Inside Software Sales Representative Careers

Best & Worst Things About This Career

Senior Account Manager: "The best part of my job is being able to speak with engineers from many different industries. I have customers designing cars, airplanes, rockets, sound systems and systems used to treat diseases, to name just a few. It is very fulfilling knowing that companies can design better, cheaper products by using our software. The worst part of the job, as with any sales job, is rejection. You need to call a lot of people to find just a few who will benefit from your product. Most people are patient and polite when you ask the questions which qualify them as a potential customer for your product. However, some people just don't like it when a sales person calls them, and they let you know it!" (2010)

Applications Software Sales Representative: "The best parts of my job include the fact that I am not sitting in an office all day but out traveling and meeting with customers. However, this is accompanied by long hours and not a set schedule at all. The worst part of job is all the bureaucracy. There are a lot of internal policies and procedures to follow when you're working for a large company and you can't make decisions on your own about the terms of an agreement with a customer. Additionally, there can be a lot of pressure each quarter to sell a fixed amount of product." (2010)

Customer Manager: "The best part of the job is the commission I make when I sell our products and services. The worst part is making 50-75 calls a day and getting through to only a tiny fraction. But I would rather be busy than bored! Keep in mind, it is easy for customers to ignore emails and phone calls; it's harder for people to ignore you when you are face-to-face. First impressions are very important. Dress appropriately, have good hygiene and fresh breath!" (2010)

Senior Account Executive: "The best part of my job is meeting new people all the time and getting to know about many businesses. Most prospects are very willing to show you around their offices and talk about their industry. I have some fun customers who make food and always have me taste test when I am there. I also have customers with company stores that allow me to buy their products at a discount while I am there. The worst part of the job is the stress of having a quota always over your head and being held responsible for making the quota." (2010)

Career Background

Software Sales Representative

  Salaries

Career Tips

"Must Believe In The Product...
To be a successful sales person, you need to be convinced that the product you're selling has a definite value to the people you call on. You need to know how the product works and about the benefits that it can bestow. You need to be persistent (remember, there are a lot of no's), patient and professional to everyone, even those who aren't very friendly when declining your product." (Senior Account Manager; 2010)

"Consider Lower Level Sales Jobs...
Don't be afraid to start at the bottom of your field and work your way up the chain. In technology sales, this would include telemarketing, inside sales or other entry-level positions. If you work hard and hook up with the right people, your efforts will be rewarded. Don't ever make enemies at work. It is too small a world and your mistakes will come back to haunt you. But always work with integrity. It will be noticed by your customers, managers and peers and you will be rewarded, perhaps not immediately, but some day." (Applications Software Sales Representative; 2010)

"Written Communication...
Grammar is very important. Good writing skills are just as important in sales as in any other job. People are likelier to listen to you when you're concise and clear. Words, like "um", "you know", and "like" during conversations and writing can be offputting. Concise, clear thoughts will make your point more effectively and quickly and time is money for most businesses and top executives. When you are clear, quick and to the point, you'll have a better opportunity to grab their attention." (Customer Manager; 2010)

"Travel Has Its Plusses And Minuses...
This career has been a very rewarding one but you need to love to speak in front of large crowds, think on your feet and be ready for many crazy situations to come up. I travel a lot. Sometimes I love that and sometimes I find it exhausting. When I was younger and had no children I loved to travel and see all the new places. When my children were young I would rush home and leave early in the AM so I could see them. My children are now grown and I am having fun traveling again. Overall it has been a personally and financially rewarding career." (Senior Account Executive; 2010)