Typical Tasks
Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory.
Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
A day in the life
What kind of work is this?
Enterprising
Business based Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
What personality traits do you need to succeed?
Cooperation
Adaptability/Flexibility
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Stress Tolerance
What key skills are needed for this job?
Negotiation
Persuasion
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Expected Knowledge
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Common Activities
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
