Occupation

Telemarketers

Human Advantage 71%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.8 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Solicit donations or orders for goods or services over the telephone.

Also Known As: Call Agent, Call Center Agent, Call Center Operator, Call Center Representative (Call Center Rep), Call Center Sales Agent, Call Center Telemarketer, Contact Center Agent, Direct Sales Agent +19 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Contact businesses or private individuals by telephone to solicit sales for goods or services, or to request donations for charitable causes.
  2. Obtain customer information such as name, address, and payment method, and enter orders into computers.
  3. Explain products or services and prices, and answer questions from customers.
  4. Record names, addresses, purchases, and reactions of prospects contacted.
  5. Maintain records of contacts, accounts, and orders.
  6. Answer telephone calls from potential customers who have been solicited through advertisements.
  7. Deliver prepared sales talks, reading from scripts that describe products or services, to persuade potential customers to purchase a product or service or to make a donation.
  8. Telephone or write letters to respond to correspondence from customers or to follow up initial sales contacts.

Supplemental Tasks (4)

  1. Adjust sales scripts to better target the needs and interests of specific individuals.
  2. Obtain names and telephone numbers of potential customers from sources such as telephone directories, magazine reply cards, and lists purchased from other organizations.
  3. Schedule appointments for sales representatives to meet with prospective customers or for customers to attend sales presentations.
  4. Conduct client or market surveys to obtain information about potential customers.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
39%
Some College Courses
37%
Less than a High School Diploma
20%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
3%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Zoom

Software (14)

  • Acarda Sales Technologies Acarda Outbound
  • Automatic call distribution software
  • Customer relationship management CRM software
  • Database Systems Corp Telemation
  • Interactive voice response software
  • Remote access call center software
  • Softphone software

Tools & Equipment (7)

  • Autodialing equipment
  • Call recording systems
  • Multiline telephone systems
  • Personal computers
  • Predictive dialers
  • Telephone headsets
  • Wireless telephone headsets

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Strategic Sales Supply Chain & Transportation

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