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Telemarketer

Occupation Information table
Overview: Telemarketers contact customers by telephone to persuade them to buy merchandise or services. They may also ask for donations of money or goods to be given to charitable organizations. They write orders for completed sales and documentation needed for shipping of merchandise.
Duties: Telemarketers make telephone calls to potential customers to persuade them to purchase products or services. They answer questions regarding details about the products or services being sold.

During the telephone conversations, they must be aware of reactions of the potential customers in order to persuade them to make a purchase.

To prepare for telemarketing calls, they must learn about the products or services and how to prepare the documentation for invoicing and recording of the sales transactions.

Telemarketers use telecommunications equipment and computers to automatically dial potential customers and to maintain customer records. They develop and prioritize customer lists.
Degree(s): A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to decline by 2% or more from 2018 to 2028. For comparison, the average growth rate for all occupations over the same time period is projected to be 5% to 8%.
Starting Salary: Some earn a base salary plus a commission on sales.
Salary Range (National Average): $22,000 to $25,000
Education Level: The typical training required for this career is generally a High School Degree or GED Certificate.
Additional Training/Education: This occupation requires a high school diploma or equivalent and additional short term on-the-job training. No previous experience is generally required, although sales and customer service experience are assets. Some employers send trainees to short training programs. These programs include sales and marketing, speaking, computer accounting applications and customer relations.
Recommended Skills:
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Bringing people together to discuss and resolve differences.
  • Persuading, encouraging and motivating others to accept your ideas.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
Recommended Values:
  • Persuading and influencing others to change their attitudes, behavior, and/or opinions.
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.