Advertising sales agent essential career information:
- 2012 median pay: $46,290
- 2012, number of jobs: 145,500
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 13 percent
- Entry-level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Advertising sales agent; what they do:
For every consumer ad you’ve ever loved or hated, there is likely an advertising sales agent behind it. Advertising sales agents ensure companies of all sizes and in all industries get their name and brand out there for the public to see.
Advertising sales representatives are involved in the entire process of ad sales from cold-calling potential clients, to making sales presentations, to maintaining client accounts.
An advertising sales agent career typically includes explaining to potential clients why and how advertising will help their revenue, as well as answering questions a client or potential client may have. Advertising sales representatives need to do their homework and study any potential client’s business, history, and current target demographic.
An advertising sales representative career involves providing quotes of various advertisement products or services, making recommendations, and working with clients to complete all necessary paperwork. Often, advertising sales representatives deliver the final product in order to ensure customer satisfaction and to respond immediately to any feedback.
Many advertising sales agents occasionally travel and working from various locations, as the agents typically go to their clients.
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Advertising sales agents job titles:
- Account Executives
- Advertising Sales Representative
- Advertising Sales Rep
- Advertising Account Executive
- Account Manager
- Advertising Account Representative
- Direct Advertising Sales Representative
- Advertising Consultant
Advertising Sales Agents Education, Certification and License Requirements
An advertising sales agent career can technically begin with a high school diploma or proven sales experience, however, some employers prefer applicants with a bachelor degree in Marketing, Communication, Business, or Advertising. Most advertising sales agents receive on-the-job training.
Advertising sales agent programs cover subjects such as:
- Communication
- Promotional planning
- Account management
- Strategic marketing
- Social media
Advertising sales agents don’t need specific certifications or licenses.
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Career Advancement Opportunities
After establishing a strong sales record, an advertising sales rep demonstrating strong leadership may advance in their career to a management or supervisory position, such as sales supervisor, sales manager, or vice president of sales. Some advertising sales representatives may also advance to other companies or to corporate sales.
Advertising Sales Agents Job Outlook
Forecast: 13 percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020 for advertising sales agents, on par with the average for all occupations.
Media companies, especially companies involved with digital media on cell phones, tablets, computers, and online radio stations power employment growth for advertising sales agents. An advertising sales rep job is difficult to automate; targeting potential customers for ads is labor-intensive.
Advertising Sales Agents Salary
- 2012 median annual wage: $46,290
- 2012, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $70,980
- 2012, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $31,520
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Advertising Sales Agents Major Employers

- Advertising, public relations, and related services
- Publishing industries
- Broadcasting industry
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