Sales Intern Job Description [Updated for 2024]

sales intern job description

In the competitive world of sales, the demand for dynamic sales interns is constantly growing.

As businesses evolve, the need for innovative minds who can contribute to, develop, and strengthen their sales strategies intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a sales intern?

Whether you are:

A job seeker aiming to understand the dynamics of this role,
A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of sales,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable sales intern job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Sales Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Sales Interns assist the sales team in their efforts to meet company goals by gaining hands-on experience in conducting market research, creating sales strategies, and servicing customers.

Their duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assist with the preparation and delivery of sales presentations
Prepare and distribute marketing and sales materials such as brochures and presentations
Conduct and analyze market research to identify sales opportunities
Assist with the development of sales strategies and setting sales targets
Help in maintaining customer relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction
Collaborate with sales staff to monitor sales progress, adapt sales strategies, and track results
Attend sales meetings and provide input on potential sales techniques
Assist with administrative tasks such as data input, scheduling, and order processing
Participate in sales events and promotional activities

Sales Intern Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for an enthusiastic Sales Intern to join our dynamic team.

The Sales Intern will assist in various stages of the sales funnel, including creating awareness of new offerings, generating leads, and retaining customers.

The successful intern will be tasked with supporting the sales team in a variety of ways, learning the ins and outs of our daily routines and procedures.

You will focus on learning how our organization runs, gaining knowledge on different sales techniques and the role they play in achieving business objectives.

Responsibilities

Assist in the creation of sales material, including presentations and product literature
Support the sales team in daily administrative tasks
Collect quantitative and qualitative data from marketing campaigns
Perform market analysis and research on competition
Help organize sales events
Track sales data and work to achieve monthly goals
Interact with clients professionally at sales events and industry expos
Prepare and deliver presentations on products and services

Qualifications

Current enrollment in an undergraduate course for Marketing, Business or a related field
Solid understanding of different marketing techniques
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Familiarity with marketing computer software and online applications
Passion for the marketing industry and its best practices
Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment

Benefits

Hands-on experience in sales and marketing
Opportunity to attend sales events and meetings
Training and development sessions
Work on real-world projects
Flexible work schedule

Additional Information

Job Title: Sales Intern
Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for sales events or meetings.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Manager or Team Leader.
Stipend: Stipend is based upon market and business considerations.
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Internship
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experiences to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Sales Intern Do?

Sales Interns are typically university students or recent graduates who work temporarily with an organization to gain industry experience and develop their professional skills.

They work closely with the sales team to understand sales strategies, processes, and customer handling techniques.

They are often involved in assisting with lead generation, researching market trends, and analyzing competitor strategies.

Sales Interns may also be tasked with preparing sales reports, presentations, and proposals, as well as maintaining and updating customer databases.

They are usually responsible for identifying potential customer needs and helping to develop solutions to meet those needs.

This can involve conducting surveys or interviews to gather customer feedback and contributing to product development discussions.

Sales Interns often participate in sales meetings and may even accompany experienced sales representatives on customer visits to gain firsthand experience of the sales process.

In some cases, they may also be given the opportunity to handle sales calls and emails under the guidance of a senior team member.

The role of a Sales Intern is highly dynamic and offers an excellent opportunity for individuals to learn and grow in a professional sales environment.

Sales Intern Qualifications and Skills

A competent Sales Intern should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job requirements, such as:

Sales Skills: Developing understanding of the sales process, and ability to close deals
Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse range of customers, presenting products and services in a compelling manner
Interpersonal Skills: Building relationships with clients and colleagues
Organization Skills: Managing multiple tasks simultaneously, keeping track of leads, and maintaining detailed records of sales activities
Self-Motivation: High level of initiative and self-drive
Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within a team to reach sales targets
Problem Solving: Ability to understand customer needs and suggest suitable solutions to their problems
Knowledge of CRM Software: Familiarity with customer relationship management software
Customer Service: Excellent customer service skills to ensure customer satisfaction and build long term relationships

Sales Intern Experience Requirements

Sales Interns are typically students or recent graduates, hence direct sales experience is not always a requirement.

However, having some exposure to customer service, part-time sales roles, or volunteer work that demonstrates interpersonal skills can be advantageous.

