How The Daily Tasks of a Successful Salesperson Apply to Your Job Search

Salespeople excel at many daily tasks that help them drive results and succeed in their roles. But you may not realize how these same tasks and tactics can be instrumental in your job search. Whether you're networking, making cold calls, or working a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, your sales skills can make a substantial difference. Let's delve into these tasks and their parallels in the job-hunting process.

Networking

Sales professionals are avid networkers, knowing that the relationships they form today could turn into sales tomorrow. They attend events, meet people, and take the time to nurture these relationships.

Similarly, in job hunting, networking plays a crucial role. You can connect with people in your target industry through social networks, industry events, or alumni gatherings. A strong network can provide insights about job openings, recommend you for positions, or give you inside information that helps you tailor your application.

Cold Calling

Cold calling is a fundamental part of many sales jobs. It involves reaching out to potential customers who may need to learn about the product or service. This task requires persistence, a thick skin, and gracefully handling rejection.

You can apply these skills through cold applications or emailing when seeking a job. This involves contacting companies you're interested in, even if they have yet to post any job vacancies. Like cold calling, it requires persistence, creativity in your approach, and resilience in the face of potential rejection.

Working a CRM

Salespeople rely heavily on Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to manage their sales pipeline, track customer interactions, and forecast sales. Working a CRM efficiently is often key to a salesperson's success.

You can apply similar strategies to manage your job applications in job hunting. You can use various tools, from spreadsheets to job search management apps, to track where you've applied, follow-ups needed, interview dates, feedback received, etc. Just as CRM helps salespeople stay organized and proactive, a well-managed job search tracker can help you stay on top of your applications and enhance your productivity.

Product Knowledge

In sales, understanding the product or service is paramount. A good salesperson learns about what they're selling, its benefits, and how it compares to competitors.

In your job search, you're the "product." You need to understand your skills, your experiences, what you bring to the table, and how you compare to other candidates. Just as a salesperson can explain their product's benefits, you should be able to articulate why you're the best fit for a position.

Following Up

In sales, follow-ups are crucial for closing deals. After a meeting or call, a good salesperson will always follow up with the prospect, summarizing their discussion, reiterating the product's benefits, and outlining the next steps.

When you're job hunting, following up after an application or an interview is equally crucial. It shows you're genuinely interested in the position and can help you stand out from other applicants. It's a chance to reiterate your interest, thank the interviewer for their time, and remind them why you're a good fit.

Handling Objections

Salespeople are skilled at handling objections, addressing concerns, and reassuring customers. They understand that objections often allow deeper discussion rather than a hard no.

You may face objections or hurdles in your job search, such as gaps in your employment history or a lack of certain skills. Learning how to address these effectively—whether in your cover letter, resume, or interview—can increase your chances of success. It's about turning potential negatives into positives, just as a skilled salesperson would.

In conclusion, the activities that make a salesperson successful can be translated directly into your job hunt. By adopting these practices—networking, cold calling, working a CRM, deepening your product knowledge, following up, and handling objections—you'll strengthen your approach to finding and securing your dream job. Remember, you are the product in your job search, and the employer is your customer. It's time to make that sale.