Telemarketer is responsible for calling people, businesses, and clients with the goal of selling them a product or service. The telemarketing specialist performs lead generation to create viable list, calls people, and follows up on prospects.

Tasks:

1. To identify prospects by reading telephone and zip code directories and other prepared listings
2. To call prospective customers by operating telephone equipment, automatic dialling systems, and other telecommunications technologies
3. To influence customers to buy services and merchandise by following a prepared sales talk to give service and product information and price quotations
4. To complete orders by recording names, addresses, and purchases; referring orders for filling
5. To keep equipment operational by following manufacturer's instructions and established procedures
6. To secure information by completing data base backups
7. To maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
8. To maintain operations by following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes
9. To contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

Key skills for telemarketer:

• Persistence
• Motivation for sales
• Professionalism
• Good communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Organizational skills
• Intermediate computer skills
• Ability to maintain composure during stressful situations

Average salary (2014):

The United Kingdom: £17,000 per year
The United States of America: $34,189 per year
Australia: AU$19.84 per hour

Qualifications and training required:

Since most employers of telemarketers offer on-the-job training, there are no set requirements for telemarketers. However, most employers require that a telemarketer have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. To help prepare for a career in telemarketing students can take classes in communications, sales and business.