Research Summary. Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for an inside sales representative. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of inside sales representative resumes they appeared on. For example, 21.5% of inside sales representative resumes contained customer service as a skill. Let's find out what skills an inside sales representative actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.

  • The most common hard skill for an inside sales representative is customer service. 21.5% inside sales representatives have this skill on their resume.
  • The second most common hard skill for an inside sales representative is crm appearing on 6.4% of resumes. The third most common is outbound calls on 5.2% of resumes.
  • Three common soft skills for an inside sales representative are customer-service skills, interpersonal skills and physical stamina.

Some of the most important hard skills an inside sales representative can possess include the skills and knowledge related to sales processes. It's important that inside sales representatives have experience with business development, customer relationship management, meeting sales goals, and an abundance of product knowledge regarding what they are selling.

When it comes to soft skills, inside sales representatives should have very strong communication skills. You will also need to demonstrate stellar customer service skills, and a focus on customer satisfaction. Inside sales representatives need to communicate consistently with customers and be able to resolve any issues, so communication and customer service skills are crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for an inside sales representative. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of inside sales representative resumes they appeared on. For example, 21.5% of inside sales representative resumes contained customer service as a skill. Let's find out what skills an inside sales representative actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.

15 Essential Inside Sales Representative Skills For Your Resume And Career

1. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how customer service is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Maintained a professional working relationship with existing corporate customers and established new business through personalized, quality levels of customer service.
  • Market integrated CRM, Marketing and Customer Service Technologies, Mobile Applications, Content Management and Business Intelligence solutions to executives.
  • Provided point of sales materials to customers, and coordinated with internal departments to deliver exceptional customer service experience.
  • Maintain a positive working relationship with existing and future accounts by providing impeccable customer service and product knowledge.
  • Provided excellent customer service to subscribers regarding billing and other service related issues while consistently endeavoring to up-sell.

2. CRM

CRM stands for Customer relationship management and it is a complete process through which a business or organization monitors and administers its interactions with the customers. A process in which large amounts of data are collected through marketing via a company's website, polls, surveys, and other social media applications. The basic goal of CRM is to target the right audience for their product, and then fulfill their needs, to increase the sales and revenue of the company.

Here's how crm is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Maintained records of customer contact through CRM and generated reports on request for individual customers both internally and externally.
  • Maintained and expanded Sales-i CRM database of prospects within my assigned territory.
  • Maintained customer information regarding heavy equipment financing in a CRM database.
  • Utilized CRM Database capturing customer information and performing necessary follow-up procedures.
  • Gathered actionable marketing intelligence for internal CRM system.

3. Outbound Calls

An outbound call is made by the call center representative to the customers on behalf of the company. Such calls help increase sales and generate revenue for the organization.

Here's how outbound calls is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Generate incremental revenue by inbound/outbound calls selling service agreements for ophthalmic equipment and microscopes.
  • Established and maintained customer relations and retention within region via daily in/outbound calls.
  • Make outbound calls to already established customers to update listing information.
  • Managed pipeline of leads that included fielding inbound calls, placing outbound calls (cold calling) and monitoring website activity.
  • Handled Inbound and Outbound calls from marketing campaigns, triage sales calls while identifying opportunities to maintain retention and possible sales.

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4. Product Knowledge

Product knowledge is the skill of having better information and knowledge about the product you are selling. Product knowledge is essential for the employees of the companies so they can communicate and inform the customers about the product. Having great product knowledge is essential for a better sales pitch and to give the customer a better and complete idea of the product that will influence him to buy the product eventually.

Here's how product knowledge is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Trained, developed and objectively evaluated sales representatives in the areas of product knowledge, competitive positioning and sales execution.
  • Researched competitor strategies and offerings while using product knowledge to generate solutions that satisfy customer needs and business objectives.
  • Provide exceptional customer service through sharing enthusiasm and continually expanding product knowledge to become a subject matter expert.
  • Maintained product knowledge and followed company-related market trends to provide knowledgeable and helpful information to all customers.
  • Maximized business potential, using extensive product knowledge, industry awareness and understanding of technology trends.

5. Work Ethic

Here's how work ethic is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Self-motivated and self-disciplined with dedicated work ethic.
  • Trained in BAC & AND Extrusion for Boeing & Lockheed Key Accomplishments: * Developed strong work ethic and skills set.
  • Demonstrated strong work ethic and leadership by mentoring newer employees and conducting seminars on employee compensation and attending new employee luncheons.
  • Promoted within two months to inside sales position due to strong work ethic and desire to help the company grow.
  • Communicated well with wide variety of cultures and was frequently praised by my superiors for my efficient and professional work ethic

6. Sales Process

Here's how sales process is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Facilitate successful implementation of new programs by ensuring a well-defined and efficient sales process is selected and implemented prior to launch.
  • Partnered with captive representatives in respective territories to achieve streamlined sales processes, order accuracy and superior customer service.
  • Maximized time management in sales process through more effective sales techniques learned through various professional development.
  • Initiated sales process by managing a call rotation; making initial presentations; understanding accounts requirements.
  • Required knowledge of sales process, vertical marketing and ability to overcome objections and competitors pricing.

