How to Find the Ideal Sales Job

Introduction

The notion that sales makes the world go ‘round is really not that far off when you think about it. The salesperson is the one who seeks out new business, approaches prospects and brings in new business. If a sales team isn’t doing its job effectively, every other part of an organization can be affected.

Introduction

Businesses need to find the right sales people for their company and likewise, sales people need to find jobs that match their specific skills and attributes. The ‘ideal’ sales job differs from person to person, but it’s still possible for each candidate to find their own version of ideal by following the same steps.

Where to Look

In order to find the ideal sales job, you must first have access to quality sales positions. The more jobs you are exposed to, the higher the likelihood that you’ll find one that meets your version of ideal. Here are a few places to look:

•Online Job Boards – Signing up with a handful of different job boards may help you gain access to more sales jobs. Sign up for email alerts whenever possible, and always try to stay on top of the situation, so you’re always among the first to make contact with companies that are looking for you.

Where to Look

• Company Websites – Another strategy is to make a comprehensive list of companies you think you’d like to work for, then visit their websites to look for available positions. You can send your resume in even if they aren’t actively hiring, but you’ll have more immediate luck and maximize your time if you stick to ones that are already looking.

Where to Look

• Sales Recruiters – If you want to bypass all of the searching and weeding out of potential employers, enlisting the help of a job recruiter that specializes in sales is always an option. Experienced sales recruiters will try to match you with an employer that meets the criteria you’ve set down, and lines up with your skill level. You may not have access to as many potential employers when you use sales recruiters, but you’ll have a better chance of finding the ideal one for you.

Crafting Your Resume

Your resume is another critical factor in finding the ideal sales job. It’s important for your resume to have a lot of substance, and a lot of what most employers are looking for. Here are some key elements to include in your sales resume:

•Results – Sales are all about results, so make it known in your resume that you’re just the person to achieve the results they need. Include sales numbers and statistics from previous positions that show you have what it takes to get the job done. Using a bunch of different words or terms to explain how you’ve ‘over achieved’ without adequate back up isn’t going to cut it.

Crafting Your Resume

• Past Employment – Your future sales employer wants to know that you can make it in the upper echelon, so be sure to include employment with companies that they would respect. On the other side, leave out any employment history that might indicate you weren’t making your sales goals. Be sure to explain any gaps in your employment.

• Watch Your Words – Try to stay away from rambling on about all your skills that don’t really have to do with generating revenue and making sales. It’s great if you’re a team player or if you managed a department in your previous job, but focus on sales results before all else.

Crafting Your Resume

• Achievements – Another way to show how you bring in consistent results is to list any sales awards you’ve won or really significant deals you’ve closed. If you have enough, make a whole section out of it.

 • Summary – Just to drive the

message home that you’re the one who can deliver the results they need, tell them in a summary section.

The Interview

After completing and submitting a winning resume, you’ll move on to the interview part of the process. With a sales job interview, preparation is one of the more important elements. If you are properly prepared, you will be able to handle whatever comes up during the interview and will increase your chances of landing the job.

The Interview

Here are some crucial interview preparation tips:

 •Write down the location and time of the interview and do not be late for any reason. •Learn the role of the interviewer within the organization.•Read through the company website to get a feel for what they are all about. •Memorize the specifics of the job you are interviewing for. •List reasons why you are a great fit and some reasons why you may not be a great fit for the position, then figure how you’ll address them.

The Interview

• Make a list of questions you’d like to ask during the interview.

• Know the sales stats that you created in your last job.

• Watch how the employees interact with you and each other if your interviewer is running late and you have to wait then use that information in your interview.

• Dress professionally in a business suit or equivalent attire and keep yourself well groomed for the interview.

• Listen to any interview tips you receive from sales recruiters because they are specialists and know precisely how you should conduct yourself for best results.

Advice

Sales Talent Agency helps professionals looking for jobs in the sales industry. Approximately 27% of all Canadian sales people are in their resume database. They present opportunities for sales jobs in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto.