Telemarketers Go Back to List Solicit donations or orders for goods or services over the telephone.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Helpdesk or call center software

Tasks
	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.
	Contact businesses or private individuals by telephone to solicit sales for goods or services, or to request donations for charitable causes.
	Explain products or services and prices, and answer questions from customers.
	Obtain customer information such as name, address, and payment method, and enter orders into computers.
	Record names, addresses, purchases, and reactions of prospects contacted.
	Adjust sales scripts to better target the needs and interests of specific individuals.
	Obtain names and telephone numbers of potential customers from sources such as telephone directories, magazine reply cards, and lists purchased from other organizations.
	Answer telephone calls from potential customers who have been solicited through advertisements.
	Telephone or write letters to respond to correspondence from customers or to follow up initial sales contacts.
	Maintain records of contacts, accounts, and orders.

Skills
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Knowledge
	Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
	Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related 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.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $46,529.00 $22.37  $15.25  $15.59 - $26.34  Bridgeport/Stamford $51,914.00 $24.96  $20.75  $26.34 - $26.34  Hartford $51,779.00 $24.90  $15.30  $16.54 - $33.75  New Haven $40,752.00 $19.60  $15.47  $15.58 - $23.27

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   26   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.