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Outline of Job

Telemarketers work to try and gain new business for companies by contacting customers directly over the phone. The product or services telemarketers usually sell are donations for charities, banking savings accounts, and office supplies. A telemarketer will contact potential clients from a list of names they are given, usually running through a sales script, which will cover different answers the customer may give. A telemarketer may have to contact previous customers or potential clientele.

Daily Activities

  • Selling products and services over the phone to potential customers
  • Obtaining information concerning the customer
  • Building and maintaining relations with customers
  • Recording information on computer database
  • Working as an individual and as part of a team
  • Reporting to supervisors
  • Meeting sales targets

Skills Required

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Resilient attitude
  • Work to targets
  • Able to understand the brand or product
  • Work under pressure
  • Able to collate customer information
  • Good computer skills
  • Able to follow sales script
  • Strong sales skills

Expected Earnings & Conditions

Typical starting salary for telemarketers is around £12,000 – £15,000, which can move up to around £15,000 – £20,000 or more after enough years experience. Wage level will depend on the product or service you are selling. Salaries are usually paid per hour, meaning that part-time work is available. Moving up to a position such as telemarketer manager could see you earn around £35,000. Bonuses may be on offer according to sales targets.

Telemarketers will work from an office, usually one where many other telemarketers are working at the same time. A telemarketer may work during the day, evenings, or possibly at weekends. A telemarketer will have to be resilient, often facing malicious rejections over the phone from customers. Due to the sales targets, and the negative feedback you may receive from customers, this can be a high pressure job.

Qualifications & Experience Required

There are no strict qualifications required to enter the world of telemarketing, though some GCSE’s, such as IT or English may be beneficial, as may any A Level awards. More important is that you are able to communicate with people over the phone in a confident manner, and that you understand the nature of marketing. Most jobs are advertised in national or local newspapers, and there are several job websites advertising openings. If you wish to work for an international marketing company, fluency in a second language would most likely be required.

The most important assets a telemarketer will need to succeed are a strong telephone personality and excellent sales skills. Experience in marketing, telemarketing, or in any sales environment would be helpful, but not necessary, as training will be offered on the job.

Additional Training & Development

If a telemarketer shows flair for the position they can move up to the role of telemarketer executive after a few years experience, and then possibly, be promoted to the role of telemarketer manager. A telemarketer may have the chance to move in to other areas of marketing. The speed of development will depend on individual talent, and the availability of openings.

A telemarketer will be given training on the job, which will involve how to deal with customers, and also, handling any verbal abuse they may be given. They will also be shown how to follow a sales script and any other necessary procedures when telemarketing. Courses may be given to keep employees up to date with marketing measures and product developments.