Career Advice, Career Counselling, Career Development, Career Education, Career Guide & Career Planning
Jason - Sales Engineer / Kockums Bulk Systems
What did you do before you started your sales career?
I was a design draughtsman for 8 years.
What was your first sales job and how did you land it?
My first Sales job was a side step within the same organisation; I was made aware of the opportunity by the MD who thought it would be beneficial for both parties.
Explain what you like about your current sales position.
I enjoy the job very much - in our industry (powder handling), every project & customer has very different requirements and expectations. We have to multi-task a lot; I could be face to face, putting together proposals, pricing, hands on testing product or involved in some of the engineering design.
Everyday has new challenges and a sales order is the icing on the cake!
Tell us what you don’t like about sales jobs.
There are some frustrating times trying to find out exactly what is going on with a project. Projects often blow HOT COLD HOT COLD and a straight answer from a customer would very helpful at times.
What are some common sales myths in the Materials Handling & Packaging industry?
It’s a numbers game? I’m still not sure about this one, focusing on key projects, industries and / or customers is probably best, but then it’s a numbers game with this key area…So, maybe it is true?..
What career advice would you give a graduate or person thinking of a career change so they could find sales vacancies in your industry?
It’s difficult to say what the best way is as we are all different. I believe experience and product knowledge is essential. If you are able to gain good product knowledge in another department before you take on the challenges of sales it maybe a smoother transition and help keep you in your comfort zone.
Is there any other career advice you would give to someone thinking about sales jobs and starting a sales career?
Keep any promises you make and be patient. I also think it is essential to get some sort of professional sales training & coaching. Everyone needs to continually develop their skills and it best to get off on the right foot.
Peter - Sales Manager / Kockums Bulk Systems
What did you do before you started your sales career?
I was an Apprentice Electrician…. Electrician….Project Engineer with an electronics company.
What was your first sales job and how did you land it?
A Sales Engineer role with Thomas Robinson, Revesby, 1976. I was seconded from UK company to “look after” that companie’s products.
It was more “product specialist” role than sales.
Explain what you like about your current sales position.
Everything - the freeeeeeedom, the chase, excitement of new enquiries, putting together the best solution and, most of all, the close.
Tell us what you don’t like about sales jobs.
The paperwork; being still the “specialist” there are mundane tasks that I could do without; that hold me back.
What are some common sales myths in the Materials Handling & Packaging industry?
Same STIGMA as any “sales” section of any industry; the fact is I make lifelong friends with many of my best clients.
What career advice would you give a graduate or person thinking of a career change so they could find sales vacancies in your industry?
Get a sound understanding of the process; practise the right balance between talking and listening. I have to add that some previous knowledge of the products/ capabilities is invaluable.
I do understand some industries provide that training but in system sales (our industry), background PRODUCT knowledge is essential.
Is there any other career advice you would give to someone thinking about sales jobs and starting a sales career?
Understand it’s a numbers game and the more you put in, the more you get out. Sales training is also vital to success, anything that provides an “edge” is obviously of great value.