Account Executive Job Descriptions for Hiring Managers and HR

What Does an Account Executive Do?

People who are ambitious, have excellent communication skills, and like working with others are a great fit for an account executive position. To be successful as an account executive, you must be goal-oriented, determined, and ready to work hard.

Account executives are the primary point of contact between a business and its clients and vendors. They manage all sales-related interactions in support of current contracts while continuously building stronger relationships and ensuring both parties are satisfied. They also find creative ways to locate prospective clients and close sales deals to create new customers. These executives work in various industries, such as advertising, public relations, financial services, and technology.

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National Average Salary

Account executive salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

Account executive salary data

The average U.S. salary for an Account Executive is:

$67,650

Account Executive Job Descriptions

The key to attracting the ideal account executive often lies in the job description. To make this task easier, we have curated a selection of examples that can be used as templates, ensuring you set the right foundation for your talent search.

Junior Account Executive

Junior account executive responsibilites:

Identify qualified candidates through various recruiting and sourcing tools to fill open positions
Screen and interview qualified candidates
Write and edit job descriptions for assigned positions
Partner with your Sales Manager to engage in outbound communications, via phone and email
Build and maintain relationships with candidates to generate a positive hiring experience from start to finish
Perform various customer service-related activities
Review/ revise resumes, as well as compare the candidate’s qualifications to the job requirements and the client’s needs
Arrange phone and/or face-to-face interviews by coordinating schedules
Onboarding candidates, preparing files, including references, background checks, etc.

Qualifications for an account executive:

2+ years of experience including but not limited to Sales, Customer Service, and/or Recruiting
Must have Microsoft Office experience, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Self-motivated, driven, and eager to learn
Must be willing to work in a team environment
Bachelor’s Degree in Sales, Marketing, Business, HR, or another related field preferred

Account Executive (Generic)

Come grow with us! [Your Company Name] is currently seeking an account executive for an exciting opportunity. In this role, you will be charged with identifying and closing sales opportunities with the clients you manage. This includes contract renewals, up-sells, and cross-sells. Additionally, you will provide a high-level quality of service to our customers. The ideal candidate will be motivated to succeed, well-organized, able to prioritize, and work well with a team.

Typical duties and responsibilities

Creating detailed sales strategies to meet predetermined goals and quotas
Managing the sales cycle, from locating a prospective client to securing a deal
Making sure client needs are met
Uncovering new sales opportunities through networking and turning them into long-term partnerships
Presenting products and services to prospective clients
Providing excellent support to existing clients to maximize customer loyalty
Maintaining a close relationship with clients to build close relationships and meet customer needs
Resolving issues and handling complaints to the customer’s satisfaction
Maintaining the company’s reputation
Negotiating sales agreements
Compiling and analyzing data to find trends
Staying current on company offerings and industry trends

Education and experience

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field
Some fields may require additional certifications or licenses
3 years experience in sales

Required skills and qualifications

Creativity and organizational skills
Negotiation skills
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
Excellent leadership abilities
Sales expertise
Problem-solving and management skills
Strong communication skills

Preferred qualifications

Experience landing new clients
Experience managing clients and promotions
Excellent time management
Experience negotiating with clients for products or services
Experience involving negotiation contracts
Experience networking to find potential clients

Account Executive (Remote)

Job responsibilities

We seek a self-motivated and results-oriented account executive to join our growing team. In this role, you’ll be able to leverage your communication skills and business acumen to build lasting relationships, drive sales, and cultivate a satisfied clientele – while working from your home office.

Successfully sell ABC Company’s products and services to new and existing customers using the ability to present compelling offers and influence customer decision-making
Effectively manage time, be open to learning new methods, and look to advance as an individual contributor
Demonstrate the ability and resilience to bounce back from challenges and maintain focus on larger goals
Assess each customer and their needs to determine the best value
Ability to build and maintain customer relationships
Transpose customer information including demographic, billing, etc.
Provide excellent customer service, listen to the customer and ensure their satisfaction

Requirements

Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Must be a high school graduate; college graduates preferred
Candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment screen, which may include a drug test
Dedicated home office workspace

Senior Account Executive

[Company] seeks a dynamic and results-oriented Senior Account Executive to join our remote team. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in driving strategic client engagement, fostering strong relationships, and contributing to the growth of our business. Your primary responsibility will be to manage and expand a portfolio of key client accounts, utilizing your seasoned sales skills and industry expertise to achieve and exceed sales targets.

