"Sales Ain't Sales"
When you are in the job market and looking for that next career move it is critical to set yourself apart from other potential candidates. When I discuss an opportunity with a candidate often they will be very general in discussing their skill set and that is probably due to the fact that they don’t want to brag or come across as arrogant.
I’ve been told multiple times from those in sales or account management positions that “sales is sales”. Although on the surface there is some validity to that statement, I think that statement can be the nail in the coffin as far as moving forward in the interview process. Many times that same individual will follow up with “a widget is a widget”.
Although there are certain basics that all sales positions might require (good communication, attention detail, sense of urgency, customer service attitude, etc.), it really stops there. If you believe the “sales is sales” premise then the same would apply to other careers and industries. I would have to say that if that is the thought process then every little league coach would be qualified to be on the Yankees coaching staff or every junior high football coach could be on Alabama’s coaching staff – after all “coaching is coaching”.
Hiring managers are looking for those things that make you unique. Don’t be afraid to call those things out in your resume and throughout the interview process. Did you have a unique product to sell? Were you selling to certain retailers? How much were you selling? What is unique or different about your product?
You want to stress your unique experience and how you can add value to the position that you are considering. From the hiring manager’s perspective they are looking at the experience that you bring in comparison to other candidates. Remember it isn’t always about you being able to do the job – it is about how you can do it better than others.
If you are in the job market don’t be shy about letting people know what makes you qualified and different from others. In my opinion the “sales is sales” mentality is the best way to be just another job seeker.
Global Team Leader ?MBA? Bilingual?New Business Development Specialist
9 年Thanks very true . Joe
Senior Sales Team Leader, Walmart/Club/E-Commerce at Just Born
9 年This is a great article Mike Whittington and I believe you are right on. Being able to effectively communicate the challenges and how you've been able to overcome them in a sales role is key. Some sales roles yield fewer dollars but are very complex in nature. Some require an intense amount of selling both within and outside your organization. There are companies that are more entrepreneurial in nature thus requiring more creativity on the role of the sales person. Being able to set yourself apart in a competitive atmosphere is key and too many times people take for granted the fact that they've "checked the box" so to speak. Great stuff. Thank you for sharing CB
Vice President-COO at RLI Services, Inc. (Transportation and Supply Chain Industry)
9 年Yess! Great stuff MIke.
Principal at Summit Insurance Advisors - Helping Businesses and Families Protect What Matters
9 年Good stuff Mike, I have thought the same thing for a long time but never in those terms. Thanks for sharing.
VP - Club Channel at Hostess Brands
9 年Mike - thanks for sharing...very true and an excellent reminder when interviewing to tailor the conversation in a relevant manner to the people you meet with.