Advertising Sales Rep

Job Description:
An advertising sales representative sells space to companies that want to advertise their products in print publications, on websites or on outdoor media. He or she may also sell air time during radio or television broadcasts. The advertising sales representative must convince advertisers that this is the best way to reach consumers.
An advertising sales rep, advertising sales agent or ad sales rep, as he or she may also be called, builds a client base by setting up meetings with potential clients, assessing their needs and presenting proposals to them. A proposal gives details about the advertising plan and provides its costs and benefits to the client. He or she is the client's primary point of contact, answering questions, resolving any problems that arise and proposing new advertising plans. An ad sales rep analyzes his or her clients' sales data and prepares reports.

Employment Facts:
There were just over 160,000 advertising sales reps employed in 2010. Most worked for newspaper and magazine publishers and for broadcast companies.
Advertising sales representatives usually have full-time jobs but most work more than the 40 hours that are typically considered full-time. Their schedules could include weekends and holidays. Ad sales reps travel often in order to meet with potential and current clients.
Intense competition for advertisers' dollars makes this occupation very stressful. Employers set monthly sales quotas that sales reps must meet.

Educational Requirements:
You don't need a college degree to be an advertising sales rep since you will receive your training on the job. However, many employers prefer job candidates who have earned a bachelor's degree with coursework in advertising, marketing and business. Having one can make you more competitive.

Other Requirements:

There are certain personal qualities that make some people particularly well-suited for this occupation. As with all sales careers, good communication skills, initiative, self confidence and persistence are necessary. Good organizational skills help ad sales reps keep track of multiple accounts.

Advancement Opportunities:
An advertising sales representative who has a successful sales record and demonstrates good leadership skills might become a sales manager.

Job Outlook:
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of advertising sales reps will grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2020. Competition for jobs will be intense. Those with experience and a bachelor's degree will fare best.

Earnings:
Advertising sales reps earned a median annual salary of $45,250 and median hourly wages of $21.76 in 2011.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much an Advertising Sales Representative currently earns in your city.

A Day in an Advertising Sales Rep's Life:

On a typical day an advertising sales representative's tasks might include:
  • obtaining new accounts through cold calling—visiting a potential client unannounced—or through a scheduled appointment
  • selling advertising time or space to clients who contact them or their company
  • making telephone sales calls
  • gathering information about clients in order to customize presentations to them
  • troubleshooting any problems clients might have with their ads
Share on Google Plus
    Blogger Comment
    Facebook Comment