Moving from sales to a new career path
Discussion
I have worked in sales ever since I left school at 16.
I have now decided that I no longer want to work in sales at all.
Unfortunately I also have no idea of what I really want to do either and have been trying to think of it for a long time.
My worry is that if I start applying for jobs that interest me that have nothing to do with sales, my cv isn't going to help my case no matter how much tailoring I do to it.
Has anyone done this move and got any suggestions for me?
I have now decided that I no longer want to work in sales at all.
Unfortunately I also have no idea of what I really want to do either and have been trying to think of it for a long time.
My worry is that if I start applying for jobs that interest me that have nothing to do with sales, my cv isn't going to help my case no matter how much tailoring I do to it.
Has anyone done this move and got any suggestions for me?
You certainly need to have a trajectory. I wouldn't write off your CV either; despite 'only' being in sales, you will have accrued competencies and experiences applicable to other sectors; the trick is identifying them, evidencing them and then capturing them on your CV. Once that is done, it is suprising what is unearthed and this can also help deciding on a plan of attack for the next stage in your career. I'd be happy to have an initial scan of your CV and provide some feedback if you thought that would be helpful. PM me if that's of interest. Good luck!
I am in a similar position - not necessarily wanting to change sector, but wanting to re-locate, so need to be flexible.
Most good job adverts give a list of specific requireements and responsibilities. If it is a job thta interests you sit on it for a bit and think about whether you can justifiably claim to meet the majority of those requirements, chances are, you probably do. Then you can tailor your CV, or create your covering letter detailing the relevant experiences you gained from your employment.
In saying that, it's not got me anywhere yet.....
Most good job adverts give a list of specific requireements and responsibilities. If it is a job thta interests you sit on it for a bit and think about whether you can justifiably claim to meet the majority of those requirements, chances are, you probably do. Then you can tailor your CV, or create your covering letter detailing the relevant experiences you gained from your employment.
In saying that, it's not got me anywhere yet.....
fatandwheezing said:
I am in a similar position - not necessarily wanting to change sector, but wanting to re-locate, so need to be flexible.
Most good job adverts give a list of specific requireements and responsibilities. If it is a job thta interests you sit on it for a bit and think about whether you can justifiably claim to meet the majority of those requirements, chances are, you probably do. Then you can tailor your CV, or create your covering letter detailing the relevant experiences you gained from your employment.
In saying that, it's not got me anywhere yet.....
Have you had your cv reviewed and challenged by a third party recently? If not, this may add some value. Good luck!Most good job adverts give a list of specific requireements and responsibilities. If it is a job thta interests you sit on it for a bit and think about whether you can justifiably claim to meet the majority of those requirements, chances are, you probably do. Then you can tailor your CV, or create your covering letter detailing the relevant experiences you gained from your employment.
In saying that, it's not got me anywhere yet.....
Ilikebeaver said:
I have worked in sales ever since I left school at 16.
I have now decided that I no longer want to work in sales at all.
Unfortunately I also have no idea of what I really want to do either and have been trying to think of it for a long time.
My worry is that if I start applying for jobs that interest me that have nothing to do with sales, my cv isn't going to help my case no matter how much tailoring I do to it.
Has anyone done this move and got any suggestions for me?
just as i was about to start one of my own this thread appears ..... spooky lol op sorry to thread hi-jack but i have also been in sales (motortrade) since i was 17 and have recently been looking for a career path but no idea what i want to do :S. I have now decided that I no longer want to work in sales at all.
Unfortunately I also have no idea of what I really want to do either and have been trying to think of it for a long time.
My worry is that if I start applying for jobs that interest me that have nothing to do with sales, my cv isn't going to help my case no matter how much tailoring I do to it.
Has anyone done this move and got any suggestions for me?
NotKenBlock said:
What did you used to sell? Andy any ideas what you would actually like to do? Mechanic? IT? Builder? Spaceman?
I have been in the construction industry for the last 7 years since I left school. In that time there have been two jobs. One selling PPE, Road work equipment and builders tool. The other (current) job i am selling high end bespoke doors and panels to posh residential and office developments. During school I worked in an interior designers shop part time. I actually have no idea what I want to be. Always liked the idea of working in an estate agents, but don't want to be commission based. And it might not be an industry to be in right now (quite like the construction industry).
