Occupation AtlasTelemarketers
O*NET · 41-9041.00
Telemarketers
Solicit donations or orders for goods or services over the telephone.
27 more
Direct Sales Agent · Donation Worker · Inbound Call Center Agent · Inbound Telemarketer · Independent Sales Rep · Independent Sales Representative (Independent Sales Rep) · Inside Sales Rep · Inside Sales Representative (Inside Sales Rep) · Marketing Processor · Outbound Sales Agent · Outbound Telemarketer · Scheduling Agent · Solicitor · Telemarketer · Telemarketing Rep · Telemarketing Representative (Telemarketing Rep) · Telemarketing Sales Rep · Telemarketing Sales Representative (Telemarketing Sales Rep) · Telephone Sales Agent · Telephone Sales Representative (TSR) · Telephone Service Representative (TSR) · Telephone Solicitor · Telesales Agent · Telesales Rep · Telesales Representative (Telesales Rep) · Telesales Specialist · TSR
Compare with another occupationCompare with Telephone Operators
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ECSEnterprising · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- E Enterprising5.36
- C Conventional5.07
- S Social3.61
- R Realistic1.87
- A Artistic1.24
- I Investigative1.09
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (53%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (50%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (43%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- PersuasionImportance 4.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Service OrientationImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- WritingbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- CoordinationImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Time ManagementImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- InstructingImportance 2.3Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Systems AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems EvaluationImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.3Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.3Level —
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.3Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
8 core · 4 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Contact businesses or private individuals by telephone to solicit sales for goods or services, or to request donations for charitable causes.Importance 4.8
- Explain products or services and prices, and answer questions from customers.Importance 4.7
- Obtain customer information such as name, address, and payment method, and enter orders into computers.Importance 4.7
- Record names, addresses, purchases, and reactions of prospects contacted.Importance 4.6
- Maintain records of contacts, accounts, and orders.Importance 4.6
- 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.Importance 4.4
- Answer telephone calls from potential customers who have been solicited through advertisements.Importance 4.4
- Telephone or write letters to respond to correspondence from customers or to follow up initial sales contacts.Importance 4.3
Show the other 4
- Adjust sales scripts to better target the needs and interests of specific individuals.Importance 4.5
- Obtain names and telephone numbers of potential customers from sources such as telephone directories, magazine reply cards, and lists purchased from other organizations.Importance 4.1
- Schedule appointments for sales representatives to meet with prospective customers or for customers to attend sales presentations.Importance 3.7
- Conduct client or market surveys to obtain information about potential customers.Importance 3.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Sales and MarketingImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.1Level 2.8
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- AdministrativeImportance 2.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
Show all 33
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- MathematicsImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- PsychologyImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- GeographyImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- TransportationImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.8Level —
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.5Level —
- DesignImportance 1.4Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- ChemistryImportance 1.3Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Near VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Problem SensitivityImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- OriginalityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- MemorizationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Number FacilityImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Speed of ClosureImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Far VisionImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- VisualizationImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 4.9Level 5.8
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.2Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.7Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.6Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.3Level —
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
13 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (7)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Salesforce software
- Zoom
Other tools (6)
- Acarda Sales Technologies Acarda Outbound
- Automatic call distribution software
- Database Systems Corp Telemation
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Remote access call center software
- Softphone software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Telephone Operators
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion −2.1, Negotiation −1.1
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Coordination +0.8, Learning Strategies +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants
Average difference 0.3 points · Persuasion −2.0, Negotiation −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Receptionists and Information Clerks
Average difference 0.3 points · Persuasion −1.5, Active Learning +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Tour Guides and Escorts
Average difference 0.3 points · Persuasion −1.5, Negotiation −0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Actors
Average difference 0.3 points · Persuasion −1.5, Service Orientation −1.2
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Average difference 0.3 points · Persuasion −1.7, Negotiation −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Gambling Dealers
Average difference 0.3 points · Persuasion −1.5, Mathematics +1.4
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.