Looking to land your dream sales position?
You can incorporate all of the fancy industry jargon and accolades you want on your CV. But what interviewers really want to see are your specific skills in action. Demonstrating your drive to push through, discussing specific metrics in detail and creating two-way conversations are all opportunities to showcase what you can do to potential managers.
And although selling yourself and your skills may be the first step in the sales journey, it’s arguably one of the most important. It shows that you’re not only up for the challenge, but also that you’re willing to do what it takes to successfully close a deal.
The competition in the industry is fierce — which is why Built In asked three sales leaders to share their thoughts on how to land your dream job. Here’s what they said.
Understand your why
“Change can be scary, especially a career move,” Medlin said. “Your livelihood is at stake. It is understandable to want to ensure that a job change is the right one. When making a switch, the most important thing to consider is your why. Your why will be your guiding light to determine if the company, manager and career choice is the right move for you. Take time to understand your why and how you want to communicate that message to the hiring manager. Before an interview, write it out and practice sharing your why statement with someone you trust to receive honest feedback.
Sales is a challenging but rewarding industry. Sales managers want to know that you have the drive to push through the grind. Your why will also describe your personality. That personal touch is your value add. When you share the why, ask the right questions to determine if the position is the right avenue to achieve and support your goals. Resiliency is vital to excelling in sales, which is what a sales manager needs in an employee!”
Zjohnpu Medlin is a talent acquisition manager at Angi, a home services marketplace.
Discuss specific metrics
“Be prepared to discuss specific metrics that you have been and are currently being measured by,” Chedrick said. “Of course, total sales quota is important, but quotas vary so much from organization to organization. Think of things like daily output — calls, prospecting activities, etc. It’s impressive and telling when a candidate can confidently and clearly speak on their daily, weekly and monthly metrics. Be concise. Also, think of your last few managers or supervisors. What would they say are your biggest strengths and areas for improvement? You should be able to speak on areas of improvement in as much depth and detail as you would with your strengths.”
AJ Chedrick is a sales manager at online learning platform Black Spectacles.
Have a clarity of purpose
“Interviews should be a two-way street,” Price said. “Knowing why you’re considering this company, what you’re seeking and how you’ll know you’ve found the right match will help you guide the conversation to ensure you’re getting the answers you need. It also shows the interviewer that you’re serious about this process and have clarity of purpose and intent. My favorite question to ask a hiring manager is, ‘What’s missing?; What have I not asked that you think I should?’”
Aune Price is a senior sales director at Braze, a customer engagement platform.
