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What is a software sales representative and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Ken Corbit Ph.D.,
John Cicala Ph.D.

A software sales representative is an individual who sells software solutions to businesses or individuals. They are responsible for building relationships with potential customers, identifying their needs and presenting products that meet those needs. Software sales representatives conduct product demonstrations, negotiate contracts, and manage the sales process from start to finish. They must stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes in technology, as well as have excellent communication and presentation skills.

What general advice would you give to a software sales representative?

Ken Corbit Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Marketing, Texas Christian University

Strategic
Company Selection:
Focus on joining companies with robust sales training programs, emphasizing consultative selling. Look for organizations that invest in your development, providing live calling experiences, quota-driven sales processes, and exposure to tools like Salesforce.

Tech
Proficiency and Sales Tools Mastery:
Familiarize yourself with cutting-edge sales technologies, including CRM tools like Salesforce. Your proficiency in these tools will not only streamline your sales processes but also position you as a tech-savvy professional in the competitive sales landscape.

Hands-On
Experience:
Actively engage in live calling, take ownership of sales funnels, and work with senior hiring authorities during your training. This hands-on experience will not only build your confidence but also prepare you for the challenges of consultative selling.

Research
and Decision-Making Skills:
Develop strong research skills to evaluate companies based on fit, growth opportunities, compensation structures, and overall potential. This informed decision-making approach will set you apart and empower you to navigate the sales landscape strategically.

Mentorship
and Networking:
Seek mentorship both within and outside your organization. Building relationships with mentors who invest in your sales skills and knowledge will provide valuable insights. Additionally, actively participate in online forums to connect with practical sales
knowledge and best practices.
ScoreSoftware Sales RepresentativeUS Average
Salary
6.4

Avg. Salary $82,188

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 5.18%

Black or African American 3.87%

Hispanic or Latino 14.42%

Unknown 3.72%

White 72.58%

Gender

female 28.83%

male 71.17%

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

What are the pros and cons of being a software sales representative?

Pros

  • High earning potential

  • Opportunity for advancement

  • Flexible schedule/work-life balance

  • Exposure to cutting-edge technology

  • Constant learning and professional development

Cons

  • High pressure and stress

  • Long hours and frequent travel

  • Uncertainty in commission-based earnings

  • Constant need to meet sales targets

  • Challenging market competition

Software sales representative career paths

Key steps to become a software sales representative

  1. Explore software sales representative education requirements

    Most common software sales representative degrees

    Bachelor's

    72.4 %

    Associate

    11.3 %

    Master's

    7.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific software sales representative skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Cloud18.64%
    Software Sales10.24%
    Healthcare10.01%
    ERP7.65%
    Software Solutions7.43%
  3. Complete relevant software sales representative training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New software sales representatives 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 a software sales representative based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real software sales representative resumes.
  4. Research software sales representative duties and responsibilities

    • Promote cloud solutions, including DR, servers, virtual machines, and manage services.
    • Manage merchandising and POS materials at the retail store level ensuring meticulous compliance with all current corporate initiative regulations.
    • Focuse on healthcare, insurance and government verticals.
    • Perform business analysis and develop compelling ROI cases for major customers.
  5. Prepare your software sales representative resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your software sales representative 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 a software sales representative resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable software sales representative resume templates

    Build a professional software sales representative 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 software sales representative resume.
    Software Sales Representative Resume
    Software Sales Representative Resume
    Software Sales Representative Resume
    Software Sales Representative Resume
    Software Sales Representative Resume
    Software Sales Representative Resume
    Software Sales Representative Resume
    Software Sales Representative Resume
    Software Sales Representative Resume
  6. Apply for software sales representative jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a software sales representative 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 software sales representative job

Zippi

Are you a software sales representative?

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Average software sales representative salary

The average software sales representative salary in the United States is $82,188 per year or $40 per hour. Software sales representative salaries range between $58,000 and $115,000 per year.

Average software sales representative salary
$82,188 Yearly
$39.51 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do software sales representatives rate their job?

-/5

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4 stars

3 stars

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1 star

Software sales representative reviews

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.


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 .


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

The challenge to bring in new business and exceed monthly sales quota. To have the freedom to not be micromanage is reward enough. However the commissions and sales recognition make both rewarding and fun.

Cons

The stress that comes with having to produce. You have to find the business, present your solution, close the business and service the account.


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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.