Sales Representatives, Services, All Other
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.
- Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and provide ongoing support.85
- Answer customers' questions about services, prices, availability, or credit terms.84
- Develop sales presentations or proposals to explain service specifications.84
- Create forms or agreements to complete sales.81
- Contact prospective or existing customers to discuss how services can meet their needs.81
- Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.80
- Quote prices, credit terms, contract terms, or fulfillment dates for services.76
- Maintain customer records using automated systems.76
- Identify prospective customers using business directories, leads from clients, or information from conferences or trade shows.75
- Inform customers of contracts or other information pertaining to purchased services.74
- Emphasize or recommend service features based on knowledge of customers' needs and vendor capabilities and limitations.74
- Compute and compare costs of services.73
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- Distribute promotional materials at meetings, conferences, or trade shows.69
- Attend sales or trade meetings or read related publications to obtain information about market conditions, business trends, regulations, or industry developments.68
- Monitor market conditions, innovations, and competitors' services, prices, and sales.64
Skills
Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.
- Active Listening72
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.
- Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension66
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Active Learning60
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Critical Thinking60
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Negotiation60
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
- Persuasion60
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Service Orientation60
Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Social Perceptiveness60
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Time Management60
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Writing60
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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- Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
- Systems Evaluation44
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
- Instructing41
Teaching others how to do something.
- Mathematics41
Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Learning Strategies35
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Management of Personnel Resources35
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
- Management of Financial Resources25
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
- Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
- Operations Monitoring16
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
- Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
- Operations Analysis3
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
- 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.
- Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Quality Control Analysis0
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
- Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Knowledge
Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.
- Customer and Personal Service91
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.
- English Language81
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
- Administrative67
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
- Sales and Marketing63
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.
- Administration and Management62
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.
- Computers and Electronics54
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Mathematics48
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Law and Government41
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Communications and Media35
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Education and Training35
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Personnel and Human Resources31
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
- Economics and Accounting30
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
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- Engineering and Technology26
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.
- Psychology25
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.
- Public Safety and Security23
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.
- Production and Processing21
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Telecommunications20
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- Design17
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Sociology and Anthropology17
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
- Transportation16
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Mechanical14
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Geography13
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.
- Building and Construction11
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Chemistry11
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.
- Physics9
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.
- Food Production8
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
- Medicine and Dentistry8
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.
- Philosophy and Theology8
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.
- Foreign Language4
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.
- Therapy and Counseling4
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
- History and Archeology3
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
- Fine Arts2
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
- Biology1
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Abilities
Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.
- Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Written Comprehension69
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Near Vision60
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Written Expression60
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Category Flexibility56
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Inductive Reasoning56
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Information Ordering56
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).
- Deductive Reasoning53
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Fluency of Ideas53
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).
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- Problem Sensitivity53
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.
- Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- 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.
- Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
- Mathematical Reasoning41
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
- Number Facility41
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
- Flexibility of Closure38
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
- Memorization35
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
- Perceptual Speed35
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 Sharing35
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
- Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
- Trunk Strength25
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 Discrimination25
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
- Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
- Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
- Wrist-Finger Speed19
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness16
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Control Precision16
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Finger Dexterity16
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Manual Dexterity16
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Dynamic Strength13
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
- Depth Perception10
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.
- Glare Sensitivity3
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
- Peripheral Vision3
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
- 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.
- Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
- Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
- 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.
- Rate Control0
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.
- Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
- 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.
- Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
- 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 People Outside the Organization95
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.
- Selling or Influencing Others93
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships92
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Getting Information88
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Thinking Creatively83
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge82
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events80
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work79
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Processing Information76
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others76
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Scheduling Work and Activities75
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Analyzing Data or Information74
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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- Working with Computers73
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates72
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others71
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information69
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems69
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People65
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Developing Objectives and Strategies62
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others61
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Documenting/Recording Information58
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards58
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public54
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Performing Administrative Activities47
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Assisting and Caring for Others45
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings45
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Coaching and Developing Others39
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others39
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Developing and Building Teams38
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates38
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Training and Teaching Others36
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources29
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
- Performing General Physical Activities27
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.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials26
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment21
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.
- Controlling Machines and Processes19
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment18
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
- Handling and Moving Objects15
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment8
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment4
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.
