IT Sales Representative
Job Name
IT Sales Representative
Associated Job Names
- IT Applications Consultant
- IT Sales Consultant
- Marketing/ Sales Representative (IT)
- Software Consultant
- Software Sales Consultant
- Sales Account Managers
(http://www.myfuture.edu.au/services
, 2007)
Brief description
An IT sales representative is to promote and sell various computer hardware, software and also IT services.
(http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au, 2005)
Sales representatives consult with clients and potential clients to determine hardware and software requirements to solve business problems
(http://www.acs.org.au/ictcareers/index.htm)
Sales account managers are responsible for the provision of services to well-established high profile clients whilst also developing new business. They are also responsible for developing product propositions and targeting profitable clients.
[(http://mycareer.com.au/jobs/sydney/it-telecommunications/sales/5330935+sales+account+manager+intergrated+it+sols.aspx?style=enhanced ], 2007)
Duties & responsibilities of this role
- To engage the consumer's interest in the IT products that the organisation promotes.
- To communicate with both clients and potential clients in order to fully understand the needs and wants of the clients IT systems.
- To keep regular updates on any IT breakthroughs achieved at the business, so clients are always informed.
- To determine the best possible deal for all the clients, so this can ensure repeat business.
- To maintain stock and always be aware of the delivery to customers.
- To maintain contact with clients after the deal has been made.
- To remain knowledgeable with all IT sectors.
- To be able to participate in the process of the development of products and in marketing of those products/services.
- Liase with It managers and technicians.
- Work efficently in an highly autonomous role.
(http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au, 2005)
A good sales representative needs to be skilled in the preparation of sales proposals and also need to be able to deliver professional presentations using multimedia tools and negotiate with senior management of prosepective clients. The following is also helpful
- Working closely with third parties to ensure the slaes of company products
- Maintaining key customer contacts
- Monitoring sales and expense performance
- Coordinating market research
(http://www.acs.org.au/ictcareers/index.htm)
Job Requirements
- Be well groomed.
- Ability to understand the needs of the clients urgently in order to achieve optimum service.
- Ability to be able to learn and update your knowledge of the IT industry.
- Ability to master the range of all the product specifications and how to use all the products.
- Strong selling and communication skills.
- Previous experience in a similar IT position is essential
(http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au, 2005)
[(http://mycareer.com.au/jobs/sydney/it-telecommunications/sales/5330935+sales+account+manager+intergrated+it+sols.aspx?style=enhanced ], 2007)
Formal Qualifications
- Certificate in Information Technology
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Degree in Information Technology (advised)
Salary
Income of full-time (per week) IT Sales Representatives-
- $1000 or more- 42.1%
- $700-$999- 30.8%
- $500-$699- 19.2%
- Less then $500- 7.9%
(These figures were taken from a 2001 report on IT sales representatives, Australia-wide)
(http://www.myfuture.edu.au/services/, 2007)
May also include commissions added onto the base salary
(careerone.com.au)
Income of full-time (per week) IT Sales Account Managers-
- $70,000 - $140,000 plus commission.
[(http://mycareer.com.au/jobs/sydney/it-telecommunications/sales/5330935+sales+account+manager+intergrated+it+sols.aspx?style=enhanced], 2007)
Commission is usually generous for IT sales represntatives.
Industry/Organisation
The related industries that the IT sales representatives/ account managers are associated with are as follows-
- Retail Industry
- Communication Services
- Information Technology and Telecommunications Services
- Business Computing and Information Technology Industry
- Corporate, Education and Government Sectors
(http://www.myfuture.edu.au/services, 2007)
[(http://mycareer.com.au/jobs/sydney/it-telecommunications/sales/5330935+sales+account+manager+intergrated+it+sols.aspx?style=enhanced ], 2007)
Job listings
- Monroe Consulting Group, IT Salesperson, job posted on 13/08/2007, accessed- 14/08/2007. http://mycareer.com.au/jobs/sydney/it-telecommunications/other-it-telecommunications/5330495+secure+your+future+in+it+sales+information+security+k.aspx\\
- Nacent Group, IT Sales Specialist, Job Posted 15 August 2007, Accessed - 17 August 2007http://it.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=52&PageNumber=1&JobID=10211068
- Springboard Consulting Group, It Sales Representative, job posted on 15 August 2007, Accessed- 21 August,
Differences observed
It Sales Representative has a very broad job description. Every job advertisement that was checked seemed to list different job requirements. One consistency was that liasing with clients always played a central role to the job description.
It Sales Representatives seem to be offered flexiblity in their job roles with a few positions offering the chance to work from home.
Other References used
- "Occupation Information- Sales Representative (Information Technology)." My Future. 2007. Department of Education, Science and Training. 1 Aug. 2007 http://www.myfuture.edu.au/services/default.asp?FunctionID=5420&ASCO=222213A#RelatedIndustries.
- "Sales Representative (Information Technology)." Job Guide 2007. 2005. Australian Government. 2 Aug. 2007 http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/jobdetails.cfm?jobid=249.
It's interesting that this is one of the only job listings that has being "well groomed" as a job requirement. But it does make sense as it is in the area of selling to customers, in which appearance is always important.
Another thing I noticed is that formal qualifications such as a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in IT is required to have this job. Looking at the job requirements though, it seems as if the requirements needed are possessed by most Sales Assistants in any store that sells IT products. As far as I know, these sales assistants don't need formal qualifications to obtain these positions, so why is it needed as an IT Sales Representative? Just something I found interesting.