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7. Salesforce

Salesforce is an American cloud-based software company based in San Francisco, California. This company provides customer relationship management services that enable the customers to be closer to the company. It gives the company detailed information about each customer, including marketing, sales, commerce, and services. Salesforce also helps market a product to attract more buyers, and helps win more customers by targeting the right audience.

Here's how salesforce is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Worked on special projects for marketing to my territories using multiple software applications, including SalesForce.com.
  • Assisted with keynote presentation marketing/representing SalesForce One Company increase appeal across Bay Area and nationally.
  • Developed new sales opportunities through outbound calling and management of SalesForce database.
  • Utilized SalesForce to document client information and maximize effective internal communication
  • Maintained all sales funnels and customer records utilizing SalesForce.com.

8. Customer Inquiries

Here's how customer inquiries is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Handled high volume customer inquiries, trouble shot customer related problems/concerns and initiated effective problem-resolution steps to achieve customer satisfaction.
  • Responded to customer inquiries regarding product selection, technical questions, price and product availability.
  • Responded to customer inquiries timely to resolve credit issues, delivery scheduling and expediting orders.
  • Developed qualified opportunities by outbound calling potential customers, and converted incoming customer inquiries.
  • Handled customer inquiries, price quotations of inventory, non-inventory items and coordinated delivery.

9. Phone Calls

Phone calls are a wireless or wired connection made over a telephone or a mobile phone between two people. Two parties are involved in a phone call, the caller and the receiver. A caller dials the number of the one he wants to call, and the recipient hears a bell or a tune to which he picks up the call. The call establishes a connection between them through which they can communicate. The voice is converted into signals and is transmitted through wired or wireless technology.

Here's how phone calls is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Developed ability to ensure returned phone calls by utilizing resources within customers' departments or obtaining referrals at higher decision-making levels.
  • Initiate telephone calls to customers and potential customers to solicit purchases of stock or to follow-up previously quoted business opportunities.
  • Answered approximately 75-100 inbound phone calls from institutional, city and governmental customers regarding sporting goods and athletic apparel.
  • Generated revenue by soliciting business owners through outbound telephone calls and demonstrations to purchase online marketing platforms
  • Maintained strong customer loyalty via relationship marketing telephone calls and e-mail correspondence.

10. Excellent Interpersonal

Here's how excellent interpersonal is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Used excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with people across a variety of demographics.
  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and ability to sell products to a variety of customers.
  • Exercised excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interface with customers and meet their demands.
  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills combined with an intuitive and professional approach contributed to an above average conversion rate.
  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, communication and time management skills in highly competitive environment.

11. Computer System

Here's how computer system is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Documented computer systems issues or customer problems and pro-actively communicated to Supervisors to improve systems.
  • Documented Pharmacist information into computer system while engaging in conversation about new or upcoming products.
  • Ask appropriate questions and listening while documenting required information in computer systems.
  • Place sales orders into Arrow computer system based upon Requirement Notification.
  • Finalized sales for computer system packages and delivered financing information.

12. Account Management

The process of strengthening the relationship between a company and client is called account management. Effective account management has two key objectives, one is to retain loyal customers and the second one is to help the company grow by creating connections with new customers.

Here's how account management is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Managed SNF accounts using various account management strategies to ultimately strengthen relationship to generate leads on a consistent and complaint basis.
  • Assisted Divisional Vice President in assessing prospect and account management efforts to develop the company's newest territory.
  • Provided full service account management regarding products and services, including pricing, availability, and shipping information.
  • Managed inbound and outbound sales inquiries/solicitation and full sales cycle including purchasing, customer service and account management.
  • Delivered account management and sales reinforcement for specific named major, government and national accounts.

13. Cold Calls

Cold calling is a kind of business solicitation from customers who didn't express interest in their product and services before. In this technique, a salesman conducts a call with potential customers with whom they haven't had a prior interaction. Cold calling can include phone calls or telemarketing. However, in-person visits like door-to-door marketing are also a type of cold calling

Here's how cold calls is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Established departmentally adopted cold calling resource by creating and maintaining industry prospect database.
  • Managed assigned territory through strategically customized cold calling campaigns and e-marketing.
  • Maintained prospect database utilizing cold calling techniques follow up communications.
  • Called on past individual game tickets buyers, as well as made cold calls to sell season tickets and game plans.
  • Presented and sold company products and services to new and existing customer accounts, by conducting cold calls and creating presentations.

