We surveyed 32,081 sales representatives to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical sales representative. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a sales representative?
Low
High
Working as a sales representative typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a sales representative?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a sales representative typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a sales representative?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically not very difficult to find a job as a sales representative. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for sales representatives.
Do sales representatives work full-time or part-time?
81% of sales representatives work in full-time roles while 19% work part-time.
Is being a sales representative stressful?
Low
High
Stress is very commonplace for sales representatives, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a sales representative?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a sales representative.
How competitive is the workplace for sales representatives?
Low
High
Sales representatives tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a sales representative require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Sales representatives will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are sales representatives allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Sales representatives rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do sales representatives have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally sales representatives will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a sales representative physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a sales representatives is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are sales representatives exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Sales representatives tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a sales representative require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for sales representatives.
Does being a good sales representative require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as sales representatives.