ResponsibilitiesAs an IT sales professional, youll need to:
speak to customers, either face to face or over the phone
gain an understanding of customers specific business needs and apply product knowledge to meet them
ensure quality of service by developing a thorough and detailed knowledge of technical specifications and other features of employers systems and processes, and then documenting them
carry out cold-calling in order to create interest in products and services, generate new business leads and arrange meetings
identify and develop new business through networking and follow-up courtesy calls
prepare and deliver presentations and demonstrations of software to customers
market and promote a portfolio of products by writing and designing sales literature and attending industry events
maintain awareness and keep abreast of constantly changing software and hardware systems and peripherals
develop effective sales plans using sales methodology
provide technical advice to customers on all aspects of the installation and use of computer systems and networks, both before and after the sale
advise on software features and how they can be applied to assist in a variety of contexts such as accounting, manufacturing or other specialist areas
meet sales targets set by managers and contribute to team targets
network with existing customers in order to maintain links and promote additional products and upgrades
handle hardware or software problems and faults, referring on to specialist technical colleagues where appropriate
respond to tender documents, proposals, reports and supporting literature
manage workload in order to organise and prioritise daily and weekly goals
contribute to team or progress meetings to update and inform colleagues.
What to expect
The role is office based, but often involves travelling to clients premises. Overnight stays away from home may be required on occasion.
Office locations may change according to the needs of the company, so flexibility and mobility are often prerequisites.
Self-employment and freelance work are not common, but part-time opportunities do exist.
Career breaks are difficult because of the rapid developments common in technology.
Help desk work may be stressful because you have no control over the calls you receive. You might be working to set targets for handling calls or repairing faults within a specific time frame.
QualificationsThis area of work is open to all graduates, but a degree or HND in one of the following subjects may be particularly useful:
business information systems or technology
business management
computer science, software engineering or computer engineering
úÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿWhile a relevant degree is not always essential, subjects with high technical content, or a business management component, may be favored by employers. Some large employers require at least a 2:1 for entry onto their graduate schemes.úÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿHaving a retail background can help you get into a job selling IT software to the retail industry.úÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿA pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, but a diploma or Masters in computing may be helpful for those without computing knowledge.Work experienceExperience of a customer service or sales environment will improve your chances of securing a job. Potential employers will be particularly impressed if you can demonstrate evidence of exceeding sales targets and the ability to build successful customer relationships in previous roles.Any sales experience may therefore be helpful, including working in a call centre or telemarketing role, where sales skills and the ability to meet targets are illustrated.
