How to Become a Software Sales Representative: Career Path GuideHere are the essential steps for becoming a software sales rep:1. Determine if this field is suited to your interests, qualities and traits2. Pursue a bachelor’s degree3. Get an entry-level software sales job after graduation, or while you're a student4.
Gain more and more experience, and progress into senior sales5. Keep your company and industry knowledge currentAlthough it’s not quite that simple, that is the gist of it! Continue reading below to get a good idea of what you'll need to begin a career as a software sales rep.
We've also included helpful information for this career, such as an overview of what you’d be doing, a list of possible employers, actual job postings, and much more!What Education Will I Need?In general, there is no specific educational background you need to sell software. However, depending on the role, a background in certain areas could be a huge advantage.For example, if you will be selling legal software, a background in law or legal studies might be beneficial. Or if you will be selling accounting software, a background in accounting, finance or general business would be relevant.Having a degree related to computer or software engineering would also be of great benefit, as it would help you gain a deep technical understanding of the software you are selling, regardless of the sector of industry it’s marketed towards. Is This Field Right for Me? What Traits Will I Need?If you make it to the top as a software sales rep, you can expect to reap huge financial and professional rewards.
What Career Advancement Opportunities Are There?As you gain product and service knowledge, develop a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and building customer relationships, you will likely be exposed to many exciting career advancement opportunities.
The average Sales Representative salary in the United States is $87,999 as of November 25, 2019. The range for our most popular Sales Representative positions (listed below) typically falls between $37,507 and $138,491.
Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. Develops new prospects and interacts with existing customers to increase sales of an organization's products and/or services. Works with customers to find what they want, create solutions and ensure a smooth sales process. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Requires an associate degree or equivalent.
Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project.
Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience. Develops new prospects and interacts with existing customers to increase sales of an organization's products and/or services. Works with customers to find what they want, create solutions and ensure a smooth sales process.
A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Requires an associate's degree or equivalent.
Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Develops new prospects and interacts with existing customers to increase sales of an organization's products and/or services.
Works with customers to find what they want, create solutions and ensure a smooth sales process. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Requires an associate's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Develops new prospects and interacts with existing customers to increase sales of an organization's products and/or services. Works with customers to find what they want, create solutions and ensure a smooth sales process. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Requires an associate's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is highly independent.
May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Develops new prospects and interacts with existing customers primarily by phone to increase sales of an organization's products and/or services. Coordinates with field sales team members to ensure goals are met. Provides support to customers over the phone and may conduct field visits as necessary. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to Supervisor or Manager.
Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. Develops new prospects and interacts with existing customers primarily by phone to increase sales of an organization's products and/or services. Coordinates with field sales team members to ensure goals are met.
Provides support to customers over the phone and may conduct field visits as necessary. May be involved in large customer sales team. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.
Inside Sales Representative Salary
Average Salary Software Sales Representative Salary
Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience. Responsible for selling company products and services through resellers/channels in assigned territory. Represents the company in all activities associated with reseller/channel support. Requires a minimum of an associate degree or its equivalent or in a related area.
Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group.