Responsibilities:

Develop and execute a comprehensive account strategy for each assigned client, leveraging your deep understanding of their business needs and industry trends.
Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships, acting as the main point of contact and trusted advisor for all matters related to our solutions.
Identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling our products and services to existing clients, contributing to revenue growth.
Collaborate with internal teams, including Marketing, Product Development, and Customer Support, to ensure seamless client onboarding, satisfaction, and issue resolution.
Stay updated on industry developments, market trends, and competitive landscape to provide valuable insights and adapt strategies accordingly.
Prepare and deliver persuasive sales presentations, proposals, and contracts that effectively communicate the value of our offerings to clients.
Monitor and analyze key performance metrics, tracking progress towards sales goals and making data-driven adjustments as needed.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
Demonstrated success of at least 5 years in B2B sales, with a focus on account management and relationship building.
Experience in selling complex solutions, preferably within the technology or software industry.
Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Strategic thinker who can analyze data and trends to drive informed decisions.
Proficiency in using CRM software and sales productivity tools.
Self-motivated and results-driven, with a passion for exceeding targets.
Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Working Conditions:

Travel may be required occasionally for client meetings and industry events.
You will need to provide your own workstation, including a computer and reliable internet connection.
Regular communication with clients and internal teams will be facilitated through digital channels.

If you are a driven, strategic, and customer-focused professional with a proven track record in B2B account management, we invite you to join our team as a Senior Account Executive at [Company]. Your expertise will be pivotal in nurturing client relationships, driving growth, and shaping the success of our business.

Candidate Certifications to Look For

Certified Sales Professional (CSP) – The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) certification is the mark of excellence in the sales field and is designed for sales professionals who want to be recognized for excellence in how well they handle even the largest accounts, and how consistently they meet or exceed sales targets. This program provides candidates with a solid understanding of consultative selling. As a CSP, candidates will demonstrate their ability to improve time and territory management, set goals, and prospect for new clients, among other things.
Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP) – The American Association of Inside Sales Professionals designed this course for sales executives and account managers to develop essential qualities, competencies, and tactical skills required to perform the role of inside sales. A CISP will acquire and master the skills necessary to identify target accounts and customers, research, prospect, and handle objections, manage voicemail and email etiquette, win meetings, and learn the basics of territory, account, and channel management. This program covers a wide range of topics from successful processing to objection handling, and demonstrates the goal of achieving the highest standard of excellence as a sales professional through the desire to keep learning.
Certified Sales Executive (CSE) – This certification is offered by Sales and Marketing Executives International and covers topics such as essential sales skills, how to communicate with customers, and how to manage a sales team. The CSE demonstrates knowledge and understanding of core sales competencies, such as sales management, sales strategies, and buyer-seller relationships. Completion of the course gives candidates access to online forums, educational webinars, and peer connections for knowledge sharing and continued education.

How to Hire an Account Executive

Consider the following when hiring an account executive:

Recruiting: Do you have the internal resources and tools to source and recruit for this role successfully?
Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid, or even junior-level skills suffice?
Duration: Is this a one-time project, or an indefinite need?
Management: Do you have the time and expertise to direct the work effectively?
Urgency: Are there any deadlines associated with this need?
Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?

Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, various great options exist for every scenario, no matter how unique. For hiring an account executive, we recommend the following options:

1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)

The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.

This is the best route to take when:

You need to fill the position quickly
You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff.
You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets

Navy and white 4 Corner Resources banner that says award-winning staffing and recruiting solutions with learn more button

2. Advertise your opening on a top job board

Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice.

We recommend using a job board when:

Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort
You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
You are prepared to respond to all applicants

We recommend using CareerBuilder when hiring an account executive:

CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.

3. Leverage your internal resources

You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates.

A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.

We recommend these options when:

Your brand has great name recognition
You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
You have an effective employee referral program in place

If you are unsure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.

Sample Interview Questions

1. How do you handle rejection?

The question evaluates how well the candidate can bounce back from rejection, a crucial skill in a sales role that impacts long-term effectiveness and job satisfaction.

2. What methods do you employ to locate sales opportunities?

This question assesses the candidate’s proactive approach and knowledge of various lead-generation tools and strategies essential for driving new business.

3. How do you build successful business relationships?

This question probes the candidate’s ability to forge strong, lasting connections with clients, a cornerstone of customer retention.

4. How do you persuade a prospective client who refuses to buy?

This question determines the candidate’s capability to effectively overcome objections, a crucial skill for converting potential losses into wins.

5. How do you handle dissatisfied or aggressive customers?

This question measures the candidate’s problem-solving and communication skills necessary for customer retention and reputation management.

6. What was the most challenging deal you closed?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to navigate complex sales cycles and negotiate effectively under pressure, skills vital for higher-tier sales roles.

7. What did you do to meet an objective when the odds were against you?

This question investigates the candidate’s resilience, creativity, and strategic thinking when faced with challenging situations, qualities essential for long-term success.

8. Define the stages of the sales cycle. Which do you find most challenging and why?

This question tests the candidate’s knowledge of fundamental sales processes and helps uncover potential weaknesses that may require training or attention.

9. What was the quota in your previous position? What was your average deal size? How many people hit this number?

This question provides a chance to collect quantitative data on the candidate’s past performance, setting the stage for evaluating whether their experience aligns with your company’s expectations and goals.

10. What is it that you find motivates you most in sales?

This question sheds light on what drives the candidate, helping you to evaluate whether their motivators align well with the organizational culture and sales targets.