing and prospective customers
• Coordinate sales efforts with team members and other departments
• Keep records of customer interactions, transactions, comments and complaints
• Meet or exceed sales targets
• Attend networking events, trade shows, and conferences to build industry connections
• Participate in team meetings and sales training sessions

 

Qualifications

• A degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field
• Strong desire to work in sales
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to build relationships with clients
• Proficient in MS Office suite and CRM software
• Good organizational and multitasking skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a team

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Entry-Level Salesperson
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for client meetings or industry events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in sales to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Entry-Level Salesperson Do?

An Entry-Level Salesperson typically works for companies across various industries, including retail, tech, pharmaceutical, and many others.

They may also work independently as part of a multi-level marketing organization.

Their primary responsibility is to sell a company’s products or services to customers.

This can be done through direct in-person interactions, over the phone, or via online platforms.

They usually work under the supervision of a sales manager or senior salesperson, from whom they learn the company’s sales techniques and strategies.

An Entry-Level Salesperson’s role involves identifying potential customers, understanding their needs and interests, and persuading them that the product or service they are selling will meet those needs.

They are also responsible for providing product information and demonstrations, preparing sales contracts, and following up with customers after the sale to ensure satisfaction and resolve any complaints.

Additionally, Entry-Level Salespersons may help in gathering customer feedback and market research, which aids in understanding consumer behavior and improving the company’s products or services.

As they gain experience and knowledge about the company’s products and the market, they can move into higher-level sales positions.

 

Entry-Level Salesperson Qualifications and Skills

An Entry-Level Salesperson should possess a combination of technical skills, personal qualities, and sales knowledge, such as:

• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively build relationships with customers and understand their needs.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly convey product features, benefits, and pricing to potential customers.
• Persuasion skills to encourage potential customers to purchase products or services.
• Customer service skills to address customer complaints and queries, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Basic knowledge of sales principles and customer service practices to successfully perform sales tasks.
• Ability to work well in a team and cooperate with other salespeople to meet and exceed sales targets.
• Problem-solving skills to resolve customer issues and find effective solutions during sales interactions.
• Ability to use sales and customer management software to keep track of customer interactions, sales transactions, and other related data.
• Willingness to continuously learn about new products and sales techniques to stay competitive in the market.

 

Entry-Level Salesperson Experience Requirements

Entry-level salespersons typically have less than 1 year of experience in sales or a customer service related field.

This experience can be gained from internships, part-time roles, or similar positions where they had opportunities to interact directly with customers, learn about customer needs, and develop effective communication skills.

They might have experience in roles such as Customer Service Representative, Retail Associate, or Marketing Intern, where they learned how to handle customer inquiries, complaints, and provide solutions.

Candidates with up to 2 years of experience often have developed their skills in prospecting potential customers, understanding product features, and closing sales.

They might have also started to build up their customer base and meet sales targets.

Those with more than 2 years of experience may have acquired advanced skills such as strategic sales planning, team collaboration, and customer relationship management.

They could be ready for roles with more responsibilities, such as Sales Representative or Account Manager.

 

Entry-Level Salesperson Education and Training Requirements

The educational requirements for an Entry-Level Salesperson can vary widely depending on the specific industry.

However, generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement.

Many companies provide on-the-job training, but courses in marketing, economics, business, and communications can be beneficial.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, particularly for more technical or specialized sales roles.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are vital for success in sales, as are negotiation and persuasion skills.

Many entry-level sales roles focus on these soft skills rather than formal education.

Entry-Level Salespersons may also benefit from getting certified through programs offered by professional organizations, like the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) or the Sales Management Association (SMA).

These certifications can demonstrate a commitment to the profession and can help improve sales techniques and understanding of sales principles.

Additionally, knowledge of computer applications, like customer relationship management software, and fluency in a second language can be beneficial in this field.

While not a requirement, ongoing professional development and learning can set a salesperson apart from others in the field.

This could be through further formal education, attending relevant seminars, or seeking out coaching and mentoring opportunities.

 

Entry-Level Salesperson Salary Expectations

An Entry-Level Salesperson can expect to earn an average salary of $42,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can vary widely depending on the specific industry, the location of the job, and the individual’s previous sales experience.

Salespeople often have the opportunity to earn additional income through commissions and bonuses, which are generally based on the volume or value of sales they generate.

 

Entry-Level Salesperson Job Description FAQs

What skills does an entry-level salesperson need?

An entry-level salesperson needs excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with potential customers effectively.

They should possess a good understanding of the product or service they are selling and the ability to convince customers of its value.

Other necessary skills include problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience.

 

Do entry-level salespeople need a degree?

Not necessarily.

While a degree in marketing, business, or a related field can be beneficial, it’s not always required for an entry-level sales role.

What matters most is an individual’s ability to sell and their knowledge of the product or service.

Training is often provided on the job.

 

What should you look for in an entry-level salesperson’s resume?

Look for any experience that involves interacting with people, problem-solving, or working in a target-driven environment.

This could include part-time jobs, internships, or even voluntary work.

Any sales or marketing courses or certifications they’ve completed could also be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good entry-level salesperson?

A good entry-level salesperson is enthusiastic, motivated, and goal-oriented.

They have excellent communication skills and can build rapport with customers easily.

They are also persistent and resilient, not being easily discouraged by setbacks or rejections.

 

Is it difficult to hire entry-level salespeople?

Hiring entry-level salespeople can be challenging because it requires finding individuals with the right mix of personality traits, communication skills, and motivation.

However, it can also be an opportunity to mould a fresh talent according to your company’s sales strategies and culture.

Therefore, focusing on potential rather than experience can yield great results.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being an entry-level salesperson.

And guess what?

It’s not just about selling products.

It’s about initiating relationships, building trust, and opening doors of opportunity, one sale at a time.

With our go-to entry-level salesperson job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to make a move.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating perfectly-tailored listings or refining your resume to an ultimate selling point.

Remember:

Every sale you make is a step towards your bigger goal.

Let’s embark on this journey. Together.

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