Salesforce Search

The job interview is the most critical step in your job search. It separates you from other candidates and brings you one step closer to landing your next great sales job. To make sure your interview is a success, you need to consider the four “P”’s:

1. Presentation - Always dress appropriately. You will be judged the second you walk in the door, so make sure your first impression is a good one. Without exception, your best option is a dark coloured business suit. The job interview is not the time to make a fashion statement - your goal should be to look professional.

2. Personality -  You need to show your high energy and passion, especially when interviewing for a sales role. Answer questions clearly and concisely, and be confident but not cocky. The person interviewing you will be picturing you in front of their clients and determining if they feel you are the right choice to be the face of their company and represent their brand.

3. Prepared - You need to be ready for the interview. Do your research on the company to gain an understanding of its history, product line and business strategy. Prepare a list of questions about the company and the role to show you have done your research and are interested in learning more. And come ready to discuss how your background, skills and network makes you a good fit with their company and the role specifically.

4. Performance indicators - Make sure you can back up your claims of previous sales success. Come to the interview prepared with specific examples, and actual data if possible, that clearly demonstrates your greatest sales accomplishments. Your past success in sales is the company’s best indicator of how successful you will be in selling their products.

Focusing on these four things in the interview will increase your chances of being moved forward in the process and put you that much closer to your next sales role.

SalesForce Search is a sales recruiting company which specializes exclusively in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals. To contact us please call 1-800-461-SELL (7355) or email us at info@salesforcesearch.ca

Follow us on Twitter:

  http://twitter.com/salesjobsearch

www.SalesForceSearch.ca

It seems this month we’ve had numerous conversations with sales people across the country, who share one thing in common. They are frustrated in how long it is taking them to find their next sales position. There are three things to keep in mind to help you through this transition period:

1. Be Patient

The right opportunity will come along, it may just take some time. The more senior you are, the longer it will take on average for you to land in a new role. A common rule of thumb is, 3 months for the first $50,000 of base salary plus 1 month for every additional $10,000 in compensation desired. The last thing you want to do is take a role that’s not a great fit.

2. Companies Are Taking Longer to Make Decisions

A year ago, clients had to make decisions quickly because of the shortage of available sales talent. Due to the economy, there are more candidates on the market. This can translate into delays because of the sheer number of people who are applying to a particular role.

3. Companies Are Looking For Specific Backgrounds

In this economic environment, companies are asking for very specific backgrounds for their sales roles and are showing less flexibility on their job requirements. Resources are scarce and companies need to know that their new sales person or sales manager has the specific product knowledge, industry contacts and track record to hit the ground running. This is why it is critical to have your resume accurately reflect things such as:

- Specific products/services you have sold,
- Names of companies/key accounts you have sold to,
- Size of sales teams you have managed,
- Size of deals you have closed and the length of sales cycle,
- Your success in relationship to targets/quotas,
- Sales awards you have won.

Take a look at your resume and ensure that you articulate these key requirements our clients are looking for. Highlight your accomplishments and stay positive. Companies are hiring - it might just take a bit longer than you thought.

SalesForce Search is a sales recruiting company which specializes exclusively in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals. To contact us please call 1-800-461-SELL (7355) or email us at info@salesforcesearch.ca

Follow us on Twitter:

  http://twitter.com/salesjobsearch

www.SalesForceSearch.ca