Sales Associates are responsible for marketing products in a very direct way. They interact with clients or customers in order to persuade them to purchase specific products or services of a company. They are required to work in irregular shifts, including nights and weekends. These workers frequently need to complete financial transactions and use cash registers. They may work at different industries including pharmaceuticals, automobile, retail, aviation, among other areas.

Sales Associates usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Filing sales reports.
• Developing sales plans.
• Participating in sales events.
• Giving product demonstrations.
• Maintaining contact with clients.

• Having good communication skills.
• Being proactive.
• Having time management skills.
• Being able to develop good relationships with clients.
• Having IT skills.
• Being able to deliver customized sales proposals and presentations.
• Having knowledge to operate all necessary equipment.
• Being able to travel a few days in a month.
• Having good sales skills.
• Being able to understand client´s needs.

Applicants for Sales Associate job placements are required to have a High School Diploma as a minimum academic qualification. Some persons working on this field also have higher education Degrees in Sales and Marketing in order to increase their job opportunities at higher level positions. Candidates for these jobs must have leadership and persuasion skills that can be obtained from Undergraduate Degrees or college classes. Most employers require persons having work experience in sales or marketing field. Applicants can get experience by working in small stores or companies under the supervision of senior professionals. Certifications are not mandatory in this field, but professionals working as Insurance Sales Associates can be certified by the National Association of Security Dealers.