First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Monitor sales staff performance to ensure that goals are met.82
Provide staff with assistance in performing difficult or complicated duties.77
Visit retailers and sales representatives to promote products and gather information.77
Formulate pricing policies on merchandise according to profitability requirements.77
Prepare sales and inventory reports for management and budget departments.76
Direct and supervise employees engaged in sales, inventory-taking, reconciling cash receipts, or performing specific services.74
Examine products purchased for resale or received for storage to determine product condition.73
Listen to and resolve customer complaints regarding services, products, or personnel.72
Keep records pertaining to purchases, sales, and requisitions.72
Hire, train, and evaluate personnel.72
Examine merchandise to ensure correct pricing and display, and that it functions as advertised.72
Confer with company officials to develop methods and procedures to increase sales, expand markets, and promote business.70

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Analyze details of sales territories to assess their growth potential and to set quotas.70
Inventory stock and reorder when inventories drop to specified levels.70
Plan and prepare work schedules, and assign employees to specific duties.69
Coordinate sales promotion activities, such as preparing merchandise displays and advertising copy.69
Attend company meetings to exchange product information and coordinate work activities with other departments.66
Prepare rental or lease agreements, specifying charges and payment procedures for use of machinery, tools, or other items.57

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Management of Personnel Resources75
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination72
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making72
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Social Perceptiveness72
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management72
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Persuasion69
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Complex Problem Solving66
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking66
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Negotiation66
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

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Reading Comprehension66
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Writing66
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning63
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Instructing56
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies56
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis53
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources47
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources47
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Quality Control Analysis31
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Analysis25
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operations Monitoring19
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control16
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting3
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service76
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administration and Management73
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
English Language69
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Personnel and Human Resources64
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Economics and Accounting59
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Sales and Marketing58
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Mathematics53
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training52
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics45
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administrative40
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Communications and Media38
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Production and Processing37
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

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Law and Government36
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Transportation34
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Public Safety and Security31
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications27
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Psychology24
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Foreign Language19
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Geography18
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Mechanical16
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology14
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design13
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Food Production9
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Therapy and Counseling9
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Sociology and Anthropology8
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Building and Construction6
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Physics6
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Chemistry3
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Biology2
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
History and Archeology2
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology2
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Medicine and Dentistry0
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Recognition75
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Speech Clarity72
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Deductive Reasoning69
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning69
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Written Comprehension69
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering66
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Category Flexibility63
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas63
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Problem Sensitivity63
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

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Written Expression63
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning53
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility50
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Originality47
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Flexibility of Closure44
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Selective Attention44
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visualization44
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Perceptual Speed41
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Speed of Closure35
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Finger Dexterity28
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Depth Perception19
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visual Color Discrimination19
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Control Precision13
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity13
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness10
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Strength6
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Reaction Time6
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Stamina6
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Explosive Strength3
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Rate Control3
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates89
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Coaching and Developing Others85
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Getting Information85
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates85
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems85
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events82
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working with Computers81
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Training and Teaching Others80
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies77
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others72
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Analyzing Data or Information71
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing and Building Teams71
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

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Scheduling Work and Activities70
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization69
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships69
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards69
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work69
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Processing Information69
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others69
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People68
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Selling or Influencing Others68
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Documenting/Recording Information64
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings64
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge64
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others63
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others60
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Staffing Organizational Units56
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Thinking Creatively56
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Performing Administrative Activities55
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Assisting and Caring for Others48
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources48
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public48
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information46
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Controlling Machines and Processes45
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials43
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment35
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Handling and Moving Objects32
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities30
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment24
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment18
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment10
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Leadership Orientation99
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Social Orientation77
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Achievement Orientation75
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Cooperation70
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Attention to Detail64
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Self-Confidence59
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Stress Tolerance58
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Adaptability55
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative55
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Perseverance53
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Integrity51
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

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Self-Control50
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Empathy41
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Sincerity41
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Tolerance for Ambiguity40
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Optimism39
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Innovation35
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Cautiousness34
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Intellectual Curiosity29
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Humility11
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Enterprising100
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional72
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social51
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic12
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative2
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day97%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day91%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours88%
- 40 hours12%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others73%
- Contact with others most of the time25%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important68%
- Very important30%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day85%
Time Pressure
- Every day69%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results65%
- Important results30%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important61%
- Very important35%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day65%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility67%
- High responsibility21%
- Limited responsibility11%

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Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important62%
- Important21%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important45%
- Very important33%
- Important21%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom54%
- Some freedom34%
- No freedom11%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom29%
- Some freedom58%
- Very little freedom11%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day35%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually37%
- More than half the time22%
- About half the time16%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important45%
- Very important17%
- Important16%
- Not important at all16%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility29%
- High responsibility26%
- Moderate responsibility22%
- Limited responsibility17%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive31%
- Moderately competitive48%
Conflict Situations
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Public Speaking
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day41%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Never31%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually20%
- More than half the time29%
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time23%
- Never11%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never11%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never27%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)28%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)33%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)34%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually20%
- About half the time22%
- Never31%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never28%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never38%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time44%
- Never23%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time54%
- Never11%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never40%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never50%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious11%
- Serious26%
- Fairly serious28%
- Not serious at all35%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time30%
- Never34%
Work Schedules
- Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)11%
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)39%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)50%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated13%
- Moderately automated16%
- Slightly automated38%
- Not at all automated32%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never64%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never61%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never69%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Continually or almost continually11%
- Less than half the time35%
- Never49%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important13%
- Important11%
- Not important at all72%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never81%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never68%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month31%
- Never63%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never65%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time34%
- Never66%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time22%
- Never71%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never79%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never75%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never82%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never95%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never99%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never95%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Customer relationship management CRM software
Oracle Eloqua, Salesforce software, Salesforce.com Salesforce CRM, SugarCRM Sugar UX
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Video conferencing software
Cisco Webex, Fuze cloud communications and collaboration software, Online meeting software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite ERP, SAP software
Accounting software
Budgeting software, Financial accounting software
Financial analysis software
Delphi Discovery, Delphi Technology
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access, QuickBase business management software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics creation software
Enterprise application integration software
Electronic data interchange EDI software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Calendar and scheduling software
Work scheduling software
Process mapping and design software
Flow chart software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Society for Human Resource Management

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Monitor sales activities.
Supervise sales or support personnel.
Exchange information with colleagues.
Provide information to coworkers.
Contact current or potential customers to promote products or services.
Establish operational policies.
Gather customer or product information to determine customer needs.
Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
Examine condition of property or products.
Answer customer questions about goods or services.
Explain technical product or service information to customers.
Maintain records of sales or other business transactions.

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Train sales personnel.
Develop marketing plans or strategies.
Analyze market conditions or trends.
Monitor inventories of products or materials.
Purchase stocks of merchandise or supplies.
Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
Coordinate sales campaigns.
Discuss design or technical features of products or services with technical personnel.
Prepare sales or other contracts.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology