Difference between revisions of "Get a Sales Job With No Sales Experience"
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#Compare material before you buy it. Check out the business and marketing section of your local bookstore or library, or read best-of lists in sales magazines online. Go for books and videos that deal in facts and data. Look for updated and tried and tested material, such as books that have been reissued and revised, or videos that are widely recommended. | #Compare material before you buy it. Check out the business and marketing section of your local bookstore or library, or read best-of lists in sales magazines online. Go for books and videos that deal in facts and data. Look for updated and tried and tested material, such as books that have been reissued and revised, or videos that are widely recommended. | ||
#*Keep track of what you read! You can mention authors you admire in your interview to let your prospective employer know that you have prepared. | #*Keep track of what you read! You can mention authors you admire in your interview to let your prospective employer know that you have prepared. | ||
| − | #Narrow your options. Even when you've just entered the job market, it's not too early to specialize. Choose a product you are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about. For example, if your experience is in accounting, it is more practical to apply for a job selling investment plans than it is to apply for a job in pharmaceutical sales.<ref>http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2011/12/02/five-keys-to-getting-the-best-possible-sales-job/</ref> Choose a kind of product that interests you, and research the jobs available in that sector. | + | #Narrow your options. Even when you've just entered the job market, it's not too early to specialize. Choose a product you are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about. For example, if your experience is in accounting, it is more practical to apply for a job selling investment plans than it is to apply for a job in pharmaceutical sales.<ref name="rf1">http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2011/12/02/five-keys-to-getting-the-best-possible-sales-job/</ref> Choose a kind of product that interests you, and research the jobs available in that sector. |
#*Don't be afraid to get very specific. If you are interested in selling cars, focus on used cars, environmentally friendly cars, or luxury vehicles. | #*Don't be afraid to get very specific. If you are interested in selling cars, focus on used cars, environmentally friendly cars, or luxury vehicles. | ||
#*Whether you are selling a product or a service, you must know enough about what you are selling that you could explain the benefits in a sentence or two. | #*Whether you are selling a product or a service, you must know enough about what you are selling that you could explain the benefits in a sentence or two. | ||
#*Once you have chosen a product, look for resources specific to that field. Subscribe to a magazine for members of the industry, or check out back copies from your local public library. | #*Once you have chosen a product, look for resources specific to that field. Subscribe to a magazine for members of the industry, or check out back copies from your local public library. | ||
#Take a class. Check out the sales courses available at your local community college. Many colleges offer classes in sales and marketing. If you are able to return to school, you could even enroll in a one-year certificate program in sales, or a two-year associates degree. | #Take a class. Check out the sales courses available at your local community college. Many colleges offer classes in sales and marketing. If you are able to return to school, you could even enroll in a one-year certificate program in sales, or a two-year associates degree. | ||
| − | #*Sales representatives enter the workforce with a huge range of educational backgrounds. Job candidates with an undergraduate degree in business have an advantage, especially if they have a minor in sales. However, candidates without an undergraduate degree also stand a chance of being hired if they can make a sale.<ref>http://saleshq.monster.com/sales_careers/articles/235-step-5-identify-educational-requirements</ref> | + | #*Sales representatives enter the workforce with a huge range of educational backgrounds. Job candidates with an undergraduate degree in business have an advantage, especially if they have a minor in sales. However, candidates without an undergraduate degree also stand a chance of being hired if they can make a sale.<ref name="rf2">http://saleshq.monster.com/sales_careers/articles/235-step-5-identify-educational-requirements</ref> |
#*Some fields require certification to enter. Learn the requirements for the job you want to have before you apply for jobs. | #*Some fields require certification to enter. Learn the requirements for the job you want to have before you apply for jobs. | ||
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#Make a list of companies you would like to work for. Look up companies in the region where you would like to work in online business directories and telephone books. You will want to give them your resume even if they aren't currently hiring. Positions can open up unexpectedly. If they have your information on hand, they might give you a chance. | #Make a list of companies you would like to work for. Look up companies in the region where you would like to work in online business directories and telephone books. You will want to give them your resume even if they aren't currently hiring. Positions can open up unexpectedly. If they have your information on hand, they might give you a chance. | ||
#Look for an entry-level position. Search online job boards for entry-level positions in your field of choice. Favor positions that offer training, as these companies will help you build your expertise. Remember, not all open positions are advertised. You will want to deliver your resume to companies that don't appear to be hiring, as well as those that do. | #Look for an entry-level position. Search online job boards for entry-level positions in your field of choice. Favor positions that offer training, as these companies will help you build your expertise. Remember, not all open positions are advertised. You will want to deliver your resume to companies that don't appear to be hiring, as well as those that do. | ||
