Branching into a career in sales, need interview help.

[ronski]

Hello,

1st post on this forum. My question is regarding branching into a career in sales. I am 22 years old and currently working as a software consultant. I also run a part time services business repairing games consoles.

Prospective new employers will require sales experience as part of the requirements. Now in regards to my full time job, I don't have any sales experience but in regards to my private business, I have well over 3-4 years selling products, recruit new business etc. Currently, my business is able to take on contract with other businesses (which is effectively what the employer might like to see from their potential new employees)

My question is, in an interview process, how would you go about explaining this? I don't want them to think I would not be loyal to their company but explaining my part time business would qualify for the experience they would require.

Has anyone been in this situation before? Having a part time business which gives you the relevant experience needed for your full time job.

Now most people would say, why not take up your part time business full time. The answer is because I need to pay bills and my business is in the early stages.

[Neil Warren]

Hi Ronski

I think the main factor that will determine how well you succeed in interviewing for a sales position, will be how seriously you are contemplating a "career" in selling?

There are plenty of employers who will take you on with any indication of sales ability, like the self-employed stuff you mention. They probably consider their sales people to be a kind of easy come, easy go crew, out for a fast buck, and will employ and manage you accordingly.

Somewhat further up the evolutionary scale, however, are some very enlightened and forwarding thinking firms, and plenty of those will be in the IT and telecoms sector, if that's what you're considering. My son works for one, and they expect graduate level education, and will then work you up through the ranks of selling, probably starting on the phone talking to consumers, then handling bigger business accounts, then out into the field for presentations and face to face work with a mix of handling existing accounts and opening new business, and thereafter be looking for your feedback as to whether you specialise in a type of selling, or wish to progress through sales management levels.

It's a big job, probably the most important function withing any business that employs sales staff, and well overdue for being taken more seriously as a profession. For comparison, think how you'd get on applying for a position in the finance department, having "done your own" banking or invoicing or whatever.

There's a lot of information on our site - ModernSelling.com - if you want to research training, qualifications, employment prospects and so on. And good luck.

Regards

Neil

[ashleydrollinson]

Often sales jobs can be very time consuming. You may very well have to give up your part time company - if you are in fact interested in a career in sales..

If you just want a job to pay the bills until your company takes off there may be some jobs you can take, but I think its a good idea to let the company know your career goals early..

[dawndelion]

Hi Ronski,

I'm in charge of recruiting and hiring sales reps (including interviewing) for my company.
Make sure you include your part time sales experience in your resume, as well as highlight any sales responsibilities with other jobs.
They shouldn't feel like you wouldn't be loyal if you explain your business is part time, and if it is not in the same field as their company!

Hope this helps!