Education and training requirements for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturingMany companies have formal training programs for beginning sales representatives lasting up to 2 years. However, most businesses are accelerating these programs to reduce costs and expedite the returns from training. In some programs, trainees rotate among jobs in plants and offices to learn all phases of production, installation, and distribution of the product. In others, trainees take formal classroom instruction at the plant, followed by on-the-job training under the supervision of a field sales manager. New workers may get training by accompanying experienced workers on their sales calls. As they gain familiarity with the firm�s products and clients, these workers are given increasing responsibility until they are eventually assigned their own territory. As businesses experience greater competition, increased pressure is placed upon sales representatives to produce sales. Sales representatives stay abreast of new products and the changing needs of their customers in a variety of ways. They attend trade shows at which new products and technologies are showcased. They also attend conferences and conventions to meet other sales representatives and clients and discuss new product developments. In addition, the entire sales force may participate in company-sponsored meetings to review sales performance, product development, sales goals, and profitability. Those who want to become sales representatives should be goal-oriented and persuasive, and work well both independently and as part of a team. A pleasant personality and appearance, the ability to communicate well with people, and problem-solving skills are highly valued. Furthermore, completing a sale can take several months and thus requires patience and perseverance. Frequently, promotion takes the form of an assignment to a larger account or territory where commissions are likely to be greater. Experienced sales representatives may move into jobs as sales trainers, who instruct new employees on selling techniques and company policies and procedures. Those who have good sales records and leadership ability may advance to higher-level positions such as sales supervisor, district manager, or vice president of sales. In addition to advancement opportunities within a firm, some manufacturers� agents go into business for themselves. Others find opportunities in purchasing, advertising, or marketing research. More information on Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing occupation Number of Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing Working conditions for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing Significant points for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing Training requirements for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |