Selling Recruiters on Your Value

Any time you search for a new job, you must be able to convince recruiters of your value. Although your top priorities might be a high salary and comprehensive benefits package, that is not what a sales recruiter wants to hear. You must be able to answer interview questions in a way that shows the recruiter you will be a dedicated employee with the company's best interests at heart. Use these tips to sell a sales recruiter on your value every time you have an interview.

Every time you meet with a sales recruiter, you must be prepared to back up your statements with numbers. It is not enough to say that you increased sales at your previous employer. You must be able to say you increased sales by a specific dollar amount or percentage, or that you converted a certain percentage of prospects to paying customers. If you do not have a lot of sales experience, use figures related to your previous job duties. For example, you can tell the sales recruiter that you provided service to a specific number of clients or helped your department cut costs by a specific dollar amount.

If you are trying to transition from one industry to another, you will need to be able to show the sales recruiter how your skills translate from your past sales positions to the advertised job opening. Every sales position requires the ability to persuade people to buy products or services, so show the sales recruiter that you have this ability. If you currently work with high-dollar products, think of a way to apply your knowledge and experience to the advertised position. Before meeting with a sales recruiter, make a list of your credentials, training, and work experience to make it easier to identify industries that match your profile.

Answering interview questions properly is another step in convincing a sales recruiter of your value as a potential employee. Be prepared to explain why you like working in the sales field. You might tell the sales recruiter that you like helping others, you like competing with other salespeople, or you like being paid based on your performance as a salesperson. During your interview, you should also show the recruiter that you have good listening skills, positive energy, and the ability to close deals. Research the company before you meet the interviewer, as the sales recruiter is likely to expect that you will have some knowledge of the products and services the company offers. Kimberly Thompson, a career expert who writes for the Houston Chronicle, says you must maintain your confidence during the process of searching for and interviewing for this type of job, as a lack of confidence could hurt your chances of landing a position.

Because many sales positions require the same skills and abilities, you should concentrate on showing recruiters your value as a potential employee. When you meet with a sales recruiter, be prepared to provide concrete numbers and explain how your experience would apply to each specific job opening. Sell yourself as a potential employee by providing thorough answers to each interview question and wowing the sales recruiter with your interviewing skills.

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