What Is a Telemarketer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Telemarketers are marketing and sales professionals who contact potential leads by telephone to sell products or services. Telemarketers work in a variety of industries, generally in an office setting or call center, and can make many calls a day. They can be b2b (business to business) telemarketers or b2c (business to consumer) telemarketers. Some telemarketers are focused strictly on lead generation, while others call to share a sales promotion or opportunity with a customer.

To become a telemarketer, you must have basic computer and phone skills, and a good phone presence. Many employers require telemarketers to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as some customer service experience. Telemarketers should be quick learners and take the knowledge gained from each interaction and apply it to the next. On-the-job training is often available for telemarketers as they learn the computer systems and products they will be selling.

Good telemarketers know their product or service, can answer any questions and address any concerns that customers may have, and get results from their efforts. They consistently outperform their peers. Telemarketing can be a tough job with a lot of “no’s” and even hang-ups, so a good telemarketer can deal with ample rejection without letting it affect their next call. Good telemarketers are also resourceful and prepared for questions, comments or complaints, and are able to address them professionally.

Compensation for telemarketers varies by company. Telemarketers are either paid per hour, by the sale, or a combination of both. Telemarketers often have a commission component in their compensation so that they are motivated to make the sale. Bonuses may also be paid for meeting goals, such as quarterly sales, number of outbound calls, or appointments booked per period. Telemarketers can be direct-hire employees, or hired on a contractor basis.

Job Summary

We are looking for a determined and energetic Telemarketer to help us grow our business. You will make outbound calls to potential customers to share information about our company and explain how our products and services can enhance their lives. Your ultimate goal will be to cultivate new clients for our products by answering their questions and providing excellent customer service. This is a fast-paced environment, so you must be a motivated self-starter who can maintain a professional demeanor while speaking to different kinds of customers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Make outbound calls to potential customers
• Share information about our products and services by following sales scripts
• Answering potential customer questions and follow-up call questions
• Closing sales and leading customer through the purchasing process
• Record calls through a computerized system
• Perform customized targeted sales strategies
• Meet quotas for cold, active, and inactive calls

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Telemarketing or customer service experience a plus
• Energetic, professional, and friendly demeanor
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Pass a background check and drug test