Increase Your Chances of Getting a Top Sales Job

Are you tired of filling in job applications after job applications and never being put on the 'shortlist' for interviews? Have you felt like you've wasted your time, money and energy and got nowhere?!  You're not alone.

This article will explore methods on how to secure that interview that will help you take the first step towards changing your life and developing new opportunities within your career.  The majority of us have thought at a particular time that a position was just perfect for us - only to receive a rejection letter. Unfortunately being rejected is always a possibility no matter how well you present yourself. Nonetheless - you must not give in!  So here are some hot tips on how to help improve your chances of getting that all important interview:

First Impressions Count

When the employer sees and reads your application they will be developing their first impression of you. You will not be there to answer any queries that he/she/they/zie/sie may have about your qualifications, experience, reasons for applying for the job and why you are the best candidate. Instead they must answer these questions themselves and rely on the impressions you make through the style and content of the information provided and the confidence with which you have presented that information.

Have You Changed Your Number?!!

Your name, address, contact details including mobile numbers and an email address must be clearly mentioned at the top of your CV. If you have changed your mobile number or any contact details please, please, please don't make the silly mistake of forgetting to update your CV. You could be potentially throwing a job away.

Consider Employment With Companies That Aren't 'Blue Chip' Household Names

If you are solely approaching and applying to 'well know' or 'brand name' companies then you will be reducing your chances of being invited to interview. Yes they probably sound very exciting roles, but they receive many more applications per advertised role - sometimes the number of applicants goes into the thousands. Obviously don't dismiss roles within such companies - but do also consider firms that aren't household names. Smaller, less well known organisations may be able to provide you with greater responsibility and output which will enable you to achieve more.

Research

Researching the employer can help you match your skills and experience to the organisation. Before you dive straight in to writing a cover letter or updating your CV - browse at the company's website and then use your favourite search engine to learn more about the employer. You will then be able to match your skills and experience to the activities and needs of the employer.

If you really want to see yourself apart from other candidates it really is imperative that you spend some time tailoring your response to the specific advertised position. You should provide evidence from your past employment history and personal experiences that clearly demonstrates why you should be the chosen one to be invited to an interview.

Step Outside Of Your Comfort Levels

Don't lock yourself to a particular job type because it's within your comfort zone and you're familiar with it. Think outside the box and do consider other industry areas and see if you can discover different job types that you are qualified to apply for. It could well be that the industry or job type you are looking for is saturated.

It's Not What You Know It's Who You Know

Networking has become increasingly important for the job search. It's a great idea to attend industry seminars, conferences, join online communities and see if you can discover others means to connect with people. This is a great technique to meet and introduce yourself to industry experts who could inevitably know of sales job positions available.

Another method to increase networking opportunities is to attend job fairs - often individual employers attend these, so keep your eye out for such events and be sure to attend looking your best.

Make Sure Your CV Is Clear

Use standard fonts, colours and symbols on your CV. A lot of companies now utilize computerised tracking systems where often peculiar colours and fonts can keep them from your CV being retrieved successfully.

You're Applying For A Sales Job After All So Sell!

Your CV is the time to sell yourself and sell your accomplishments. Clearly state how you increased sales by half a money, whilst managing a 40 man team. Every employer wants to hire someone who'll be "value for money" - you must tell the employer you are. However for full effect, your CV/application form must first and foremost be truthful and believable. Don't lie, you'll only get found out in the long run.

Additionally remember to speak in results not actions! Do not fall into the trap of saying "I increased sales", do state by precisely how much. It's always a great idea to continuously jot down your accomplishments throughout your sales career.

Social Networks (Not Just Useful For Uploading Your Holiday Snaps!)

LinkedIn can be a great way to find out whether one of you first degree connections is connected to a relevant person (someone who works in the department where there may be an opening for example). If you do have a two or three step relationship to that inside person you could ask your first-degree connection to make an induction for you (This can be done by clicking on the "Get introduced Through a Connection" link of your "target" person's profile page. Phone The HR Department or Hiring Manager

If you know who your CV will be received by (or even if you don't) let the person or department know that your CV is on its way and they should expect to receive it soon (give a time scale). This should be in the form of a phone call and not an email. No doubt the hiring manager will be inundated with email messages - and you wouldn't want yours to get lost within the pile.

Something A Bit More Personal

Send a hand written letter or email about a week after your initial phone call (when you let them know that you were sending across your CV). Your letter should thank the person for the their time on the phone, provide a number they can reach you on if they do have any questions and restate the fact that you're extremely excited about the opportunity and look forward to hearing from them soon.

As long as you don't pester them, the employer may be more likely to remember you if you take the initiative. Following up also helps you to sell yourself better as it helps demonstrate that you are proactive.

Bigger And Longer Does Not Mean Better

A lengthy CV does make you more qualified for a job position. Please save the environment, yours and your potential employer's time and don't write a 5 page long CV - they look more like a brochure. Instead try and limit your CV to 2 pages, just make your points more defined.

It's Called A "Deadline" For A Reason

Late applications will not often be considered. Employers need to know that you're able to prioritise project-related activities.  If you put your job applications in order according to the deadline you will be able to effectively manage your applications that will further help ensure you apply and send them off on time. Remember to allow for delivery time if you are posting it.

Highlight The Keywords

It must be remembered that you will not be the only one who would have applied for the job and that the company will be looking through most if not all of the applications received. The company will remove the resumes that do not match the job criteria and to make sure you are not put in this category you should ensure your resume is well formatted, with keywords highlighted. Having keywords placed on the front page would be an added advantage and is easily noticeable for the employer or recruiter.

The "Boring" Part... (When Filling In An Application Form)

1. Read, read and read again the instructions on the application form carefully. If it states to complete the form in black ink, don't use a blue pen! Make sure you read through the entire application form before attempting to answer any of the questions.
2. Make your own copy of the application from which you can fill as a rough copy to start with.
3. Take great care if you are completing it in your own handwriting aka make sure its illegible and doesn't look like you got your 6 year old child to fill it out.
4. Check your spelling or even better get somebody else to check it. Application forms with incorrect spellings will find the bin becomes their new home.
5. Remember to sign and date the application form in addition to keeping it clean, tidy and neat. Nobody will appreciate seeing the contents of your morning brew splattered over your application form.
6. Keep a copy of the form - not only will this help you to remember what you put but it might be useful for potential jobs you will apply for in the future.

To Conclude

Following the tips above should give you a good start at improving your chances of helping you land that dream job of yours as soon as possible. Good luck and I hope you successfully find and get offered that dream sales job that you are looking for!