IT Sales Executive

Introduction
IT Sales Executives work in stores selling computers and computer-related
goods. They help customers to choose the products that best meet their
needs, and perform all the tasks necessary to complete the sale.

Also known as
Computer Sales Assistant
Retail Assistant, Computers
Salesperson, Computers
Software Sales Assistant

Work Activities
IT Sales Executives work in stores selling computers and computer-related goods. You help customers to choose the
products that would best meet their needs, and perform all the tasks necessary to complete the sale.

The products likely to be on offer in a computer/software store include:

computers, laptops and tablets

printers, scanners, webcams and data storage devices
accessories (such as cables and carry cases for laptop computers)
consumables (for example, paper and toner cartridges)
books on computing
computer software (such as word-processing packages and games)

Many customers will not have a detailed knowledge of computers, so you might need to spend a while talking to
them to find out their needs.

Customers could be planning to spend hundreds or even thousands of pounds so they will expect in-depth
information and informed advice. In many cases, the customer will also want you to demonstrate the hardware or
software concerned. IT Sales Executives spend time keeping their own product knowledge up to date so that they can
carry out these duties confidently.

Business customers could have specific requirements for non-standard technical hardware or software that the IT
Sales Executives has to order from the manufacturer.

When a sale has been made, you process the payment. Some customers might apply for a credit deal, where they
take out a loan to pay for the goods and then repay the amount over a number of months or years, with interest. The
IT Sales Executive processes these loan applications over the telephone or online.

At the end of the transaction, you will give the customer a detailed receipt and perhaps a separate guarantee. You
are usually expected to offer the customer the option of buying extra products and services such as an extended
warranty.

As well as your direct selling responsibilities, you are generally expected to perform a range of other duties. These
could include:

dusting and tidying the products on display

replacing products sold with new products from the stockroom
setting up display machines and making sure they work properly
unpacking deliveries from suppliers or the company warehouse
checking that all goods on display have price tickets and security tags
dealing with customer complaints and returned goods

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 keeping an eye open for theft by customers

Many computer/software stores also have associated mail order and internet operations. In such cases, your
responsibilities might also include taking telephone orders and enquiries, answering letters and emails, processing
orders, and general post room duties. You might work in contact centres, where all the sales work is done by
telephone and email.

In some small or specialised shops, you might help with servicing and/or repairing computers.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal Qualities and Skills

To become an IT Sales Executive, you will need to be able to:

develop a good knowledge of the products on sale

listen carefully to customers to try to understand their needs
explain complex technical matters to customers
remain calm and confident at all times, even when you are under pressure
work well in a team
complete paperwork and keep accurate records

Pay and Opportunities

Pay

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Starting: £21,500 - £24,500

With experience: £27,500 - £34,000
Senior IT Sales Executives earn £38,500 - £44,000

Salaries often include commission, based on sales. Benefits might include staff discounts.

Hourly rates vary between the national minimum wage and £10 an hour.

Hours of work

IT Sales Executives usually work 35-39 hours per week. However, you might be required to work in the evenings or at
weekends and receive overtime pay or time off in lieu.

Where could I work?

Employers include small specialist computer shops, chain stores selling electronic goods, office supply companies
and even supermarkets and large department stores.

Opportunities for IT Sales Executives occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

This career could include working for an agency.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on job boards and large employers' websites, on Find a Job and at
Jobcentre Plus.

Entry Routes and Training

Entry routes

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 You can enter this career by applying directly to shops and stores.

An Intermediate Level Apprenticeship is also a great place to start. Take a look at our information article
'Apprenticeships – How do I apply', for more details about applying for apprenticeship positions.

Training

IT Sales Executives are trained by their employers in matters such as product knowledge, customer service and use of
the cash till.

In large stores, a group of trainees starting at the same time might complete an induction course conducted by the
Training Manager away from the sales floor. IT Sales Executives sometimes attend short product knowledge courses
run by major suppliers such as computer manufacturers. Some product knowledge training might be done online.

If you would like some training, City & Guilds offer a level 3 qualification in customer service. This course has a range
of units, which include:

demonstrating your understanding of customer service

demonstrating understanding of the rules that impact on improvements in customer service
dealing with customers in writing or electronically
using customer service as a competitive tool
organising the promotion of additional services or products to customers
building a customer service knowledge set
organising the delivery of reliable customer service
improving the customer relationship
processing customer service complaints
working with others to improve customer service
leading a team to improve customer service

Other courses could be available in your area.

Work Experience

Some entrants have developed relevant skills through dealing with the public, or in retail and customer care. A
knowledge of, and interest in, information technology is also an advantage.

Progression

IT Sales Executives could progress to Team Leader or Manager posts.

Qualifications
To get onto an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship, you’ll usually need at least 2 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, possibly
including English and maths.

Other work-related qualifications, such as a BTEC level 1,2 or 3 qualification in retail knowledge might also be
acceptable for entry.

Adult Opportunities
Age limits

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show
there is a real need to have these limits.

Entry

Some entrants have developed relevant skills through dealing with the public, or in retail and customer care. A
knowledge of, and interest in, information technology is also an advantage.

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 Intermediate Level Apprenticeships and Advanced Level Apprenticeships might be available in your area.

Statistics

70% of people in occupations such as IT Sales Executives work part-time.

5% have flexible hours.
6% of employees work on a temporary basis.

Further Information
Contacts

Apprenticeships: Get In. Go Far

National Apprenticeship Service (NAS)
Tel: 0800 015 0400
Email: nationalhelpdesk@findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk
Website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Skills Development Scotland - Modern Apprenticeships

Tel: 0800 9178000
Email: info@skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Website: www.myworldofwork.co.uk/modernapprenticeships

Jobsite UK
Retail, fashion and hospitality industries
Tel: 020 8340 3366
Email: help@jobsite.co.uk
Website: www.theappointment.co.uk

A Career in Retail
Email: jmarshall@pts.com
Website: www.acareerinretail.co.uk

InRetail
Retail recruitment
Website: www.inretail.co.uk

People 1st
Address: 4th Floor, 93 Newman Street, London W1T 3EZ
Tel: 020 7462 5060
Email: info@people1st.co.uk
Website: www.nsaforretail.com

Careers Wales - Welsh Apprenticeships

Tel: 0800 028 4844
Website: ams.careerswales.com/

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