Telemarketer

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Work Tasks

• Place calls to people to ask them to order goods or services, or donate money
• Read a prepared message, give prices, and convince customers to buy the products or services
• Record names, addresses, purchases, and comments of customers
• Write orders or enter orders into a computer
• Work for companies that sell products for other companies, for manufacturers, and for charities
• Work with telephones, computers, telephone and business directories, and order forms

Salary, Size & Growth

• $32,000 average per year ($15.50 per hour)
• A large occupation (288,800 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (1.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A high school diploma and sales experience
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree in a relevant subject
• Skills/Courses: Must have knowledge of products being sold, such as a marketing degree for advertising services or a travel and tourism degree for hotel or other travel services.