Outside Sales Representative Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this dynamic business landscape, the role of outside sales representatives has never been more crucial.

As markets evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, penetrate, and secure our business territories grows exponentially.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an outside sales representative?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate dynamics of outside sales,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable outside sales representative job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Outside Sales Representative Duties and Responsibilities

Outside Sales Representatives are field sales professionals who travel to meet with prospects and customers.

They are responsible for promoting and selling a company’s products or services and maintaining customer relationships.

The key duties and responsibilities of an Outside Sales Representative include:

• Identify and pursue potential leads and convert them into customers
• Travel to different locations to meet potential clients and demonstrate products or services
• Present and explain company products or services to potential clients and negotiate sales contracts
• Provide excellent customer service by addressing and resolving customer queries and concerns
• Monitor competitor products and sales activities and provide feedback to the management
• Develop and implement effective sales strategies to reach sales targets
• Maintain records of sales, customer information, and other important data
• Participate in trade shows, conferences, and community events to promote the company and its products or services
• Collaborate with the sales team and other departments to optimize sales efforts
• Prepare regular sales reports and provide them to the management

 

Outside Sales Representative Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an ambitious, energetic and self-motivated Outside Sales Representative to join our team.

In this position, you will be responsible for generating leads, establishing and maintaining client relationships, and promoting our products or services to potential customers.

Our ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, with superior people skills and strong negotiation abilities.

They should be comfortable presenting products or services to potential customers and capable of driving business growth and reaching sales targets.

 

Responsibilities

• Present, promote and sell products/services to prospective customers
• Establish, develop and maintain positive business and customer relationships
• Reach out to customer leads through cold calling
• Achieve agreed upon sales targets and outcomes within schedule
• Coordinate sales effort with team members and other departments
• Analyze the territory/market’s potential, track sales and status reports
• Supply management with reports on customer needs, problems, interests, competitive activities, and potential for new products and services
• Continuously improve through feedback

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a sales representative
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office
• Familiarity with BRM and CRM practices along with ability to build productive business professional relationships
• Highly motivated and target driven with a proven track record in sales
• Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills
• Prioritizing, time management and organizational skills
• Ability to create and deliver presentations tailored to the audience needs
• BS/BA degree or equivalent

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Outside Sales Representative
• Work Environment: This role involves significant travel and field work, with an office base for administrative tasks.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Manager or Regional Sales Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. This position includes base salary plus commission.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum (excluding commissions)
• 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 experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Outside Sales Representative Do?

Outside Sales Representatives are often employed by companies across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, retail, and service industries.

They can also work as independent representatives for multiple companies.

Their primary role is to create and nurture relationships with current and potential clients to sell products or services outside of the company’s physical location.

This is typically done through in-person meetings, cold calling, networking events, and presentations.

The Outside Sales Representative is responsible for researching and understanding the clients’ needs to present the most suitable products or services.

They often work closely with the inside sales team to ensure client satisfaction, maintain client relationships, and handle any sales related issues that may arise.

They also have to keep track of the market trends and competitor activities to strategize their sales approach accordingly.

Their job includes negotiating contracts and sales terms, meeting or exceeding sales quotas, and occasionally providing after-sales support to ensure customer satisfaction.

They also regularly report sales data and forecasts to the company’s management team.

In sum, the Outside Sales Representative is responsible for driving business by building and maintaining strong client relationships outside the company’s premises.

 

Outside Sales Representative Qualifications and Skills

An Outside Sales Representative is a professional who drives revenue growth by building and maintaining relationships with customers, identifying business opportunities, and managing clients.

They must possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Excellent communication skills for negotiating with and persuading potential customers, as well as for maintaining strong relationships with current clients.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with clients and to work effectively as part of a sales team.
• Persuasion skills to convince potential customers to purchase products or services.
• Self-motivation and resilience to overcome rejections and continue pursuing sales goals.
• Product knowledge to understand the features, benefits, and potential applications of the goods or services they are selling.
• Time management skills to effectively schedule and prioritize meetings with potential and current clients, follow-ups, and administrative tasks.
• Problem-solving skills to resolve customers’ issues, identify new opportunities, and develop effective sales strategies.
• Ability to use sales and customer relationship management (CRM) software to track sales, manage client information, and analyze sales data.
• Physical stamina to travel and meet with multiple clients in a single day.

