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How a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products) can use AI, task by task

O*NET 41-4011.00: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific ProductsMedian pay $104,920/year (BLS, May 2025)33 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Inside Sales Representative, Marketing Representative, Sales Representative.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 22%AI-assist 73%Stays human 5%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 7 AI-ready, 24 AI-assist and 2 human-led tasks out of 33. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, or credit terms.Answer questions · Daily
  2. Quote prices, credit terms, or other bid specifications.Crunch the numbers · Daily
  3. Contact new or existing customers to discuss how specific products or services can meet their needs.Sell & persuade · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Demonstrate the operation or use of technical or scientific products.Be there for people · Weekly
  2. Stock or distribute resources, such as samples or promotional or educational materials.Be there for people · Weekly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 7

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Maintain customer records, using automated systems.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 88% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to maintain customer records, using automated systems.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Word.
Accounts: [describe]
Updates: [paste]

Draft entries. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Customer account records

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain customer records (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Accounts] and [Updates] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain records of customer accounts..

Prepare and submit sales contracts for orders.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to prepare and submit sales contracts for orders.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Word.
Deal: [booking, rental, sale]
Terms: [parties' roles, price, dates, payment, cancellation]

Draft a clear contract with standard sections and blanks to fill. Flag clauses that need legal review.

10-minute exercise: Contract draft

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare and submit sales contracts (today).
Step 2Fill in [Deal] and [Terms] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Have anything unusual reviewed by a lawyer before signing. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare sales or other contracts.. Also involves: Process sales or other transactions..

Complete expense reports, sales reports, or other paperwork.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 50% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to complete expense reports, sales reports, or other paperwork.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Word.
Report: [budget, expense, financial summary]
Figures and context: [paste numbers, notes]
Audience: [board, manager, regulator]

Draft the report with a summary, tables, variances explained and next steps. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Financial or budget report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you complete expense reports and sales reports (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Report], [Figures and context] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute every total and check each variance explanation against the books.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.. Also involves: Maintain records of sales or other business transactions..

Prepare sales presentations or proposals to explain product specifications or applications.

Weekly

AI generates ideas and first drafts to choose from.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 36% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a brainstorming partner and first-draft machine for copy, concepts and variations. Your taste and judgment pick the winner.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to prepare sales presentations or proposals to explain product specifications or applications.

Context: We use YouTube and LinkedIn; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Client and product: [who, what]
Format: [deck, sample ad, proposal]

Draft a presentation outline, sample ad copy and recommended sizes or formats. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Sales presentation content

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare sales presentations or proposals (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Client and product] and [Format] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Tailor it with what you know about the client.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop content for sales presentations or other materials..

Study documentation or other information for new scientific or technical products.

Monthly

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to study documentation or other information for new scientific or technical products.

Context: The work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Product: [paste the spec sheet or documentation]
Audience: [who I'll explain or demo it to]

Summarize key features, benefits, limits and likely customer questions with answers. Then quiz me. Use examples from my line of work, quiz me with 5 questions one at a time, and list trustworthy sources.

10-minute exercise: Product study

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you study documentation or other information.
Step 2Fill in [Product] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every claim against the official spec sheet.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Study product information to acquire professional knowledge..

Verify accuracy of materials lists.

Weekly

AI is a tireless first-pass checker.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 56% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a tireless proofreader. It catches inconsistencies, missing fields and errors across documents and data, so your review time goes on what matters.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to verify accuracy of materials lists.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Records: [paste claim, title or file data, private details removed]
What they must match: [source documents, rules]

Compare item by item and list discrepancies, missing items and next steps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Record accuracy check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you verify accuracy of materials lists (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [What they must match] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Confirm each discrepancy in the source documents.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Verify accuracy of records..

Verify customer credit ratings.

