Landing your dream job is one of the most exciting things that can happen in your career. It’s a great feeling to know that you’ve been offered the position you’ve been working toward, but the process isn’t over yet!
Even after you’ve landed an offer, there are still a few things that might need to be ironed out before you accept it.
In this article, we’ll talk about everything from preparing for interviews and negotiating salary and benefits packages to signing on the dotted line and getting started with your new gig!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Highlight transferable skills |
| Showcase sales achievements |
| Build strong relationships with clients |
| Research the company |
| Demonstrate industry knowledge |
| Emphasize communication skills |
| Practice your sales pitch |
| Develop objection handling and negotiation skills |
| Seek entry-level positions or internships |
| Network effectively with industry professionals |
| Stay up to date with sales trends and techniques |
1. Understand What It Takes To Be A Successful Outside Sales Rep
Before you can start thinking about the job, you need to understand what it takes to be a successful outside sales rep.
An outside sales rep is an employee who works for another business and sells their products or services to potential customers.
Sales reps are responsible for conducting research, making cold calls, and building relationships with clients to create opportunities within their company’s market.
The role of an outside sales rep can vary depending on the industry they work in (e.g., banking versus tech).
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2. Tailor Your Resume
Your resume should be tailored to the job you are applying for. This means using keywords from the job description and highlighting your skills, experience, and accomplishments that fit with what they want in an applicant.
In addition to tailoring your resume, make sure you include a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this particular position. If appropriate, include a list of references and any relevant volunteer experience as well.
3. Show Off Your Skills
Showcase your skills, accomplishments, and experience. Include any relevant certifications you have. Also include awards or honors related to your area of expertise. The more you can show off your skills, the better!
4. Make Sure Your Cover Letter Is On-Point
Your cover letter should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. Make sure it includes:
- Your name, address, and phone number (be sure to use a professional email address)
- A brief description of the company and its products/services
- The position you are applying for, as well as its location
- A list of your skills and experience that apply to this role, along with how they would benefit the company or organization
5. Write A Killer Linkedin Profile And Keep It Up To Date
- Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date.
- Write a professional, well-written summary of yourself.
- Personalize it for the job you want.
- Include a link to your resume.
- Include a professional photo that shows what you look like in real life (don’t use an avatar or cartoon image).
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6. Network, Network, Network
As an aspiring sales rep, you must be willing to network. Networking is a skill that can be learned, but it’s also an essential part of the job.
Networking will help you find out about job opportunities and keep up to date with the industry. It’s also a great way to meet people who can help you in your career.
Most people think they don’t have time to network, but they’re wrong! There are plenty of things you do every day that require some form of communication:
Calling old friends on birthdays and holidays, and responding to emails from clients or colleagues at work or home adds up very quickly!
All these little conversations add up over time until eventually, they add up enough for someone else’s entire career path (or at least half).
7. Learn How To Interview Effectively And Confidently
The interview is the final step in your job search process and it can be a nerve-wracking experience. Here are some tips for how to prepare and handle an interview:
Prepare yourself as best you can before the day of your interview by learning about the company, researching the industry, and familiarizing yourself with their products/services.
Dress appropriately for each job you are interviewing for – make sure they see you as someone who takes pride in their appearance!
Practice answering common questions during mock interviews with friends or family members before the actual day of your interview so that when it comes time for real life, you won’t feel unprepared!
Remember that having nerves is normal- take deep breaths if needed (or even close your eyes) until those nerves subside before walking into an office where everyone seems much more relaxed than yourself 🙂
8. Prepare For The Interview Process
- Know the company, its products and services, and why you’re interested in working for them.
- Research the company to find out what its goals are, where it has been, and where it is going.
- Prepare for questions about your background: your experience as an inside sales representative; what you like about being an outside sales representative; how you manage time; how you handle rejection; etc.
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9. Practice Asking Questions At The End Of Your Interview…And Then Listen Attentively To The Answers!
Prepare a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview. You’re not supposed to waste time asking questions that are already answered in the interview (we know, we know). However, it’s also important to think about what you want to know and why.
Think about some questions that may not be on your mind at this moment but would help inform your decision if they were answered. This can be anything from “What is my typical day like?” to “What would you say was a big accomplishment for this company during the past year?”
Try asking questions that aren’t “yes” or “no” answers. For example: “I understand how valuable sales experience is for this position; however, I’m wondering how much time will be spent teaching me how things work here.”
Now there’s no way he can say yes because he’ll have to spend some time explaining his answer! If he says no then he’s going against his advice!
10. Send Thank-You Notes To Anyone You Meet During The Process
- A handwritten thank-you note is a great way to stand out from other candidates and show that you care about the position.
