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What is an account executive/outside sales and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Kaustav Misra Ph.D.

Outside sales refer to sales made by professionals outside the organization's physical location. This is mostly done by sales representatives who meet prospective clients and try to make sales. Account executive/outside sales focus on this aspect of the organization's sales.

Unlike other account executives, they are professionals concerned with the sales process in the field. They monitor sales reps' performance, generate leads, and often provide necessary training. Account executive/outside sales may also sell to prospective clients.

A day in their life may include attending meetings, creating reports, and performing industry research. Account executives need various skills to do their job effectively. Some of them include communication, organization, and negotiation. On the job, skills like presentation and problem solving are also essential.

To become an account executive/outside sales, you need a degree in business or marketing. Employers also prefer applicants with computer skills and networking experience.

What general advice would you give to an account executive/outside sales?

Kaustav Misra Ph.D.Kaustav Misra Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean, Central Connecticut State University

I have spent almost two decades in the higher education industry and about a decade in administration. I often advised students, and it is astonishing to see how many of these students do not plan for their future. A good plan is a starting point to lead a good and successful career and life. Hence, by all means, it is worth noting that developing a future-oriented focus is important, so taking time to streamline the plan should be an important exercise for every graduate before they begin to do anything.
ScoreAccount Executive/Outside SalesUS Average
Salary
5.9

Avg. Salary $75,033

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.1

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 5.09%

Black or African American 3.78%

Hispanic or Latino 13.91%

Unknown 3.71%

White 73.28%

Gender

female 45.68%

male 54.32%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Account executive/outside sales career paths

Key steps to become an account executive/outside sales

  1. Explore account executive/outside sales education requirements

    Most common account executive/outside sales degrees

    Bachelor's

    77.2 %

    Associate

    12.7 %

    Master's

    5.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific account executive/outside sales skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Salesforce10.47%
    Customer Service7.50%
    Digital Marketing6.74%
    Customer Satisfaction6.70%
    Facebook4.98%
  3. Complete relevant account executive/outside sales training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New account executive/outside sales learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an account executive/outside sales based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real account executive/outside sales resumes.
  4. Research account executive/outside sales duties and responsibilities

    • Hire and manage production, creative and copywriting team members who execute the development of say marketing platform.
    • Log CRM sales calls daily to keep accurate account of progression.
    • Develop and execute pipeline sales funnel utilizing CRM tool while consistently exceeding organizational revenue expectations.
    • Prepare and present professional corporate business proposals and executive presentations to purchasing manager, directors and c-level suite.
  5. Prepare your account executive/outside sales resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your account executive/outside sales resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an account executive/outside sales resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable account executive/outside sales resume templates

    Build a professional account executive/outside sales resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your account executive/outside sales resume.
    Account Executive/Outside Sales Resume
    Account Executive/Outside Sales Resume
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    Account Executive/Outside Sales Resume
    Account Executive/Outside Sales Resume
    Account Executive/Outside Sales Resume
    Account Executive/Outside Sales Resume
    Account Executive/Outside Sales Resume
    Account Executive/Outside Sales Resume
  6. Apply for account executive/outside sales jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an account executive/outside sales job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first account executive/outside sales job

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Average account executive/outside sales salary

The average account executive/outside sales salary in the United States is $75,033 per year or $36 per hour. Account executive/outside sales salaries range between $53,000 and $105,000 per year.

Average account executive/outside sales salary
$75,033 Yearly
$36.07 hourly

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How do account executive/outside sales rate their job?

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Account executive/outside sales reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Communicating and helping my clients.

Cons

The travel was extensive. Sometimes. It took more than month to close a deaĺ.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

i enjoy the interaction with people, listen the customer in order to convert him/her into your friend, detect and help customer with his/her needs.

Cons

People without vision, dreams and selfishness.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Marketing products from a traceable companies to consumers and providing a good service to the clients .

Cons

I don't like to work for a company without good management which results in disappointing consumers


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.