Job skills for Telemarketer?

Question by Awareness: Job skills for Telemarketer?
Do you have to know about the subject you’re selling? Such as financial aspect of it or business (need a degree?) – or do you just go off of a script?
(if you’ve been a telemarketer, an example would be GREAT)

Is it commission based? or how are you paid?

what types of info do you have to type in the computer if they say “yes”?

What would look good on a resume (besides customer/people skills)?

what skills do you need besides typing, reading, and people skills?

Any other info would be great or what a typical day is – detailed not saying “boring”, please…tell me somethign I don’t know

Best answer:

Answer by Jonathan L
Usually companies who want to sell something hire a telemarketing firm, who then would employ people like yourself. For example, if I sold Widgets and I wanted someone to answer my sales line, I could hire XYZ Company who specializes in telemarketing. As part of selecting XYZ Company, I’d dictate how I want the phones answered.

Most importantly, people who operate telemarketing firms are going to be interested in your phone stats (how many calls can you answer, how long does it take you to complete call, percentage of sales to calls answered, number of complaints, etc).

Knowledge is power, so if you know about the products, or have a good knowledge of the business it will definitely help.

Compensation is based off the company you work for – that’s a good interview question to ask.

The type of information you have to enter depends on what you are doing – if you are handling sales calls for a product that is shipped – obviously shipping and billing information. If you handling products that need to be professionally installed (like satellite dishes) there will be another set of questions to answer.

A typical day would probably be answering phones. I would estimate that 60% – 70% of your day would be spent talking on the phone (the other 30% – 40% might be spent wrapping up a call, or a quick break)

A good idea might be to watch tv late at night, find those “as seen on tv” ads and strike up a conversation with them …

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!