Cosmetics Sales Representative Job Description, Career as a Cosmetics Sales Representative, Salary, Employment

Education and Training: High school diploma

Salary Median: $37,000 per year

Employment Outlook: Good

Cosmetics sales representatives are responsible for promoting and selling beauty and cosmetic products to buyers and retailers. They must have strong knowledge in color matching and application and must be comfortable with various cosmetic items. Cosmetics sales representatives often work with sales teams and conduct product demonstrations to generate an interest in beauty items among customers and retailers.

Some essential functions of a cosmetics sales representative include determining customer needs and buying potential; developing customer relations by educating the customers about a cosmetics company’s services, products, and prices; answering customers’ questions and handling service situations when required; preparing transaction reports and maintaining expense accounts; and working effectively to expand customer base.

Education and Training Requirements

Although no formal education is necessary for starting a career as a cosmetics sales representative, a high school diploma is often preferred. A bachelor’s degree from a four-year university or college, one or two years of relevant training or experience, or the equivalent combination of experience and education is highly preferable. A college degree is generally required for management positions in large retail stores.

In large establishments, training programs are usually offered to those new to the field of cosmetics sales. Various topics, such as the store’s rules and regulations, customer service, and security are covered during such training period. Depending on what type of cosmetic products a sales representative is selling, employees may be provided additional specialized training. Cosmetic sales representatives with good knowledge of computer software applications and strong presentation skills are sought after by small and large establishments.

Getting the Job

Individuals who wish to work as cosmetics sales representatives can directly approach employers for suitable job openings. State and private employment offices often help candidates find jobs. Online career sites and newspaper advertisements are helpful too. Information regarding such openings can be found in business periodicals and professional journals.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Experienced cosmetics sales representatives can, over years, take on positions of greater responsibility, like that of store managers. Representatives who work for small stores can be promoted to executive roles in the company’s headquarters. Some may use their experience to find a better job in other sales areas.

Employment opportunities for this occupation are likely to be good in the coming years. Openings will normally take place as some experienced workers are transferred to other jobs or leave their cosmetics jobs for other causes. New jobs for cosmetics sales representatives are likely to be created as sales of beauty products will increase with the growth in population.

Working Conditions

While on duty, cosmetics sales representatives are involved in a lot of physical activities. Most of them work in comfortable, clean, and well-lit stores. For some representatives the work might become repetitive, especially since stores remain busy throughout the long holiday seasons and rush hours. Cosmetics sales representatives work evenings and weekends. A lot of candidates work part-time during the weekends and other busy periods.

Where to Go for More Information

The Sales Association
2460 W. 26th Ave., Suite 245-C
Denver, CO 80211
Phone: 720-259-1250
http://www.salesassociation.org/

National Association of Sales Professionals
37557 Newburgh Park Cir.
Livonia, MI 48152
Phone: 866-684-5221
http://www.nasp.com/

Salary, Earnings and Benefits

The average annual salary of cosmetics sales representatives in the United States is $37,000. The earnings can vary significantly due to differences in location, industry, experience, company, and benefits.

Cosmetics sales representatives receive commissions in addition to their salary. This commission generally depends on the number of sales they have made over a particular period of time. Additionally, full-time employees are offered sick leaves and paid vacations.