| − | #*Call your local temp agencies and ask about temporary sales positions.<ref>http://salesstaff.com.au/candidates/career-resources/the-temporary-salesperson.html</ref> | + | #*Call your local temp agencies and ask about temporary sales positions.<ref name="rf3">http://salesstaff.com.au/candidates/career-resources/the-temporary-salesperson.html</ref> |
| − | #*Consider starting your sales career in retail. It can sometimes be easier to find entry-level positions in retail than in other fields.<ref>http://salesstaff.com.au/candidates/career-resources/succeed-in-retail.html</ref> | + | #*Consider starting your sales career in retail. It can sometimes be easier to find entry-level positions in retail than in other fields.<ref name="rf4">http://salesstaff.com.au/candidates/career-resources/succeed-in-retail.html</ref> |
#*Consider being an independent salesperson. Places such as cosmetic companies or travel agencies don't require any previous sales experience, and can help provide you with training and marketing materials. | #*Consider being an independent salesperson. Places such as cosmetic companies or travel agencies don't require any previous sales experience, and can help provide you with training and marketing materials. | ||
#Find out who gets hired where. When you come across companies you would like to work for, try to find the profiles of their employees. You can search for the company on an online networking website and learn about the job experience and educational background of employees. Determine the amount of sales experience their entry-level employees have. A company that hires sales associates with little to no experience might be open to hiring you. | #Find out who gets hired where. When you come across companies you would like to work for, try to find the profiles of their employees. You can search for the company on an online networking website and learn about the job experience and educational background of employees. Determine the amount of sales experience their entry-level employees have. A company that hires sales associates with little to no experience might be open to hiring you. | ||
#Compose your resume. Consider your employment history that is not sales related, but that lends to your qualification for the sales jobs you are interested in. For example, if you are applying for a sales position demonstrating power tools in a home improvement store, then it would be worthwhile to highlight your past construction and public speaking experience. | #Compose your resume. Consider your employment history that is not sales related, but that lends to your qualification for the sales jobs you are interested in. For example, if you are applying for a sales position demonstrating power tools in a home improvement store, then it would be worthwhile to highlight your past construction and public speaking experience. | ||
| − | #*Search your history for hidden sales experience. Have you ever sold your used furniture, or old car? Many jobs include elements of sales, even if they aren't reflected in your title. Highlight this experience on your resume.<ref>http://www.nasp.com/article/AC9AF33A-2BC0/when-you-have-no-sales-experience.html</ref> | + | #*Search your history for hidden sales experience. Have you ever sold your used furniture, or old car? Many jobs include elements of sales, even if they aren't reflected in your title. Highlight this experience on your resume.<ref name="rf5">http://www.nasp.com/article/AC9AF33A-2BC0/when-you-have-no-sales-experience.html</ref> |
#*Make sure your resume looks professional. Look up sample resumes for entry-level sales jobs online. | #*Make sure your resume looks professional. Look up sample resumes for entry-level sales jobs online. | ||
#*Get help on your resume. It is easy to miss important details when editing a resume or CV. Check out the schedule of your local library or community center for free resume help. If you know any salespeople, ask them to go over your resume with you. | #*Get help on your resume. It is easy to miss important details when editing a resume or CV. Check out the schedule of your local library or community center for free resume help. If you know any salespeople, ask them to go over your resume with you. | ||
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#Contemplate your personal sales philosophy. You should be able to explain this to prospective employers. Using what you learned about sales, what you know about customers and your reasons for wanting to be a salesperson, formulate a vision of how you would approach a sale. Refer back to the books and articles you have read about sales. Draw up the steps of making a sale as they apply for the position you desire. | #Contemplate your personal sales philosophy. You should be able to explain this to prospective employers. Using what you learned about sales, what you know about customers and your reasons for wanting to be a salesperson, formulate a vision of how you would approach a sale. Refer back to the books and articles you have read about sales. Draw up the steps of making a sale as they apply for the position you desire. | ||
#*An example of a sales philosophy could be "When I make a sale, I help customers make their own best decisions," or "Let the customer come to you, and be ready to make them glad they did." | #*An example of a sales philosophy could be "When I make a sale, I help customers make their own best decisions," or "Let the customer come to you, and be ready to make them glad they did." | ||
| − | #Take stock of your personal qualities. When you are interviewed, your prospective employer will be looking for the personality traits of a successful salesperson. Salespeople are not required to be outgoing and debonair. Rather, they should be professional, timely, prepared, and resilient.<ref>http://resources.alljobopenings.com/landing-a-sales-job-part-2</ref> | + | #Take stock of your personal qualities. When you are interviewed, your prospective employer will be looking for the personality traits of a successful salesperson. Salespeople are not required to be outgoing and debonair. Rather, they should be professional, timely, prepared, and resilient.<ref name="rf6">http://resources.alljobopenings.com/landing-a-sales-job-part-2</ref> |
#*Think of stories that exemplify these qualities. If you have ever applied for a job or other position multiple times, that shows resilience. | #*Think of stories that exemplify these qualities. If you have ever applied for a job or other position multiple times, that shows resilience. | ||