Monthly

AI is a tireless first-pass checker.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a tireless proofreader. It catches inconsistencies, missing fields and errors across documents and data, so your review time goes on what matters.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to verify customer credit ratings.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Purpose: [credit approval, check cashing]
Information provided: [what the customer gave]

List checks to run, red flags and decision rules from policy. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Credit check routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you verify customer credit ratings. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Purpose] and [Information provided] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Verify customer credit information..

AI can help you prep these 24

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, or credit terms.

Daily

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 51% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, or credit terms.

Context: We use Salesforce software; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Product or service: [insurance, publication]
Questions: [list]

Write clear answers. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Product question answers

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you answer customers' questions about products, prices and availability (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Product or service] and [Questions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Answer customer questions about goods or services..

Quote prices, credit terms, or other bid specifications.

Daily

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 36% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to quote prices, credit terms, or other bid specifications.

Context: We use MicroStrategy and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Sale: [trade-in, materials needed, terms]
Inputs: [measurements, prices, condition]

Calculate quantities and price with formulas and a quote summary. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Sales quote calculation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you quote prices and credit terms (today).
Step 2Fill in [Sale] and [Inputs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Estimate costs or terms of sales..

Contact new or existing customers to discuss how specific products or services can meet their needs.

Daily

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 69% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to contact new or existing customers to discuss how specific products or services can meet their needs.

Context: We use Salesforce software and HubSpot software; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Offer: [service]
Prospects: [type]

Draft an outreach message and call script. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Prospecting outreach

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you contact new or existing customers (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Offer] and [Prospects] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Contact current or potential customers to promote products or services..

Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.

Daily

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 49% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.

Context: We use HubSpot software and Google Ads; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Deal: [contract, trade]
Target: [price]

Prepare and role-play. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Price negotiation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements (today).
Step 2Fill in [Deal] and [Target] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Negotiate prices or other sales terms..

Visit establishments to evaluate needs or to promote product or service sales.

Weekly

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to visit establishments to evaluate needs or to promote product or service sales.

Context: We use HubSpot software and Google Ads; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Offer: [service]
Prospects: [type]

Draft an outreach message and call script. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Prospecting outreach

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you visit establishments (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Offer] and [Prospects] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Contact current or potential customers to promote products or services.. Also involves: Gather customer or product information to determine customer needs..

Emphasize product features, based on analyses of customers' needs and on technical knowledge of product capabilities and limitations.

Daily

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 26% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to emphasize product features, based on analyses of customers' needs and on technical knowledge of product capabilities and limitations.

Context: The work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Situation: [complaint or question, no names]
Policy and options: [what we can offer]

Draft a response that acknowledges, explains and offers a solution. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Resolve a customer question or complaint

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you emphasize product features and based (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Policy and options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Make sure the offer is within your authority.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Explain technical product or service information to customers..

Inform customers of estimated delivery schedules, service contracts, warranties, or other information pertaining to purchased products.

Daily

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to inform customers of estimated delivery schedules, service contracts, warranties, or other information pertaining to purchased products.

Context: The work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Situation: [complaint or question, no names]
Policy and options: [what we can offer]

Draft a response that acknowledges, explains and offers a solution. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Resolve a customer question or complaint

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inform customers of estimated delivery schedules, service contracts (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Policy and options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Make sure the offer is within your authority. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Explain technical product or service information to customers..

Collaborate with colleagues to exchange information, such as selling strategies or marketing information.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to collaborate with colleagues to exchange information, such as selling strategies or marketing information.

Context: We use IBM Notes and Zoom.
Market information: [prices, volumes, conditions]
Audience: [colleagues, customers]

Draft a concise update. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Market update

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with colleagues (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Market information] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Share sales-related or market information with colleagues..

Identify prospective customers, using business directories, leads from existing clients, participation in organizations, or trade show or conference attendance.

Weekly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 69% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to identify prospective customers, using business directories, leads from existing clients, participation in organizations, or trade show or conference attendance.

Context: We use MicroStrategy and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Offer: [product, fund, service]
Ideal customer: [traits]
Data: [paste leads or market info]

Score and rank prospects, and suggest where to find more. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Prospect list

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you identify prospective customers (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Offer], [Ideal customer] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Identify potential customers..