The candidate may also gain relevant experience through university clubs, organizations, or courses related to business, marketing, or communication.

Such experiences can help develop skills in relationship building, negotiation, and persuasion, which are key in sales roles.

Candidates with some work experience, even if it’s not in sales specifically, may demonstrate the ability to manage time effectively, work in a team, and show initiative – all valuable skills for a sales intern.

Having strong communication skills, both written and verbal, is crucial in a sales role, and any prior experience where these skills were developed could be beneficial.

An intern with more than a year’s worth of relevant experience may be ready to take on more responsibilities during the internship, such as handling some client accounts under supervision, assisting in planning sales strategies, or helping in developing sales presentations.

Sales Intern Education and Training Requirements

Sales Interns are typically college students or recent graduates who are pursuing or have obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field.

They should have a basic understanding of sales principles and customer service practices, which can be obtained through coursework or previous job experiences.

Strong skills in communication, negotiation, and relationship building are essential for this role.

Interns may also benefit from classes in psychology, sociology, and economics to understand customer behavior and market trends.

Knowledge of consumer behavior and business strategies can be an asset in this field.

Some organizations may prefer sales interns to have a basic proficiency in a CRM system or other sales technologies.

While not required, a certification in sales or marketing can make a candidate stand out.

This could include courses in digital marketing, sales techniques, or business strategy.

As this is an entry-level position, the primary focus is on learning and application rather than previous work experience.

The intern will receive on-the-job training to understand the company’s products or services, sales process, and customer management.

Active involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly in leadership roles, can also demonstrate the individual’s initiative and teamwork skills.

Sales Intern Salary Expectations

A Sales Intern can expect to earn an average wage of $15.00 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can vary based on factors such as the duration of the internship, the size and industry of the company, and the geographical location.

Sales Intern Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Sales Intern need?

Sales Interns should have strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with customers and the sales team effectively.

They should also be highly organized and detail-oriented to manage records and keep track of sales data.

Moreover, having a keen interest in learning about different sales techniques and the ability to work in a team environment is also important.

Do Sales Interns need a degree?

While a degree is not necessarily required for a Sales Internship, most companies prefer candidates who are pursuing or have completed a degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.

The internship is often a stepping stone towards a career in sales, so relevant educational background can be beneficial.

What should you look for in a Sales Intern resume?

Look for relevant coursework or previous internship experience in sales or marketing.

Additionally, strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with sales software or CRM platforms are desirable.

Lastly, personal qualities such as self-motivation, an eagerness to learn, and the ability to work in a team should be evident.

What qualities make a good Sales Intern?

A good Sales Intern is proactive, eager to learn, and able to adapt quickly to new situations.

They should have excellent communication and customer service skills.

The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is also critical.

Moreover, they should be results-driven and motivated by meeting and exceeding sales targets.

What does the daily routine of a Sales Intern look like?

Sales Interns’ typical day might include assisting the sales team with research to identify potential leads, maintaining and updating sales records, preparing sales reports, and participating in team meetings or sales workshops.

They may also accompany senior sales representatives on client meetings or sales calls for hands-on learning.

Their exact duties may vary depending on the company and the specific sales goals.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we demystified what it truly means to be a sales intern.

It’s not just about making sales.

It’s about shaping the future of commerce, one customer interaction at a time.

Armed with our fail-safe sales intern job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But don’t stop here.

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating razor-sharp job listings or refining your resume to a tee.

Every customer interaction contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future of commerce. Together.

The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

About

InterviewGuy.com is founded by a team of seasoned interviewers and hiring managers with decades of experience conducting job interviews. With over 50 years of combined experience screening and hiring top talent, we've seen pretty much every interview question under the sun. Our mission is to share that collective insider knowledge and help candidates at all stages of their careers land their dream jobs. Whether you're preparing for your first or your fiftieth interview, we've got you covered with comprehensive guides on how to answer the interview questions you're likely to face.

InterviewGuy.com As Seen On

Interview Guy

Where Job Seekers Become Job Getters!

Mission: To empower job seekers with comprehensive resources and expert advice to excel in interviews.

Vision: To be the ultimate interview preparation destination for candidates worldwide.