If you know anyone in sales, offer to take them out to lunch so they can share their expertise with you.
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.
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. 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.
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. Some fields require certification to enter. Learn the requirements for the job you want to have before you apply for jobs.
Call your local temp agencies and ask about temporary sales positions. Consider starting your sales career in retail. It can sometimes be easier to find entry-level positions in retail than in other fields. 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.
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. [2] X Research source 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. Customize your resume for each sales job you apply for. For example, if your headline reads, “Seeking a position in sales,” then it should be customized in a way that is specific to the job you are pursuing: “Seeking an entry-level account representative position in the auto parts industry. "
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. "
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.
Email your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager after you drop them off, to make sure they have your material. Make a follow up call in a week if you haven’t heard from the company. There are companies that discourage in-person drop offs. Check ahead to ensure there are no explicit warnings against unsolicited visits. You might be turned away. Be very gracious if you are. If you cannot drop off your resume in person, email it to the hiring manager.
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.