14. Business Development

Business development is the ideas or initiatives that work to make business work better. Selling, advertising, product development, supply chain management, and vendor management are only a few of the divisions involved with it. There is still a lot of networking, negotiating, forming alliances, and trying to save money. The goals set for business development guide and coordinate with all of these various operations and sectors.

Here's how business development is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Worked with multiple Business Development Managers to coordinate personal meetings with prospective clients to present and position our solutions and offerings.
  • Participate in business development by being highly responsive to customer needs and targeting new markets while maintaining existing auction business.
  • Leveraged persuasion techniques, customer education, value-added & promotional techniques for setting appointments, scheduling repairs and business development.
  • Solicit additional business from existing accounts by promoting new products and monthly specials, while creating new business development opportunities.
  • Controlled, tracked and facilitated the development of FLIR demo equipment used for domestic and international business development.

15. Inbound Calls

Here's how inbound calls is used on inside sales representative resumes:
  • Developed effective relationships with all departments utilizing various lines of communication and directed inbound calls to the appropriate department via switchboard.
  • Identify new business opportunities through outbound/inbound calls insuring existing accounts are aware of new product and service offerings.
  • Fielded inbound calls from Outside Sales Representatives, gathering and efficiently entering customer information for sales tracking.
  • Fielded inbound calls while balancing outbound assignments to ensure daily adherence to completion expectations.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by maximizing inbound calls and selling television entertainment services.
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The eight most common skills based on Inside Sales Representative resumes in 2023.

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List Of Skills To Add To Your Inside Sales Representative Resume

According to recent trends, the most relevant inside sales representative Resume Keywords for your resume are:

  • Customer Service
  • CRM
  • Outbound Calls
  • Product Knowledge
  • Work Ethic
  • Sales Process
  • Salesforce
  • Customer Inquiries
  • Phone Calls
  • Excellent Interpersonal
  • Computer System
  • Account Management
  • Cold Calls
  • Business Development
  • Inbound Calls
  • Excellent Organizational
  • PowerPoint
  • Lead Generation
  • Purchase Orders
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Data Entry
  • Sales Techniques
  • Outbound Sales
  • Sales Orders
  • Customer Complaints
  • Trade Shows
  • Sales Support
  • Customer Accounts
  • Customer Orders
  • Order Entry
  • Sales Quota
  • Sales Presentations
  • Strong Customer Service
  • Customer Support
  • Telemarketing
  • Business Relationships
  • Sales Cycle
  • Customer Calls
  • Senior Care
  • Customer Relations
  • Sales Strategies
  • Sales Reports
  • Lead Management
  • Customer Issues
  • Inventory Control
  • Product Line
  • Inbound Sales

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Online Courses For Inside Sales Representatives

One of the best ways to acquire the skills needed to be an inside sales representative is to take an online course. We've identified some online courses from Udemy and Coursera that will help you advance in your career. Since inside sales representatives benefit from having skills like customer service, crm, and outbound calls, we found courses that will help you improve these skills.

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1. HubSpot Sales Representative

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Whether you're completely new to sales and looking to start a new career, or you want to grow in your current sales role, this five-course career training program from the inbound sales experts at HubSpot can help you reach your career goals.\n\nYou’ll start by learning the basics of sales enablement and how sales and marketing teams can collaborate to create and keep relationships with their targeted buyers. You’ll develop data-driven sales goals and influential content to enable you to...

2. Salesforce Sales Development Representative

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If you’ve always wanted a rewarding career, the tech sales industry may be the path for you. If you’re an ambitious problem-solver who likes to win, you’ll find tech sales not only fulfilling, but lucrative as well. As the tech industry continuously introduces innovative services and products, tech sales roles have become more crucial than ever. SDRs are in the front lines of the tech biz, connecting with customers and clients, and coming up with the smartest solutions for their problems. Sales...

3. The Complete B2B Sales Masterclass: 6 Courses in 1

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5. Salesforce Sales Operations

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The Salesforce economy will create more than $1 trillion in new revenue and 4.2 million jobs between 2019 and 2024. Developed in partnership with Trailhead — Salesforce's official learning platform — this certificate aims to teach you the foundational skills in Salesforce that will prepare you for a variety of entry-level sales roles, including the sales operations specialist position. This certificate is designed for beginners. No previous experience in Salesforce, sales, or CRM is necessary...

6. Sales and CRM Overview

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This course is the first of a series that aims to teach you the foundational skills in Salesforce that will prepare you for a variety of entry-level sales roles, including the sales operations specialist position. This course is designed for beginners. No previous experience in Salesforce, sales, or CRM is necessary to be successful. In this course, you will be introduced to essential concepts like the fundamentals of the sales process. You'll also learn about what Customer Relationship...

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10. Sales Training: Practical Sales Techniques

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11. Sales Training: How To Close More Sales

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