Sales Reps in Australia – Sector Overview
Sales reps may hover somewhere just above politicians and the media in the court of public opinion, but they play a crucial role in the development and success of any business. Being the public face of a company and bringing in new customers can be a challenging yet rewarding occupation, although it can take someone with a particular affinity for the role to make a real go of it. Most jobs in Australia can be found in the wholesale trade, manufacturing, retail trade, information media and telecommunications industries, although most sectors will have some need for sales people. There is particular demand for migrants with experience in medical and pharmaceutical products, and industrial products.
Sales Reps in Australia – Location
Sales rep jobs can be based anywhere in Australia, but tend to be centred on bigger locations. Travel is a major part of the job, as sales reps often have a large territory to service. If the role is focused on the mining industry, travel to isolated regions will be common.
Sales Reps in Australia – Skills and Qualifications
While qualifications in marketing and sales can be helpful, generally speaking, good salespeople rely more on instinct and natural ability than anything learnt in a text book. Given the low regard sales people can be held in, the ability to gain clients’ trust and confidence is crucial. Good interpersonal skills, public speaking, maths and marketing ability are all important also. Knowledge of a particular industry is obviously helpful. For example, a technical mining sales representative should have strong background knowledge about mining at the very least, and a qualification in chemical or mineral engineering would be a bonus.
Sales reps in Australia – Key recruiters and employers
Those looking for work as a sales rep would be advised to identify particular companies operating in an area of interest or expertise and approaching them about potential work.
Recuiters include:
- Michael Page
- BTA
- AG Careers
- Hays
- BMS Sales
Sales reps in Australia – Pay
Being a sales rep is one vocation where you can truly take out what you put in. Salaries can begin at around $35,000, but there is the potential to earn many times that for those who are successful and willing to put in the work. Base rates can be topped up with generous bonuses. Sales managers start on a slightly higher rate of around $40,000. Some positions are commission only.