I am now thinking of making candles. That really shows I have no idea!
rog007 said:
fatandwheezing said:
I am in a similar position - not necessarily wanting to change sector, but wanting to re-locate, so need to be flexible.
Most good job adverts give a list of specific requireements and responsibilities. If it is a job thta interests you sit on it for a bit and think about whether you can justifiably claim to meet the majority of those requirements, chances are, you probably do. Then you can tailor your CV, or create your covering letter detailing the relevant experiences you gained from your employment.
In saying that, it's not got me anywhere yet.....
Have you had your cv reviewed and challenged by a third party recently? If not, this may add some value. Good luck!Most good job adverts give a list of specific requireements and responsibilities. If it is a job thta interests you sit on it for a bit and think about whether you can justifiably claim to meet the majority of those requirements, chances are, you probably do. Then you can tailor your CV, or create your covering letter detailing the relevant experiences you gained from your employment.
In saying that, it's not got me anywhere yet.....
Probably could do with re looking at now I know I want to be out of sales. Luckily have plenty of people who can help with that
Ilikebeaver said:
NotKenBlock said:
What did you used to sell? Andy any ideas what you would actually like to do? Mechanic? IT? Builder? Spaceman?
I have been in the construction industry for the last 7 years since I left school. In that time there have been two jobs. One selling PPE, Road work equipment and builders tool. The other (current) job i am selling high end bespoke doors and panels to posh residential and office developments. During school I worked in an interior designers shop part time. I actually have no idea what I want to be. Always liked the idea of working in an estate agents, but don't want to be commission based. And it might not be an industry to be in right now (quite like the construction industry).
I am now thinking of making candles. That really shows I have no idea!
Wacky Racer said:
Ilikebeaver said:
NotKenBlock said:
What did you used to sell? Andy any ideas what you would actually like to do? Mechanic? IT? Builder? Spaceman?
I have been in the construction industry for the last 7 years since I left school. In that time there have been two jobs. One selling PPE, Road work equipment and builders tool. The other (current) job i am selling high end bespoke doors and panels to posh residential and office developments. During school I worked in an interior designers shop part time. I actually have no idea what I want to be. Always liked the idea of working in an estate agents, but don't want to be commission based. And it might not be an industry to be in right now (quite like the construction industry).
I am now thinking of making candles. That really shows I have no idea!
Thought about a different branch of sales? Cars, phones etc
An interesting exchange of ideas.
I am in a slightly different position. I have over 25 years sales experience in senior positions within the Truck leasing industry. Back in 2009, this market collapsed as no one in there right mind would enter into a 5-7 year contract hire agreement. I worked for one of the biggest providers in the industry and was made redundant along with many other good people.
So, with all this experience, skill set and proven ability, (some deals I put together were worth £1m+) one would have thought be transferable to a similar or allied industry? No chance. I have found that recruiters are the most nervous, and exasperating people to deal with. Unless, you have worked within their exact same industry, can bring 50% of your existing customers with you and are already "known" within their world, they are not prepared to take the risk of appointing you.
This is a great wast of talent for both parties, but now, sadly, is a fact of life. My solution has been to start my own business.....
I am in a slightly different position. I have over 25 years sales experience in senior positions within the Truck leasing industry. Back in 2009, this market collapsed as no one in there right mind would enter into a 5-7 year contract hire agreement. I worked for one of the biggest providers in the industry and was made redundant along with many other good people.
So, with all this experience, skill set and proven ability, (some deals I put together were worth £1m+) one would have thought be transferable to a similar or allied industry? No chance. I have found that recruiters are the most nervous, and exasperating people to deal with. Unless, you have worked within their exact same industry, can bring 50% of your existing customers with you and are already "known" within their world, they are not prepared to take the risk of appointing you.
This is a great wast of talent for both parties, but now, sadly, is a fact of life. My solution has been to start my own business.....
What did you start? I have a lot of Sales experience too selling cars but I am looking for a change too. I have money to start one easily but not sure on what I would want to do ATM. I looked at businesses for sale in Edinburgh but when you have never owned one before and are new to the UK I bet it's an absolute minefield and very risky to the newbie buyer
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