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Outside Sales Representative - Comm/Data

Graybar · Madison, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a sales experience you are proud of, even if it was in a different industry.

What they are checking: Sales instincts and persuasion, since only one year of experience is required.

How would you learn a new product line quickly enough to sell it with confidence?

What they are checking: Whether they can teach themselves new products on their own, since outside reps work largely without supervision.

How comfortable are you with overnight travel, and how do you stay productive on the road?

What they are checking: Whether they are honestly ready for regular overnight travel and can stay organized and productive while away.

Tell me about a time you were told no by a customer and still found a way to win the business later.

What they are checking: Whether they keep a relationship warm after a loss and come back with something useful when timing changes.

What would you do

How would you find new customers in the Madison area for comm/data products?

What they are checking: Whether they have a concrete plan for finding comm/data buyers in Madison instead of waiting for leads.

A customer wants a lower price than our pricing policy allows. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can hold to pricing policy and protect gross margin while still keeping the customer engaged.

A customer complains that cable for a data center job arrived damaged. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they handle a customer complaint quickly and know to report a potential freight or damage claim.

What would you share with your manager about competitors you hear about in the field?

What they are checking: Whether they treat what they hear about competitors as useful information to share with their manager and team.

About the work

What do you know about communications and data products, like structured cabling, fiber or network infrastructure?

What they are checking: Product knowledge for the comm/data market they would sell into.

How do you keep track of your customers and follow-ups when you are on the road?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep accurate customer records and reports while spending most of the week on the road.

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The full job description

As published by Graybar.

Are you ready? As an Outside Sales Representative, you will develop new prospects and maintain contacts with established customers for the purpose of selling Company products, and customarily and regularly interact with prospects and customers in person at the customer's site of business or other off-site locations. In this role you will: • Responsible for meeting or exceeding assigned annual gross margin budget by promoting and selling products assigned territory in compliance with the Company's pricing policies • Handle customer complaints promptly and effectively, and report potential claims • Keep management informed of local competition and market conditions • Carry out sales and merchandise programs as directed, and recommend new items for stock • Maintain current customer records, files, and reports of business transactions; assist in collection of past due accounts • Participate in training sessions, trade shows, and sales meetings as requested • Demonstrate products after sale when necessary What you bring to the table: • Minimum 1 year experience required; 2+ years experience preferred • 4 year degree preferred • Knowledge of business administration, sales, and marketing • Negotiation skills • Ability to learn our business and to work independently to achieve goals • Ability to sell and be persuasive • Extensive travel required, including some overnight travel. Compensation Details: The expected base salary for this position is starting at $45,000 annually depending on experience. This position is also bonus eligible - based on specific and relevant business metrics. This role requires the use of your personal vehicle for business purposes. Graybar offers a Fixed and Variable Rate (FAVR) reimbursement program to support eligible drivers. This program allows you to choose and drive your own vehicle, rather than a company-assigned car, and your reimbursements can help you build equity in your vehicle over time. Please note that certain vehicle requirements, such as age and original MSRP, may impact your eligibility for tax-free reimbursement. More information about Graybar's FAVR reimbursement program will be shared upon hire. The Value of Graybar: At Graybar, we are known for our comprehensive benefits and our employee stock ownership plan! Most regular, full-time employees at Graybar may be eligible for a variety of benefits like: • Multiple plan options for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug benefits. • Life Insurance coverage for you and options for your family. • Save on expenses with Flexible Spending Accounts . • Enjoy our Disability Benefits at no cost to you. • Share in our success with P rofit Sharing Plans . • 401(k) Savings Plan with company match to help secure your future. • Paid Vacation & Sick Days to spend time away from work or in case of an illness. • Rest and recharge during our Paid Holidays throughout the year. • Take advantage of our Paid Wellness Day to focus on preventive care and prioritize your health. • Volunteer with Community Time Off to give back to the community. • Predictable Work Schedules to plan your life: no weekends or nights for most roles. • Celebrate your and others' achievements with our Employee Recognition Program . • Reach your career goals with our Educational Reimbursement and Career Development Programs . • And More Perks that support your well-being and career growth. Benefit eligibility may vary across locations and roles, so be sure to check in with your recruiter for more information. Why should you join Graybar? At Graybar, our employees are the heart and soul of our company. We believe that employees with diverse perspectives bring the ideas and innovative thinking we need to solve our biggest challenges and compete in an ever-changing world. Consistent with our values, we welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences into our company because we believe it’s the right thing to do and the right way to run our business. We want each of our employees to know that they matter and to feel a sense of belonging, ownership and inclusion at Graybar. We believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and we work to build a collaborative environment where our employees have the opportunity to grow, learn and make a difference, both as individuals and as part of the team. That’s what our employee ownership culture is all about: working as one team and moving forward together, while honoring the unique value each person brings to our company. Apply now and find out what’s next for you. Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled Not the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Introduce Yourself in the top-right corner of the page or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!

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