Outside or field sales representatives are individuals who market products by making door-to-door calls to consumers or sales presentations at businesses. Someone wishing to become an outside sales representative must graduate from high school and in some instances, these individuals must also complete college degree programs. Additionally, these roles are often reserved for individuals who have prior sales experience and a demonstrated track record of reaching revenue goals.
Many sales jobs are entry-level positions and the people employed in these roles are often able to advance into more senior positions. Nevertheless, finance firms, pharmaceutical companies and certain companies in other industries typically prefer to hire college graduates. People who have studied industry-relevant topics at college are often better able to explain complex financial instruments, chemical compounds and other types of products than those who have not studied such subjects.
Aside from completing a college degree course, someone wishing to become an outside sales representative may have to complete an industry specific certification course. Regulations in many countries require insurance agents to go through such a training process before they are able to start work and people who sell medical equipment, securities and certain other items are typically required to be licensed. During the certification process, prospective sales people are taught about industry regulations, ethics and rules about disclosure and liability. The training process usually includes an examination, and licenses are awarded to those who pass the test with a certain score.
Someone wishing to become an outside sales representative may have to spend some time working in retail sales. People employed in these positions attempt to market products to walk-in customers. Many people perceive so-called inside sales to be easier than outside sales because people tend to go to retail stores when they are already considering making a purchase. In contrast, outside sales people are often tasked with making unsolicited calls on people who may have no interest in the products and services that are being offered. Therefore, many employers require applicants for outside sales jobs to have spent a certain number of months or years honing their skills while working in retail sales.
Aside from academic qualifications and professional experience, someone wishing to become an outside sales representative must have a valid drivers license since the people employed in these roles have to be highly mobile and able to travel long distances. Additionally, some sales people market products across international borders in which case second language skills may be a job prerequisite. Anyone involved in sales must also have an outgoing personality as well as good interpersonal and organizational skills. These individuals often spend the majority of their time on the road which means that companies attempt to fill these roles with self-motivated people who require minimal supervision.