Sales Representative job description template

LiveRec EditorialUpdated

US format for the sales representative job description, federal rules as of 30 Oct 2026. State and local rules vary.

A sales representative finds buyers, explains a product, negotiates and closes orders. A useful posting states what is sold and to whom, inside or outside sales, the quota and how it is measured, the pay structure (base, commission, or both) and how long a normal sales cycle runs.

At a glance

  • Explain the pay mix: base, commission rate or draw, and when commission is paid.
  • Give the territory or account list, and whether leads are provided.
  • Say how quota is set and what share of reps reach it, only if you can show the data.

Template

Sales Representative
[COMPANY] | [CITY, STATE or Remote] | [Full-time / Part-time / Contract]

PAY: $[MIN] to $[MAX] per [hour / year]. Benefits: [LIST].

SUMMARY
A sales representative finds buyers, explains a product, negotiates and closes orders. At [COMPANY] you will [OUTCOME FOR THE FIRST YEAR] and report to [TITLE].

RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prospect and qualify new accounts in [TERRITORY / SEGMENT]
- Present and demonstrate [PRODUCT / SERVICE] to buyers
- Prepare quotes and negotiate terms within approved limits
- Manage pipeline and activity in [CRM]
- Maintain relationships with existing accounts and spot repeat orders
- Forecast monthly sales for [MANAGER]
- Share customer and market feedback with [TEAM]

REQUIREMENTS
- [N] years of B2B or B2C selling, or equivalent experience
- Track record against a quota, shown through references you can check
- Clear presentation and negotiation skills
- Comfort with a CRM and basic spreadsheets
- Valid driver's license and reliable transport, only if outside sales travel is essential

NICE TO HAVE
- Knowledge of [INDUSTRY]
- Experience selling to [BUYER TITLE]
- Experience with [CRM]

HOW WE HIRE
[Interview rounds, any test, timeline. Say that applicants never pay a fee.]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
[COMPANY] considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. To request an adjustment, contact [EMAIL].

Duties and skills follow the O*NET OnLine summary for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products (41-4012.00), the US Department of Labor's occupational database.

How to customize it

  • Commission plan: put the plan in writing and give it to candidates before the offer. Several states require written commission agreements.
  • Overtime: inside sales reps are often non-exempt. The outside-sales exemption applies only to people who customarily work away from the employer's place of business.
  • Quota claims: do not state "uncapped earnings" or typical totals unless you can document them.
  • Travel: state percentage of travel and whether a vehicle allowance applies.
  • Level: delete the junior or senior wording that does not apply, and cut every requirement you would not screen for.
  • Pay: enter your own approved range. Several states require a range in the posting; see pay transparency laws.

How to post it on LiveRec

  1. Open Jobs and choose Post a job.
  2. Choose Use a template or a previous job, Describe it with AI, or Create a new job from scratch.
  3. Paste the summary, responsibilities and requirements into the Description step, then complete the screening and assessment steps.
  4. Use Preview posting to see what candidates see, then choose Post job.

Steps and limits are in Post a job on LiveRec. When the applicants arrive, use the sales representative interview questions.

FAQ

Should I list on-target earnings? Show the pay range required by your state and describe the commission plan. Do not advertise earnings most reps do not reach.

Inside or outside sales? Inside reps sell by phone, video and email from your location or home. Outside reps travel to customers. The distinction also affects overtime rules.

Next step

Fill the placeholders, check the finished text against how to write a job description, and post it. Build a scorecard from the requirements list.

Sources

  • O*NET OnLine, 41-4012.00 Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/41-4012.00
  • EEOC, Prohibited Employment Policies/Practices: https://www.eeoc.gov/prohibited-employment-policies-practices
  • US DOL Wage and Hour Division, FLSA: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa
  • US DOL, Fact Sheet 17F, outside sales exemption: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/17f-overtime-outside-sales

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.