Those who have excellent communication skills and a high knowledge of technical products and terms will see the best opportunities for employment. Technologies change so often so it is very important to keep skill levels high by continually learning and staying up to date with the new technology. While having great communication skills is important to help customers understand the services a company provides, it is also important to be qualified. Many sales representatives have degrees in communications, engineering, or have received certificates. One certificate available for those who wish to advance in their telecommunication careers is the National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning (NACTEL) certificate. NACTEL is an online program which helps those who seek the latest telecommunication information, and helps people start their telecommunication careers. Telecommunication technology is becoming more complex, so being able to answer customer questions with thorough, detailed information is greatly beneficial.
The entire telecommunication field will see a high increase in jobs due to the growing number of new technologies becoming available. Those in retail sales positions can make $11 per hour on average, and sales representatives can earn up to $23 per hour on average. This is higher than the average salesmen income in other fields, due to the fact that telecommunication sales positions sell a wide variety of telecommunication technologies. Telecommunication sales representatives typically work forty hours a week. Those who have years of experience may advance and become telecommunication sales managers by overseeing new salesmen and conducting training of their own.
More sophisticated telecommunication positions are sales engineers. These sales representatives sell complicated equipment to larger businesses. Not only do sales engineers possess high technical skills, but they are also able to communicate clearly to sell the product to those who are interested. Sales engineers are different from other salesman because they not only sell the equipment; they must also be able to fix any mechanical problems which may occur. Sales engineers must address the customers' needs and be able to provide them with the best possible solutions. Engineers must know how the technology works and must be able to solve problems. Therefore, a bachelor's degree is required in their related field of interest. A sales engineer is sometimes called upon to explain highly complicated technological issues to clients, while the telecommunication sales representatives can focus on maintaining accounts.
The economy does play a role in the increase and decrease of telecommunication sales representatives. Many telecommunication providers may see a decline in sales, thus resulting in the layoffs of salesmen. In poor economic periods, people do not frequently purchase new, or upgrade their existing, telecommunication technologies. Manufacturers who design and produce telecommunication technologies could suffer extreme decline in sales. In some cases the supply is greater than the demand for telecommunication services, which also leads to decreased sales.
On the bright side, during economic growth, companies who do manufacture and sell telecommunication technology will see their sales increase, which will create more jobs for telecommunication sales representatives. Companies who design and manufacture telecommunication services will create competition between each other to attract potential customers, which will increase job opportunities in the field as well.
Customers have a general idea of what they are looking for. For example in their satellite service they may know they want a good number of channels, but may be unsure of which packages are best for them. A telecommunication sales representative will help them choose which package is the best to fit their lifestyle. Since there are many satellite services available, the customer needs to be informed on which options are available. There is no use in paying for channels the customer has no interest in watching.
Maintaining good customer relations is essential for repeat business and referrals. If the telecommunication provider has good customer service and well-trained telecommunication sales representatives who can answer questions thoroughly and patiently, those customers who later wish to upgrade their services will do so with the same company. Selling telecommunication goods is a good way to make a decent living, because with the ever-changing telecommunication technologies, there is always something new to offer those who are interested. Telecommunications is one of the fastest growing industries and will continue to be over the next decade.
