How long would you class as an acceptable time ?

[UK345]

Little bit of background first of all:

In September 2015 i got a new job working for a large company who are well respected. I get good perks like a company car, lunch allowance and lots of freedom (i am a sales rep). I am 25 years old and have been considering my future (trying to work out what path to take). I do like my job (it can be boring but thats just the way it is) but the pay is much lower than any other company in the industry offer. This is the first time i have worked in the sales industry so i am gaining valuable experience in this role. The job is going well and i am slowly but surely beginning to build strong relationships with clients.

My plan is to stay with this company for the reminder of this year and then start looking for a job next year (would mean that i could put on my CV that i started in 2015}. I will not be leaving the job until i have a new job so there would be no unemployment gaps.

Would you guys say that for someone my age that just over a year is a respectable time to stay with a company ? Could this put off other employers ?

[Flooble]

I was always told that 2-4 years is the usual rule of thumb to stick at a job.

6 months and you probably left before you were even up to speed, 6-12 and you were getting there, 12-18 hitting your stride ...

So I'd say maybe try to stretch it out a little bit further. One thing to note is that if you are in "account management" rather than "new sales" then you have a certain value to the company because of those relationships you are building. Deploy your sales skills internally on getting a decent payrise.

[edc]

1 year early career in a sales role and moving to the same type and level sales role could look like you couldn't make it.

[Steve Campbell]

Agree with above, 1 year too short if you are looking to move up the scale....although if only a stepping stone for experience to get on the ladder then fine....but then you need to give the next job more time.

Also, FYI, when looking at cv's I like to see Month/year for time in role for more recent jobs....and if not, I ask in interview.

[andy-xr]

It doesnt matter. Might have done 10 - 15 years ago, but jobs for life went out the window years ago. Any sales manager will tell you that, as will any business owner. If they dont, ask them for a 25 year guaranteed contract and see what they say. They'll have brought people in at some point, if their business was around in 2008-2010 they'll likely have had t let people go for something that's no-one fault.

There's also the 'I made a mistake' explanation. It's a good one if it's true, you can explain out 6 months in a job really well with 'thought it was something worth exploring, tried it, didnt work out, so I moved on quickly' Anyone who understands business will, if it's true and can be back up, see that you do actually know what you're doing

But saying that, you're 25. You dont necessarily need to know exactly what you're doing, many people dont at 50

[edc]

andy-xr said:

It doesnt matter. Might have done 10 - 15 years ago, but jobs for life went out the window years ago. Any sales manager will tell you that, as will any business owner. If they dont, ask them for a 25 year guaranteed contract and see what they say. They'll have brought people in at some point, if their business was around in 2008-2010 they'll likely have had t let people go for something that's no-one fault.

There's also the 'I made a mistake' explanation. It's a good one if it's true, you can explain out 6 months in a job really well with 'thought it was something worth exploring, tried it, didnt work out, so I moved on quickly' Anyone who understands business will, if it's true and can be back up, see that you do actually know what you're doing

But saying that, you're 25. You dont necessarily need to know exactly what you're doing, many people dont at 50

It's the OPs first sales role. He seems to be enjoying it and feels like he is getting some success. But, he's already thinking about moving on. I am all for career planning but my thoughts are work at the role and trust that the rewards and job satisfaction will come. If they don't re-evaluate your situation. Think about your prospects and career at the current company and talk to your line manager about them. If you are performing the company will most likely want to keep you and help you develop.

[andy-xr]

I dont know about that, I guess you're right in what you say. What stood out to me was that he's not happy with the pay, and others in the industry pay better. So if you end up going to them, the longer you stay at a known low payer, the more likely you are to get lowballed at the next company, because they know you're used to not being paid what everyone else thinks they're worth

I dont think there's a wrong way to do it though, if the pay's stty, go somewhere where it isnt. Most sales jobs are commissioned, and that's used as motivation. If you can demonstrate you hit the ceiling (ie limited comms) and you're not happy earning that and want to do more, there's no harm in bettering yourself

If you're not hitting numbers and get stty pay, then it's probably time to evaluate whether it's you, the job or something else and figure out how to fix it before someone else fixes it for you.

[Flooble]

andy-xr said:

...

If you can demonstrate you hit the ceiling (ie limited comms) and you're not happy earning that and want to do more, there's no harm in bettering yourself

If you're not hitting numbers and get stty pay, then it's probably time to evaluate whether it's you, the job or something else and figure out how to fix it before someone else fixes it for you.

Exactly, which is why I said you want to look at 12-18 months as hitting your stride, so by the 24 month mark you will know if you are going to be bouncing off the commission limiter or you aren't hitting your target despite having had the opportunity to do so.