IT Technical Sales Specialist

IT technical sales specialists are involved in selling hardware and software products produced by IT companies and software businesses, usually working alongside a sales team. They act as the technical experts when their company is trying to sell a product or service. Their role is to determine what the client's business requirements are and if the product or service on offer is suitable. They also demonstrate the technical capabilities of their product or service, as well as finding out if it is necessary to adapt their software or hardware to meet the client's needs.

Technical sales specialists usually work standard hours, Monday to Friday, but may have to work longer hours at busy times. Flexible or part-time work may be possible. They are normally based in an office, although some may work from home. Some technical sales specialists look after a geographical sales area, visiting clients and helping to build up business. The role usually requires a lot of travel.

Salaries range from around £22,000 to over £70,000 a year.

A technical sales specialist should:

• have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• have strong selling skills
• have good IT technical knowledge
• be able to use their initiative
• be able to give presentations
• enjoy sales and marketing.

Applicants for IT technical sales specialist roles are usually educated to BTEC Higher National or degree level or equivalent. Some enter this work direct, while others have had previous experience in the IT industry. While not essential, it can be very helpful to have had some sales experience.

Relevant Higher National and degree subjects include business information systems, information technology management for business, IT, computing, computer networking, programming, and software engineering. Employers may consider applicants with less relevant subjects, providing they have an aptitude for computing and possibly some sales experience.

There is a range of other qualifications that provide a good grounding in IT, including the Diploma in information technology. Some people enter IT work through an IT and telecoms professionals Apprenticeship.

Training for newly-appointed IT technical sales specialists involves learning in detail about their companies' products.

Experienced IT technical sales specialists may specialise in a technical, hands-on role or move into management. Some set up their own IT consultancy business. Others move into lecturing, training or post-sales. It is possible to become self-employed and work as a contractor.

Further details