| − | #*Companies are looking for results-oriented salespeople. Think of goals you have achieved, and how you went about achieving them. This will likely come up in your interview.<ref | + | #*Companies are looking for results-oriented salespeople. Think of goals you have achieved, and how you went about achieving them. This will likely come up in your interview.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#Drop off your resume in person. To show that you are invested in getting the job, do more than email the company. Check online to make sure there is no policy against unsolicited visits from job seekers. Dress in professional attire and be friendly and polite to anyone you meet. Ask the person at the front desk where you should drop off your resume, and be sure to get the name of the hiring manager. | #Drop off your resume in person. To show that you are invested in getting the job, do more than email the company. Check online to make sure there is no policy against unsolicited visits from job seekers. Dress in professional attire and be friendly and polite to anyone you meet. Ask the person at the front desk where you should drop off your resume, and be sure to get the name of the hiring manager. | ||
#*Email your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager after you drop them off, to make sure they have your material. | #*Email your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager after you drop them off, to make sure they have your material. | ||
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===Nailing the Interview=== | ===Nailing the Interview=== | ||
| − | #Prepare for your interview. Read the company's corporate reports, or any mentions in trade magazines. Spend time on their website, and learn specific information you can repeat during the interview. Good salespeople do research to prepare for their sales. Showing up to your interview well-prepared shows that you have the skills necessary to prepare for a sales call.<ref>http://salesstaff.com.au/candidates/career-resources/no-sales-experience.html</ref> | + | #Prepare for your interview. Read the company's corporate reports, or any mentions in trade magazines. Spend time on their website, and learn specific information you can repeat during the interview. Good salespeople do research to prepare for their sales. Showing up to your interview well-prepared shows that you have the skills necessary to prepare for a sales call.<ref name="rf7">http://salesstaff.com.au/candidates/career-resources/no-sales-experience.html</ref> |
| − | #Arrive dressed for the job you want. Wear professional attire. If entry-level associates in your field of interest tend to dress more casually, try to dress just a little more conservatively for the interview. Neutral colors, clean and polished dress shoes, and tidy clothing that is neither tight nor loose will serve you well.<ref>http://fortune.com/2015/03/19/dress-job-promotions/</ref> | + | #Arrive dressed for the job you want. Wear professional attire. If entry-level associates in your field of interest tend to dress more casually, try to dress just a little more conservatively for the interview. Neutral colors, clean and polished dress shoes, and tidy clothing that is neither tight nor loose will serve you well.<ref name="rf8">http://fortune.com/2015/03/19/dress-job-promotions/</ref> |
| − | #Demonstrate your salesperson qualities. Treat the interview like the first meeting with a prospective customer: be prepared, polite, and persuasive. Show up on time or a minute early. To show your people skills, make eye contact, and smile. Come prepared with information about the company, and answers for how your presence would fit the company's needs.<ref | + | #Demonstrate your salesperson qualities. Treat the interview like the first meeting with a prospective customer: be prepared, polite, and persuasive. Show up on time or a minute early. To show your people skills, make eye contact, and smile. Come prepared with information about the company, and answers for how your presence would fit the company's needs.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #Describe your best-ever sale. Even if you have never held a job in sales, you most likely have, at one time or another, convinced or persuaded someone (or a group of people) in your favor. Your story should include an explanation of how you went about "selling" your audience on your idea, as well as a description of what the gain was, for both sides.<ref | + | #Describe your best-ever sale. Even if you have never held a job in sales, you most likely have, at one time or another, convinced or persuaded someone (or a group of people) in your favor. Your story should include an explanation of how you went about "selling" your audience on your idea, as well as a description of what the gain was, for both sides.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #*Make it evident that you are an achiever by describing some of your life's biggest achievements, whatever they may be. For example, you may have been the quarterback of your college's football team, served as president of your child's PTA, won first prize in a piano competition or had a short story published in a well-known periodical.<ref | + | #*Make it evident that you are an achiever by describing some of your life's biggest achievements, whatever they may be. For example, you may have been the quarterback of your college's football team, served as president of your child's PTA, won first prize in a piano competition or had a short story published in a well-known periodical.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#Follow your interview up with a thank-you note. If you don't hear from the employer within the time expected, put in a follow-up call. When it comes to procuring a job in sales, persistence pays off. | #Follow your interview up with a thank-you note. If you don't hear from the employer within the time expected, put in a follow-up call. When it comes to procuring a job in sales, persistence pays off. | ||
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
| − | *Many employees prefer applicants with a college degree for sales positions that require meeting with clients.<ref | + | *Many employees prefer applicants with a college degree for sales positions that require meeting with clients.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | * If you are considering getting a degree, consider your choice of major. Majors relevant to sales include marketing, communications, business, advertising, and psychology.<ref | + | * If you are considering getting a degree, consider your choice of major. Majors relevant to sales include marketing, communications, business, advertising, and psychology.<ref name="rf2" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