- Staffing Organizational Units4
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Work Styles
Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.
- Perseverance100
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
- Social Orientation94
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
- Achievement Orientation81
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.
- Self-Confidence73
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
- Dependability69
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
- Optimism66
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
- Initiative65
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
- Adaptability57
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
- Self-Control55
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
- Stress Tolerance54
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
- Cooperation53
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
- Empathy53
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
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- Tolerance for Ambiguity52
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
- Leadership Orientation49
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
- Attention to Detail48
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
- Integrity48
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
- Innovation42
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
- Intellectual Curiosity38
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
- Sincerity35
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Interests (RIASEC)
Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.
- Enterprising96
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.
- Conventional68
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.
- Social46
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.
- Investigative16
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.
- Artistic8
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.
- Realistic1
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.
Work Context
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others97%
E-Mail
- Every day88%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day89%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important70%
- Very important19%
- Important11%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important67%
- Very important16%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day70%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day82%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important55%
- Very important13%
- Important31%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important38%
- Very important52%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually60%
- About half the time33%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day55%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom35%
- Some freedom41%
- Limited freedom22%
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Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom40%
- Some freedom28%
- Limited freedom23%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results31%
- Important results42%
- Moderate results17%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important43%
- Very important13%
- Important14%
- Fairly important29%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day48%
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility24%
- High responsibility32%
- Limited responsibility19%
- No responsibility15%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours16%
- 40 hours82%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
- Once a month or more but not every week41%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive11%
- Highly competitive22%
- Moderately competitive43%
- Slightly competitive16%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)15%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)28%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)18%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)21%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)18%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually11%
- More than half the time43%
- Never34%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility21%
- Moderate responsibility33%
- Limited responsibility33%
- No responsibility14%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious29%
- Serious23%
- Fairly serious35%
- Not serious at all12%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually34%
- Less than half the time19%
- Never43%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never29%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time32%
- Less than half the time65%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated14%
- Slightly automated39%
- Not at all automated32%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month44%
- Never30%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time57%
- Never23%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never43%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never60%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month34%
- Never44%
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 month38%
- Never54%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never57%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never58%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time32%
- Never56%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time45%
- Never53%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never69%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time28%
- Never70%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never75%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never92%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never84%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all86%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never84%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never85%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never90%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never96%
Exposed to High Places
- Never92%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never98%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never98%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)98%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Typical Education Levels Reported
Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.
- Bachelor’s degree
Technology Skills
Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Graphics or photo imaging software
JamBoard
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics
Customer relationship management CRM software
Salesforce software
Enterprise application integration software
Enterprise application integration EAI software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Apple macOS
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Sales and marketing software
HubSpot software
Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Professional Associations
Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.
- American Society of Business Publication Editors
- Direct Selling Association
- National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
- National Customer Service Association
- National Retail Federation
- Professional Sales Association
- Retail Industry Leaders Association
- Sales Enablement Society
- Sales Management Association
- United States Reps Association
- Western Association of Chamber Executives
- Western States Roofing Contractors Association
- National Association of Sales Professionals
- SMEI
Related Occupations
Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.
- Customer Service Representatives
- Telemarketers
- Marketing and Sales Managers
- Advertising Sales Agents
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing
- Marketing and Sales Managers
- New Accounts Clerks
- Insurance Sales Agents
- Models, Demonstrators, and Product Promoters
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
- Sales Engineers
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
- Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
- Counter and Rental Clerks
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Public Relations Specialists
Detailed Work Activities
More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.
- Advise customers on the use of products or services.
- Answer customer questions about goods or services.
- Develop content for sales presentations or other materials.
- Contact current or potential customers to promote products or services.
- Prepare sales or other contracts.
- Negotiate prices or other sales terms.
- Estimate costs or terms of sales.
- Maintain records of customer accounts.
- Identify potential customers.
- Advise others on business or operational matters.
- Explain technical product or service information to customers.
- Recommend products or services to customers.
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- Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services.
- Calculate costs of goods or services.
- Distribute promotional literature or samples to customers.
- Monitor market conditions or trends.
- Attend events to develop professional knowledge.
- Study product information to acquire professional knowledge.
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