Outside Sales Representative Job Description Template

Elements to include in the Outside Sales Representative Job Description template

Outside Sales Representative Job Description Template/Brief

As an Outside Sales Representative, you will be responsible for generating new business by prospecting and networking. Additionally, you will be responsible for maintaining relationships with current clients and increasing the amount of business they do with the company. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, be highly organized, and have a strong work ethic.

Outside Sales Representative Job Profile

As an outside sales representative, you play a critical role in the growth and development of your company. You are responsible for generating new business by prospecting and developing relationships with potential customers. You will work closely with your sales team to close deals and grow your territory. In this role, you will be expected to travel often and work independently. A successful outside sales representative must be driven, organized, and possess excellent communication skills.

Reports To

• Sales Manager

Outside Sales Representative Responsibilities

• Prospecting for new business
• Developing relationships with potential customers
• Closing deals and growing your territory
• Traveling often and working independently to meet customers
• Achieving sales quotas
• Creating and maintaining a sales pipeline
• Reporting sales activity to your manager
• Participating in sales meetings and training
• Maintaining relationships with existing customers

Outside Sales Representative Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's degree
• Proven sales experience
• Experience engaging potential customers via cold-calling
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently
• Drive and motivation to reach sales quotas
• Organization and time management skills

The importance of a good Outside Sales Representative job description

Candidates often browse through multiple job descriptions quickly, spending minimal time on each. This behavior is typical due to the volume of options available.

Therefore, a well-crafted job description is key to capturing the attention of top talent. It must be concise, clear, and compelling enough to convey essential information swiftly and encourage immediate interest.

Top organizations invest in creating effective job descriptions because they understand the benefits. These descriptions not only attract the right candidates, but they also clearly define the role, support the interview process, highlight the company's values, and set clear expectations. For instance, a detailed job description can serve as a foundation for an Outside Sales Representative interview, ensuring that both parties are aligned from the start.

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Things to avoid when writing a job description for Outside Sales Representative role

When crafting a job description for an Outside Sales Representative, it's important to strike the right balance. A well-written job description can attract top talent, while a poorly written one can deter potential candidates. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your job description is effective and appealing.

Listing too many skills can overwhelm potential candidates and may discourage them from applying. Focus on the core competencies required for the role. For a detailed list of essential skills, refer to our post on skills required for Outside Sales Representative role.

Using buzz words can make your job description sound generic and unappealing. Common buzz words like 'synergy,' 'go-getter,' 'dynamic,' and 'self-starter' are often overused and can be vague. Be specific about what you are looking for to attract the right candidates.

Overemphasizing academic qualifications can limit your candidate pool. Many successful Outside Sales Representatives possess skills that are not taught in academic settings, such as negotiation, relationship-building, and resilience. It's recommended to use an on-the-job skills test to evaluate these abilities. Consider using our sales aptitude test to screen candidates effectively.

What skills are important for Outside Sales Representative role?

To craft a good job description and hire the best candidates for the Outside Sales Representative role, recruiters should know the key skills required to excel in the role. These include strong communication, negotiation abilities, and a knack for building relationships.

For a detailed guide on the skills required for an Outside Sales Representative, check out our in-depth blog post.

Identify the best Outside Sales Representatives for your open role

Crafting a compelling job description for an Outside Sales Representative is just the first step in the hiring process. The real challenge begins when resumes start pouring in, making it difficult to sift through the volume and pinpoint the candidates who are truly the best fit for the role. Identifying top talent among a sea of applicants requires more than just a keen eye for good resumes; it demands a strategic approach to screening.

Adaface offers a solution with its specialized sales aptitude tests, designed to evaluate the skills that are critical for success in sales roles. Additionally, recruiters can utilize tests like the customer service test and the business development test to further ensure candidates' alignment with the specific needs of the role.

To streamline the candidate screening process, recruiters can take a quick product tour of the Adaface platform or sign up for a free plan to start using the platform immediately. These steps allow recruiters to effectively screen candidates and utilize a trusted platform to find the best fit for their sales teams.

Outside Sales Representative Job Description FAQs

What is an Outside Sales Representative?

An Outside Sales Representative is a professional who manages sales and relationships with clients outside of a company's premises. They travel to meet clients, present products, and close sales, often working independently.

What should be included in an Outside Sales Representative job description?

A comprehensive job description should include a brief overview, job profile, reporting structure, key responsibilities, and required skills and qualifications. It should clearly outline expectations and the scope of the role.

Why is a well-crafted job description important for an Outside Sales Representative?

A clear job description helps attract qualified candidates by detailing the exact nature of the job and the skills required. It sets clear expectations and aids in the selection process, ensuring a good fit for the role.

What are key skills for an Outside Sales Representative?

Key skills include strong communication and negotiation skills, self-motivation, resilience, customer service orientation, and the ability to work independently. Proficiency in sales planning and meeting sales goals is also important.

What common mistakes should be avoided in an Outside Sales Representative job description?

Avoid vague language, omitting reporting lines or job scope, and setting unrealistic expectations. Ensure the description is not discriminatory and clearly states the necessary qualifications without being overly restrictive.

How can recruiters identify the best candidates for an Outside Sales Representative role?

Recruiters should look for candidates with a proven sales track record, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to adapt to different selling environments. Assessing previous sales achievements and relevant experience is key.

What are typical responsibilities of an Outside Sales Representative?

Responsibilities include identifying and reaching out to potential clients, presenting products or services, negotiating deals, maintaining client relationships, and meeting or exceeding sales targets.

How can a job description impact the recruitment of an Outside Sales Representative?

A well-written job description can significantly streamline the recruitment process by attracting the right candidates and reducing the time spent on interviewing unsuitable applicants. It serves as the first filter in the hiring process.