Your resume

Your resume is a reflection of you. I have read thousands and you need to assume that the employer or recruiter reads hundreds or thousands. You have got to make yours noticeable. We have all heard the expression keep it simple. Some resumes read like novels. In sales roles there are may flavours-inside or outside, retention or acquisition,b2b,b2c and everything in between. It's important to let the recruiter or employer know where your strengths lie. This can be done in point form. Your time is valuable so you want to be in front of the right employers and they for sure want the right candidates in an interview.

Assume that not all recruiters and employers read your resume from top to bottom at first glance. You need to get your resume noticed. You need to list your accomplishments, prizes and promotions. It's not bragging, it's sales!!

I once interviewed a 43 year old guy who had a 1 page resume (someone told him that was a good idea) that showed 3 jobs. I spoke to him on the phone, liked what I heard then interviewed him face to face. He was great. I told him that his resume was like a black and white tv and he, in person , was like an HDTV.

If you are not expert on word, then please use the templates that are provided for free as part of Microsoft Office or hire a professional.

Another thing, get rid of those funky email addresses that you once had in university such as funkygirl@ or partyguy@. It doesn't look professional. You might want to use plain white paper when mailing but most often you'll be emailing yours.

Most important tip, DON'T EVER LIE ON YOUR RESUME. It always comes back to haunt you. Don't embellish the truth. It seems fairly simple as advice but needs to be said.

You should also leave some information for the interview so your accomplishments in elementary school may not be altogether necessary.

Happy writing.

How to work with a sales recruiter

A recruiter technically works for the client but a good recruiter needs to strike a delicate balance between the employer and candidate. Some employers have very specific needs and if the candidate does not fulfill that need then there is no sense in pushing for an interview with the employer. I have many clients that insist on a specific education level such as a Bachelor's degree. Don't be insulted if you're not being considered. It's not personal, it's my client's policy.


Keep in mind a recruiter is usually in interviews, on the phone, fielding emails or at an employer's site. As a candidate it is important that you respect the time that a recruiter gives you and we also need to respect your time. When I book an appointment to interview a candidate, it is usually with a specific position in mind. The odd time, I will do an exploratory meeting. If that is the case, I'll tell the candidate. It really serves no purpose to push a recruiter to see you.


Please, please please show up on time and dressed how you would normally dress for an interview with a potential employer. It is not any less important. I need to be able to match you with my client and their environment.


Follow up is important but too much follow up could be an indication of your selling tactics and style. There's a fine line between good follow up and a bothersome person. Ask the recruiter how you should follow up.


As a sales person, your 1st job is to sell yourself to the recruiter. How you do this tells me a great deal about your selling skills.

A recruiter does a great job when they understand the job, the employer's environment and most of all you; the potential employee. Put your best foot forward but most of all, put your true self forward. It will make for a marriage made in heaven.

Dawn

Why a sales recruiting blog?

Hi I am starting this blog to help out people looking for sales jobs, wanting to get into sales jobs or just curious about sales people and our world.

I head up a 9 year old recruiting firm specializing in sales recruiting. Some sales people do a great job of selling a product or service and a lousy job of selling themselves.

I have seen hundreds of resumes, sat through hundreds of interviews and it amazes me what people do in interviews and on their resumes.

I hope to give you some tips and am open to getting some tips as well.

I'd love to hear the weirdest question that you've ever been asked.

Dawn