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"Having applied for a role via Reed, I was contacted by Simon the next day and had an interview and offer within a week. Simon provided a brilliant personal and thorough service and I would definitely recommend Aaron Wallis"

Alex Clegg

5 Things You Must Do Before Selecting Your Next Employer 

When considering your next career move in sales, it is common to focus on the “what” of the role- What market, what product or service, what territory, what level of new business or account management…….

These are all reasonable considerations and can influence your chances of selecting the right opportunity.

In many ways however, it is more important to ask the “why” questions, as these will be central to your career strategy and likelihood of success.  Why that market or sector, why that product or service and perhaps the most important of all…. Why that employer!

If you fail to answer this most basic question, then your next career moves becomes a spin of the wheel and as with all high odds games, your likelihood of winning is greatly reduced. In this case with profound consequences for your long-term career aspirations.

Lamentably, as a Recruiter we hear all too often, “It was a bad move” or “I was miss-sold the role at interview”.  Savvy candidates will have a clear strategy to uncover the qualities they require of their next employer, thus maximising their chances of a long, happy and successful relationship.

With that in mind we have put together some key points that you should consider when interviewing your next employer –

1. Why Am I Looking to Move?

A detailed examination of the factors that have led you to seek a new employer, will highlight the characteristics to identify (and to avoid!) in your next employer. 

For example, if your last employer was chaotic and lacked structure, then you will want to investigate what CRM a potential employer uses, what processes and reporting lines are in place to ensure effective day to day management within the organisation.  What KPI’s will be in place by which you can measure your own progress.

We recommend a pen and paper exercise detailing the pros and cons of your current environment.  This will provide you with a template for your next move.

2. What Are My Highest Priorities in the Next Stage of My Career?

If you have a burning desire to earn a high OTE and are fearless in the pursuit of new business, then a high pressure, high reward organisation might be for you…… HOWEVER, be brutally honest with yourself.  If that desire does not supersede the impact that pressure has on you and your family, it is unlikely you will enjoy such an environment when the inevitable screws are turned.  It’s not worth being miserable, be true to yourself or you will swiftly find yourself back on the job market following the ubiquitous “bad move” that could have been avoided……  Again, grab a pen and list a hierarchy of priorities.

3. How Do I Research My Next Employer!

If you walk into an interview ill prepared and under researched, there can be no surprise if you “make a bad move”.  It is vital that you thoroughly research the market and organisation you are considering.  Not only to improve your performance at interview, but as part of your basic due diligence.

So much information is available in the public domain, mere clicks of the mouse away….. What is the company’s turnover? Has it grown consistently in recent years? What are their assets and liabilities?  Is the market for their products or services growing or in decline?  The list goes on and on, but even half an hour of research can be all it takes to shield you from a poor career choice.

4. How Do I Competency Interview an Employer?

“I was miss-sold the role at interview” is a common complaint.  This can certainly be the case, but an interview should be a TWO-WAY PROCESS and it is your absolute responsibility to gather evidence in support of the claims that employers make at interview.

If the role is represented as account management, what is the account base?  Are they current trading partners or long lapsed and effectively cold, new business prospects?

If a role is sold as possessing an astronomical OTE, then investigate that….. How many of the sales team achieved that figure last year?  What percentage of target (or over target) was required to earn that?  Ideally, they should be able to provide evidence to substantiate such claims.  DON’T BE SHY!  Employers think nothing of asking to see payslips or P60’s to evidence your claims regarding performance.  Polite but thorough investigation is entirely reasonable. Evasive, vague or defensive responses should start to ring alarm bells.!

5. How Do I Know if a Company Culture is Right for Me?

Some consider “instinct” as a lazy way to make an important decision, badly.  However, when it is supported by a package of research, due diligence, commercial acumen and competency-based questioning, it can still be the most important insight of all!

Company culture, management style and environment are all key to your happiness and chances of success.  If you don’t believe what you are hearing, or your inner voice is saying that it is the wrong place for you, then it is usually wise to listen.

Ultimately it all boils down to a very simple equation……

Right role + Wrong Company = Bad Career Move!

You owe it to yourself to take responsibility for your next move.  It should be a researched, calculated decision, based on the collection of evidence and a process of due diligence.  Not a spin of the wheel!.......

Date published: 6th March 2024

A photo of Simon Bonner, Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment

About the author

Simon Bonner

With over 25 years in B2B sales and recruitment, Simon is an English Graduate from UEA and specialises in recruiting commercial and FMCG sales positions. Simon joined the sales recruitment industry in 1998 before progressing into field sales and returning to recruitment in 2015. As an Associate Director, Simon is well placed to understand the needs of clients and candidates' needs, having spent ten years selling electronic security and managing National Accounts within OEM manufacturers and distribution channels. An avid Luton Town football fan, Simon dotes on his two daughters and enjoys keeping fit, socialising, food and wine.

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Thanks for all your help during the recruitment process. I have been extremely impressed with Aaron Wallis especially when compared to other agencies we have dealt with. I really felt you grasped the type of person we required and found strong candidates.

UK Sales Manager, Nexcom

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Managing Director, Medicash

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Managing Director, bigHead Bonding Fasteners Ltd

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HR Manager, Big Dug

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Director, Waste Managed Ltd

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Sales Director, Inside Business

Giles Phillips is a rare find in the minefield of sales recruitment; an honest and thoughtful recruiter who considers the needs of both the client AND the candidate to create perfect role matches. I look forward to working with him again in the future.

Marketing Director, City of London Police

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Director, Blakedown Sport & Play Ltd

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HR and General Manager, THK

I have used Aaron Wallis to fill a number of our Sales Development Manager roles and I have found them to provide a very professional service. I will use their services again in future recruitment campaigns.