Select or assist customers in selecting products based on customer needs, product specifications, and applicable regulations.

Daily

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 38% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to select or assist customers in selecting products based on customer needs, product specifications, and applicable regulations.

Context: We use Salesforce software; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Customer needs: [describe]
Options: [products, treatments]

Write honest recommendations with pros and cons. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Recommendations

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select or assist customers (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Customer needs] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Recommend products or services to customers..

Verify that delivery schedules meet project deadlines.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to verify that delivery schedules meet project deadlines.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP software.
Items: [describe]
Destinations: [describe]

Organize a delivery schedule and confirmations. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Delivery arrangements

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you verify that delivery schedules meet project deadlines (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Items] and [Destinations] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Arrange delivery of goods or services..

Compute customer's installation or production costs and estimate savings from new services, products, or equipment.

Daily

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to compute customer's installation or production costs and estimate savings from new services, products, or equipment.

Context: We use MicroStrategy and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Sale: [trade-in, materials needed, terms]
Inputs: [measurements, prices, condition]

Calculate quantities and price with formulas and a quote summary. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Sales quote calculation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compute customer's installation or production costs and estimate savings (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Sale] and [Inputs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Estimate costs or terms of sales..

Advise customers on product usage to improve production.

Weekly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 47% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to advise customers on product usage to improve production.

Context: We use Salesforce software; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Product or service: [describe]
Common questions: [list]

Write follow-up advice and tips. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Usage advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise customers (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Product or service] and [Common questions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise customers on the use of products or services..

Provide customers with ongoing technical support.

Weekly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 68% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to provide customers with ongoing technical support.

Context: We use Salesforce software; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Product or service: [describe]
Common questions: [list]

Write follow-up advice and tips. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Usage advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide customers (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Product or service] and [Common questions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise customers on the use of products or services..

Attend sales or trade meetings or read related publications to obtain information about market conditions, business trends, environmental regulations, or industry developments.

Monthly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to attend sales or trade meetings or read related publications to obtain information about market conditions, business trends, environmental regulations, or industry developments.

Context: We use IBM SPSS Statistics and SAS; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Market: [industry, products, region]
What I need: [demand, prices, competitors]

Summarize recent trends, signals to watch, and reliable sources to track monthly. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Market watch brief

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attend sales or trade meetings.
Step 2Fill in [Market] and [What I need] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run it with a web-search AI tool. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor market conditions or trends.. Also involves: Attend events to develop professional knowledge..

Provide feedback to product design teams so that products can be tailored to clients' needs.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to provide feedback to product design teams so that products can be tailored to clients' needs.

Context: We use IBM Notes and Zoom.
Topic: [security, system design]
Who: [IT, architects]

Draft talking points and questions. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical discussion prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide feedback (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Discuss design or technical features of products or services with technical personnel..

Consult with engineers regarding technical problems with products.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to consult with engineers regarding technical problems with products.

Context: We use IBM Notes and Zoom.
Topic: [security, system design]
Who: [IT, architects]

Draft talking points and questions. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical discussion prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you consult with engineers regarding technical problems.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Discuss design or technical features of products or services with technical personnel..

Initiate sales campaigns to meet sales and production expectations.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to initiate sales campaigns to meet sales and production expectations.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Scheduling software; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Campaign: [promotion, display]
Goals and budget: [describe]

Plan timeline, displays, ads and staff roles. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Sales campaign plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you initiate sales campaigns.
Step 2Fill in [Campaign] and [Goals and budget] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Coordinate sales campaigns..

Sell service contracts for technical or scientific products.

Weekly

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to sell service contracts for technical or scientific products.

Context: We use Salesforce software and HubSpot software; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
What I'm selling: [products, services, memberships]
Customer: [type, needs]

Prepare a pitch, questions and honest answers to objections. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Sales conversation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you sell service contracts (this week).
Step 2Fill in [What I'm selling] and [Customer] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Sell products or services..