- Thank-you notes should be sent within 24 hours of an interview and include a brief recap of what was discussed, something memorable about the conversation, and how it has affected your interest in working at that company. In addition, including how soon you can start (if applicable).
- Send thank-you notes via snail mail so that they are received by their recipients rather than through email where they could easily be deleted or forgotten about.
11. Get All Paperwork Sorted Out Before You Enter Into Negotiations About Salary And Benefits
You’ll need to have all your paperwork in order when you enter into negotiations about salary and benefits.
You will want to have references on hand, as well. It’s helpful to have at least one reference who will say positive things about you and your work ethic, as well as one that can speak to the quality of your work product.
If possible, it helps even more if both references are people who currently work for companies different from the one hiring this ensures that they won’t be biased toward their own company’s products or services.
12. Be Ready For An Unexpected Offer From A Different Source Than You Had Hoped For
Finally, be prepared for an unexpected offer from a different source than you had hoped for. In my case, it was not the company I had been talking to but another company that made me an offer.
There were some advantages and disadvantages to this offer that I would have to weigh carefully before accepting or declining it.
On one hand, it was a higher salary than what I was currently making at my current job which would make it easier for me to pay off debt and save money in general;
But on the other hand, this job came with fewer benefits (it only included medical insurance) and required extensive travel outside of driving distance from home so there’d be no option for commuting or even staying with family members when traveling on business trips.
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14. Stay Positive During Negotiations–Don’t Give Up At The First “No”
Negotiating a job offer can be an intimidating process, but don’t let that stop you from asking for what you want! You should feel empowered to negotiate your salary and benefits package.
Negotiations start before you even meet with the hiring manager or HR representative. If possible, research the salary range for a position similar to yours online (Salary.com is a good starting point).
Then, when negotiating salary during the job interview stage, it’s important not to settle on the first number they offer; instead, push them up until they hit close to that range.
If they say no or give you too low of an offer at first, ask them if they could get close enough so that you’re only making less than what their ideal candidate would earn.
This will show them that their initial figure isn’t an accurate representation of what this position deserves in terms of compensation and benefits packages.”
15. Negotiate With Confidence And Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For More!
Negotiating is a skill. It’s up to you to learn it, practice it and apply it. You can negotiate with confidence and ask for more!
Asking for more money, vacation days, benefits and flexibility are all fair game. If the company has the budget or resources to provide these things then they likely have a vested interest in keeping you happy and engaged with your work.
If you’re going into a sales job knowing that your future salary will depend on your performance then there’s no reason not to ask for what you deserve–even if that means asking for more than what they initially offered during negotiations!
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Conclusion
If you follow these tips and are committed to landing your dream job as an outside sales rep, you’ll be on your way to success.
Further Reading
Land Your Dream Job in Sales: Discover essential tips and strategies to help you secure your dream job in the field of sales.
Tips for Securing Your Dream Outside Sales Representative Job: Learn valuable insights and practical advice on how to secure a dream job as an outside sales representative.
Sales Job Without Experience: Is It Possible?: Explore the possibilities of breaking into the sales industry even without prior experience and gain valuable tips on how to make it happen.
And here’s the FAQs section with 5 questions and answers:
FAQs
Q: How can I land my dream job in sales?
A: Landing your dream job in sales requires a combination of strategic planning, effective networking, honing your sales skills, and showcasing your accomplishments. Consider seeking professional career advice, improving your resume, and preparing for interviews to increase your chances of success.
Q: What are some tips for securing a dream job as an outside sales representative?
A: To secure a dream job as an outside sales representative, it’s essential to highlight your communication skills, sales achievements, and ability to build relationships with clients. Additionally, focus on researching the company, showcasing your industry knowledge, and demonstrating your passion for sales during interviews.
Q: Is it possible to get a sales job without prior experience?
A: Yes, it is possible to land a sales job without prior experience. To increase your chances, highlight transferable skills such as communication, persuasion, and relationship-building abilities. Consider seeking entry-level positions, internships, or roles that offer training and mentorship to gain practical experience and establish a foundation for your sales career.
Q: How can I improve my sales skills?
A: Improving your sales skills requires a combination of knowledge, practice, and continuous learning. Consider attending sales training programs, reading books on sales techniques, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals. Practice your sales pitch, objection handling, and negotiation skills regularly to refine your abilities.
Q: What are some effective networking strategies for sales professionals?
A: Effective networking is crucial for sales professionals. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and leverage online platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with potential clients, industry influencers, and fellow sales professionals. Engage in meaningful conversations, offer value, and maintain relationships to expand your network and uncover new opportunities.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.