HR Business Partner, Greene King

I found Aaron Wallis to be very professional and efficient, taking time to understand the role and the type of candidate we were looking for. The candidates they put forward met our criteria and were of a high standard. The service they provided was exemplary and I would have no hesitation in recommending them, and will certainly consider using them again in the future.

HR Assistant, Fischer Connectors Ltd

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HR Manager, The Data Privacy Group Ltd

We were impressed not only by the quality of candidates you found for us but also the level of information, preparation and qualification you put into the process. You continually kept us informed of each person’s feelings about the process, which is very important but often overlooked. I am looking forward to working with your company again in the future.

Commercial Director, Incentive Facilities Management

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HR Manager, Zircon Software Ltd

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Managing Director, Citrefine International Ltd

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Very good advice and support was given during the course of the interviewing process. Potential job seekers would be well advised to use this company whilst looking for their new career.

R. Speakman, Candidate

Sam was by far the most professional and helpful of any individual I've ever dealt with through a recruitment agency. He was supportive and thorough throughout the process. He definitely goes the extra mile for you. A pleasure to deal with. I would highly recommend him. An asset to Aaron Wallis

M. Wyer, Candidate

Sophie helped me secure a new role I have been searching for. She took her time to explain clear and concisely all I needed to succeed at the interview stage. Thanks again Sophie!

O. Oladejo, Candidate

Wanted to say a huge thank you to Simon Bonner who has just helped me secure my new role. He was one of the most professional recruiters I have ever worked with.

J. Marcinkiewicz, Candidate

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N. Leney, Candidate

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M. Owusu, Candidate

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A. Kirkland, Candidate

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J. Ostermeier, Candidate

Darren at Aaron Wallis was really encouraging and helpful. He was very responsive and regularly made phone calls to explain the job opportunities available, and guided me through the application process.

A. Brown, Candidate

Less than two weeks after joining Aaron Wallis I was offered my new job. I got a £10,000 rise in my basic salary, car allowance, a laptop and many other perks, which will help to further my career. I definitely would not have found my dream job without the help of Aaron Wallis.

C. Hoy, Candidate

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T. Ashbourne, Candidate

Sophie contacted me about a role explained the details clearly and made sure I was ready for the interview. She kept in touch every step of the way till I started the job. Thank you Sophie for a great experience.

S. Powell, Candidate

The most professional recruitment agency I've ever worked with. Robert Scott was extremely proactive and send me a detailed briefing before each interview, ensuring I was well prepared.

D. Bermant, Candidate

Good swift process with Aaron Wallis, informative regarding the role and the process was moved at a good pace with healthy interaction. Would recommend them to anyone pursuing a change.

S. Bartlett, Candidate

The service provided by Aaron Wallis has been just great. I was constantly informed about what was going on with the process interview and the agent has always been supportive and kind to me.

L. Colagrossi, Candidate

George is a fantastic recruitment agent and provides a great service. It was a pleasure I thoroughly recommend George to anyone.

C. Beaugie, Candidate

The Recruitment agent I used, Simon, was extremely helpful and really went the extra mile to ensure all of my questions were answered, and that I felt as comfortable and prepared as possible. Very professional company and would definitely recommend to others. Thank you Aaron Wallis!

A. Callaby, Candidate

Rob was really helpful when I was putting together a presentation for the second stage interview. Overall their communication was great and kept me updated of any progress

J. McGrattan, Candidate

Aaron Wallis (and in particular Rob Scott) have been fantastic throughout the recruitment process, and even a few months down the line, still continues to care. Rob clearly cares about each individual and has a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which shows in the work he does. Each candidate is not just a number, and the support received from Aaron Wallis has helped me get a career which I truly enjoy.

M. White, Candidate 

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C. Caine, Candidate

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E. Fry, Candidate

Fantastic customer service, communication was brilliant, happy polite people to talk to, made everything a lot easier and smoother. Thank you for all your help getting me back in the work force, Keep up the good work :-)

K. Everitt, Candidate

Aaron Wallis is an outstanding recruitment agency specialising in high calibre sales positions. I was working directly with Darren Dewrance who went above and beyond my expectations in sourcing me my perfect role. I was kept in regular communication with Darren and he worked extremely hard to secure my dream job. Highly recommended and Thanks Darren for all your expertise and hard work.

R. Sealy, Candidate

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L. Knowles, Candidate

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D. Bretherton, Candidate

Wanted to say a huge thank you to Simon Bonner who has just helped me secure my new role. He was one of the most professional recruiters I have ever worked with he was supportive really quick at replying and really put me at ease.

J. Marcinkiewicz, Candidate

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D. Burgess, Candidate

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K. Pearce, Candidate

Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment are a very friendly and professional recruitment organisation who listen to your needs, work with you and act on your behalf which sets them apart from many of their competitors who in my experience are willing to throw anything at you. We discussed my history, my preferences and my wishes - one opportunity was introduced. It was perfect. I start at the end of June.

R. Buckley, Candidate

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R. Houston, Candidate

Managed to get me placed within a week! Really friendly and easy to deal with. Always available for a call and my biggest challenge was I was in work at the time I was looking for my next opportunity (which is stressful) but Sam made that easy.

P. Fitzsimons, Candidate

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C. Rockliffe, Candidate

Simon was knowledgeable on his clients history, background and what their requirements were and he worked around time zones, holidays and a pandemic to get the right result.

J. Tooze, Candidate

I can honestly say that the time and expertise you gave me was way beyond any other recruitment consultant I dealt with. You are a rarity in your industry.

S. Akers, Candidate

Perfect from start to finish. Simon deserves a shout out. Best recruiter there is. If you need a job, this guy will get you one. He's like the super man of recruiters. Top man, can't recommend him enough.

M. Crisp, Candidate

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