 

Outside Sales Representative Experience Requirements

Outside Sales Representatives often require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of direct or related sales experience.

This can be gained through part-time roles, internships or even entry-level positions in sales or customer service roles.

Candidates with a solid understanding of sales principles and customer service practices usually have an upper hand.

Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, such as Salesforce, is also beneficial for tracking sales leads and customer accounts.

Those who have more than 2 years of outside sales experience often have a proven track record of meeting sales quotas.

They are expected to have excellent sales, negotiation and communication skills, which are often honed through on-the-job experience.

Outside Sales Representatives with more than 5 years of experience are generally skilled in strategic planning and customer relationship building.

They may also have experience in managing a sales team or be ready for a managerial position.

Some organizations may require these candidates to have industry-specific experience, depending on the nature of the products or services being sold.

 

Outside Sales Representative Education and Training Requirements

Most Outside Sales Representatives have a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, economics, or a related field.

Their education often includes coursework in communication, marketing strategy, and consumer behavior.

While not typically required, some positions may prefer candidates with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a similar advanced degree.

Aside from formal education, outside sales representatives should have a strong understanding of sales principles and customer service, excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Sales representatives, especially those in technical or scientific fields, typically need several years of experience learning about the products they sell.

Certain industries may require knowledge or certification in specific products, technologies, or in areas such as import/export regulations.

Continued professional development is important in this role, with many sales representatives attending workshops, conferences and sales training programs to stay updated on market trends and new products.

Finally, some states require sales representatives to be licensed, particularly those who sell insurance or financial products.

The licensing process usually involves passing an exam after completing a course.

 

Outside Sales Representative Salary Expectations

An Outside Sales Representative earns an average salary of $50,543 (USD) per year.

However, this can significantly vary based on the representative’s industry, years of sales experience, the region in which they work, and the commission structure of their employer.

 

Outside Sales Representative Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Outside Sales Representative need?

Outside Sales Representatives need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with potential customers.

They should have strong negotiation and persuasion skills to close deals effectively.

Additionally, they should be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently as they often work remotely.

 

Do Outside Sales Representatives need a degree?

While not always required, a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field is often preferred for the role of an Outside Sales Representative.

However, relevant work experience in sales or customer service can often be considered in lieu of formal education.

 

What should you look for in an Outside Sales Representative resume?

Look for previous sales experience, preferably in the field relevant to your business.

Any evidence of meeting or exceeding sales targets is a big plus.

Also, look for strong communication skills, evidence of self-motivation, and experience working remotely or independently.

 

What qualities make a good Outside Sales Representative?

A good Outside Sales Representative is goal-oriented and driven to meet and exceed sales targets.

They should have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage with potential customers effectively.

They should also be adaptable, as they may need to adjust their selling strategies based on different customers or market trends.

 

What is the difference between Inside Sales and Outside Sales?

Inside Sales Representatives typically work from the office and engage with customers through phone calls, emails, and online chats.

On the other hand, Outside Sales Representatives often travel to meet with customers face-to-face.

They typically handle larger, more complex deals, and have the autonomy to make on-the-spot decisions to close sales.

 

How can Outside Sales Representatives maintain productivity while working remotely?

Effective time management and self-discipline are crucial for maintaining productivity while working remotely.

Setting clear daily and weekly goals, regular communication with the sales team and management, and leveraging technology for efficient customer relationship management can also contribute to productivity.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we have given you a peek into the day-to-day life of an outside sales representative.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about selling products.

It’s about shaping the business landscape, one sales pitch at a time.

With our comprehensive outside sales representative job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating razor-sharp job listings or honing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every sales pitch is a part of a larger business strategy.

Let’s conquer the market. Together.

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