Arrange for installation and testing of products or machinery.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to arrange for installation and testing of products or machinery.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP software.
Items: [describe]
Destinations: [describe]

Organize a delivery schedule and confirmations. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Delivery arrangements

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you arrange for installation and testing of products or machinery (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Items] and [Destinations] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Arrange delivery of goods or services..

Visit establishments, such as pharmacies, to determine product sales.

Weekly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to visit establishments, such as pharmacies, to determine product sales.

Context: We use MicroStrategy and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Team or store: [describe]
Sales data: [paste by person, product or day]
Goals: [targets]

Show performance vs goal, trends, and coaching or stock actions. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Sales tracking

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you visit establishments (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Team or store], [Sales data] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick one action and check results next week.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Monitor sales activities..

Sell technical and scientific products that are environmentally sound or designed for environmental remediation.

Weekly

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to sell technical and scientific products that are environmentally sound or designed for environmental remediation.

Context: We use Salesforce software and HubSpot software; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
What I'm selling: [products, services, memberships]
Customer: [type, needs]

Prepare a pitch, questions and honest answers to objections. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Sales conversation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you sell technical and scientific products (this week).
Step 2Fill in [What I'm selling] and [Customer] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Sell products or services..

Present information to customers about the energy efficiency or environmental impact of scientific or technical products.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 16% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to present information to customers about the energy efficiency or environmental impact of scientific or technical products.

Context: We use IBM SPSS Statistics and SAS; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Situation: [complaint or question, no names]
Policy and options: [what we can offer]

Draft a response that acknowledges, explains and offers a solution. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Resolve a customer question or complaint

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you present information to customers about the energy efficiency. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Policy and options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Make sure the offer is within your authority.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 2.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Explain technical product or service information to customers.. Also involves: Deliver promotional presentations to current or prospective customers..

Inform customers about issues related to responsible use and disposal of products, such as waste reduction or product or byproduct recycling or disposal.

A few times a year

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 58% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to inform customers about issues related to responsible use and disposal of products, such as waste reduction or product or byproduct recycling or disposal.

Context: We use Salesforce software; the work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Product or service: [describe]
Common questions: [list]

Write follow-up advice and tips. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Usage advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inform customers about issues. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Product or service] and [Common questions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 2.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Advise customers on the use of products or services..

These stay human 2

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Frequency of decisions: every day · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Impact of decisions: important results

Demonstrate the operation or use of technical or scientific products.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to demonstrate the operation or use of technical or scientific products.

Context: The work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Product: [describe]
Audience: [describe]

Prepare a demo script and answers to questions. Then play a skeptical customer. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Product demonstration

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you demonstrate the operation (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Product] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Rehearse the demo with the real product.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Demonstrate products to consumers..

Stock or distribute resources, such as samples or promotional or educational materials.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative (technical and scientific products). Part of my job is to stock or distribute resources, such as samples or promotional or educational materials.

Context: The work draws on sales and marketing, customer and personal service and production and processing.
Samples: [work, artwork]
Recipients: [employers, clients]

Prepare cover notes and follow-up. Then play the recipient. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Samples outreach

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you stock or distribute resources (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Samples] and [Recipients] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Distribute promotional literature or samples to customers.. Also involves: Stock products or parts..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Active Listeningimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Selling or Influencing Others
  • Speakingimportance 4.2/5
    Used in: Selling or Influencing Others
  • Social Perceptivenessimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Selling or Influencing Others
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.4/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (39% of workers)

  • High school or less 14%
  • Certificate or some college 44%
  • Bachelor's 41%
  • On-the-job training: 1–3 months
  • Related experience: 2–4 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Amazon Web Services AWS softwareApache HadoopGoogle AnalyticsGoogle Workspace softwareHubSpot softwareIBM SPSS StatisticsIntuit QuickBooksLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Azure softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software

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