Basics about being an advertsing agent..

What training is involved on job?

• In most cases, an experienced sales manager instructs a newly hired advertising sales agent who lacks sales experience. In this one-on-one environment, supervisors typically coach new hires and observe as they make sales calls and contact clients. Supervisors then advise new hires on ways to improve their interaction with clients. Employers may bring in consultants to lead formal training sessions when agents sell to a specialized market segment.

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• sell or solicit advertising primarily for newspapers and periodicals, television and radio, websites, telephone directories, and direct mail and outdoor advertisers. Because such a large share of revenue for many of these media outlets is generated from advertising, advertising sales agents play an important role in their success.
• Local sales agents are often referred to as outside sales agents or inside sales agents. Outside sales agents call on clients and prospects at their places of business. They may have an appointment, or they may practice cold calling—arriving without an appointment. For these sales agents, obtaining new accounts is an important part of the job, and they may spend much of their time traveling to and visiting prospective advertisers and current clients. Inside sales agents work on their employer’s premises and handle sales for customers who walk in or telephone the firm to inquire about advertising. Some may also make telephone sales calls—calling prospects, attempting to sell the media firm’s advertising space or time, and arranging follow-up appointments between interested prospects and outside sales agents.

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Base plus commission
  
• Overall earnings are higher than average but vary considerably because they usually are based on a salary plus performance-based commissions and bonuses.

Do a lot of people have this career?

• Yes
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• No, just near your employer. unless you can telecommute
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?

• Full time increases income
  

What education do I need?

• For sales positions that require meeting with clients, large employers prefer applicants with a college degree. Smaller companies generally are more willing to hire individuals with a high school degree.

What skills are desired to be successful?

• Employers look for applicants who are honest and possess a pleasant personality and neat professional appearance. After gaining entry into the occupation, successful sales experience and the ability to communicate effectively become more important than educational attainment. In fact, when selling or soliciting ad space, personality traits are equally, if not more, important than academic background. In general, smaller companies are more willing to hire unproven individuals.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• U of I
  

How would I find job openings in this area?

• Sending resumes', newspapers
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Depends on employer
  

How much traveling might be involved?

• Might have to go elsewhere to meet with clients
  

What would be the potential dress code?

• professional
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile?

• Depends on employer
  

What kind of job security is there overall?

• depends on your performance