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The job of an inside sales representative is one of the most popular sales positions in the US, with an estimated 65,388 positions open now. The main benefits of this job are its flexibility, salary potential, and limited requirements.
Inside sales representatives almost always work remotely and can set their own hours to accommodate their family life or other responsibilities. They also have a high degree of flexibility compared to other sales jobs: they may be required to work occasional weekends but generally do not need to attend in-person meetings or travel on business trips.
If that sounds like something you’re interested in doing, there are several ways to get started in inside sales. In this article, you will learn what it means to be an inside sales representative and everything you should do to get started in this exciting field.
What Is Inside Sales?
Inside sales is a term that refers to the selling of products or services remotely, rather than face-to-face. It’s also sometimes called “remote sales” or “telemarketing.” A salesperson who works in inside sales might be working from home or an office, but they’re not meeting with potential customers in person during the sales process.
What Does an Inside Sales Representative Do?
An inside sales representative is responsible for making sales over the phone or via email. They are also responsible for answering customer questions, providing customer service, and managing their own leads. Inside sales representatives may be employed by a company that sells a product or service or work independently as a consultant.
Becoming As Inside Sales Representative
When considering a career in inside sales, there are a few things to remember.
Educational Prerequisites
While there are no specific educational requirements for becoming an inside sales rep, having a high school diploma or equivalent is still essential. A college degree isn’t necessary, but it can help you gain sales skills that will make you more valuable to the company you work for and make it easier for you to find a job in this field.
Alternatively, you can pursue an online course or sales bootcamp. These offer you an opportunity to learn everything you need about selling without spending years on the job learning how to do it.
Tools You Should Be Familiar With
To become an inside sales representative, you will need to be familiar with various tools such as:
- CRM software that allows you to store customer information and track outbound sales calls and emails made on behalf of those customers
- Email marketing software, which can help you create personalized emails for each customer
- Lead generation software that enables you to find new leads through social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn
Essential Skills
When you’re in the heat of an inside sales call, you need to be able to think on your feet and handle anything that comes your way. That’s why having these skills is essential.
Technical Skills
Technical skills are the foundation of any sales role and are vital for inside sales reps who spend most of their time on the phone. These include knowledge of computers, software, and other technologies.
Sales reps should have a solid grasp of how to use CRMs, email marketing tools, and other software that helps them track their progress throughout the sales cycle and communicate with prospects.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are also essential for inside sales reps because they help reps build relationships with prospects. Soft skills include communication (both verbal and written), relationship building, interpersonal skills, empathy, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
Practical Experience
To become an inside sales representative, you’ll need real-world experience. You can do this through internships or even part-time work at a company where you want to eventually work as an inside sales representative.
The Interview Process
The first step to landing an inside sales rep job is ensuring your sales resume is up-to-date and has all the important information a hiring manager needs. Then, when you’re ready to apply for the job, you’ll need to research what type of sales questions they might ask during the interview process.
How Much Does an Inside Sales Representative Make?
Let’s look at how much an inside sales representative makes, depending on their experience level and seniority.
Entry-Level
An entry-level inside sales representative with less than one year of experience earns up to $59,007 annually.
Mid-Level
Mid-level inside sales representatives usually have between one and three years of experience. They can earn up to $68,214 per year.
Senior-Level
According to Glassdoor, senior-level inside sales representatives with more than four years of experience earn up to $73,830 per year.
Top Industries Hiring Inside Sales Representatives
The top industries hiring inside sales representatives are healthcare, insurance, and technology.
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the US and one of the highest-paying. With an average annual salary of $104,022, healthcare offers excellent sales opportunities for those who want to make a difference in the lives of others.
Insurance is another high-demand industry that provides good opportunities for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives by providing them with financial protection for medical expenses. The average annual salary for insurance sales reps is around $81,066.
Technology companies are also high on this list because they provide an enormous range of products and services that everyone needs, from individuals to businesses, large and small. Sales reps in these companies can expect a median salary of $64,223 per year.
Resources To Find Inside Sales Representative Jobs
If you’re looking for a job as an inside sales representative, it’s easy to find resources to help you get started.
Job Boards
Job boards are a great place to start your search for inside sales representative jobs. Several job boards are explicitly focused on finding these positions. Here are some of our top picks.
General
There are a lot of job boards out there, but some of the best resources for finding inside sales representative jobs are LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. These sites give you access to a vast amount of information about potential employers and the company culture, and they also allow you to see what the salary range is like for this role. You can also search specifically for jobs at a specific company or in a particular city or state.
Sales-specific
One of the best places to find inside sales representative jobs is on sales-oriented job boards. These sites are dedicated to recruiting people with the skills and qualifications necessary for a career in sales. They’re perfect for finding inside sales representative jobs because they’re focused on matching candidates with employers looking for candidates with similar skills, interests, and qualifications. Some examples include Sales Heads and Sales Trax.
Online Communities
If you’re just starting out in the world of sales and looking to find a job, there are plenty of online communities where you can connect and find a great fit. Many of these communities have grown up around the need for people in your exact niche to connect with each other, and they’ll be able to help you with job leads and advice on how best to approach your career.
Network
If you don’t know anyone who has an opening or might be able to refer someone for an opening, then it’s time for some old-fashioned networking! Get out there and meet as many sales professionals as possible—you never know who could have just the right connection for you or have heard about an opening at their company.
What’s the Difference Between an Inside Sales Representative and an Outside Sales Representative?
Both inside and outside sales representatives work as part of a sales team. However, an inside sales representative works in a company’s office or remotely, taking calls and setting up appointments with clients. On the other hand, an outside sales representative works out of the office, calling on clients or attending industry events to make appointments with potential clients.
FAQs About Inside Sales Representatives
We’ve got answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Is Inside Sales a Good Job?
If you’re looking for a stable, reliable job where you can make good money, then yes, inside sales is a great job. The hours are flexible, and you can work from home. Generally, it’s easy to see how this role will help you advance within your company if you do well.
Is Being an Inside Sales Representative Hard?
If you’re doing it right, being an inside sales representative isn’t hard at all. It can be a lot of fun and a great way to get your foot in the door with a company. To be a good inside sales representative, you need to have a lot of patience and the ability to work well under pressure. You also need excellent communication skills because you’ll interact with people over the phone all day.
Can You Make a Lot of Money in Inside Sales?
Yes, but it’s not going to be easy. If you’re willing to put in the work and are interested in getting into an industry that is growing rapidly, then there really aren’t any downsides to trying your hand at inside sales. You can make six figures or more within a few years if you put in the hours and nail down your niche.
How Do I Prepare for an Inside Sales Interview?
To prepare for an inside sales interview, consider what you want to get out of the job and your sales goals. If you’re looking to work in a company where you can grow and build your client base, you should make sure to highlight some of your accomplishments in past roles. Also, make sure you practice some interview questions.
How Do You Pick Between a Career in Inside Sales or Outside Sales?
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you’re looking for in your career. If you want to work with prospective customers remotely and make your own hours, then inside sales might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you want to build relationships with external partners and cultivate those relationships over time, then outside sales may be a better fit for your personality and goals.
Since you’re here…
Curious about a career in tech sales? Learn more with our tech sales career guide, or dive right in with our Tech Sales Bootcamp. We’ll help you switch careers in a matter of months, or your tuition money back. See our student success stories for inspiration – people are changing careers with us every day!
