How To Look For Your Next Job Like A Salesperson

By Kibet Tobias
What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘hunt’?
Whatever it is, when you are hunting, you are searching for something or someone with determined efforts to get it.
Think of a salespeople for a minute. They identify the right contacts. They reach out to them to pitch on a product or service. They convince them that their products or services are perfect to help them solve their problems.
Similarly, when you are looking for a job, remember you are your own ‘salesperson’.  The only difference is that salespeople pitch prospects on a product or service. But as a job seeker you are pitching prospective employers on yourself.
I spoke to Ida Kibunja, an Account Manager at Corporate Staffing Services and according to her these are sales techniques that can also be applied to your job search
1. Do enough research
Before trying to sell products and services, salespeople always do their homework to understand the market opportunities.
“ A salesperson ensures they reach out to their prospect after doing thorough research about the company. This helps them tailor their approach accordingly,” Says Ms. Kibunja.
When you are trying to apply for a job, your job search should be no different. Make sure you take the time to do some research about the company and the opportunity at hand first.
Let your CV and Cover letter be tailored to the company and position you are applying for.
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2. Approach the Decision-Maker
When it comes to sales, decision-makers are those people who will have the final say on whether or not they will purchase your product or service. Salespeople often try talking to the decision makers from the start.
Similarly, during the hiring process, there are people in every company who will decide on the candidate to hire.
According to Ms. Kibunja, recruiters usually source and screen candidates for the job, but they might not make the final decision in the hiring process.
Therefore, when you are applying for that job you always try and reach out to the hiring manager and other key decision makers.
If you don’t know who they are, go to the company website to figure out who they are. Find their contact and email them directly.
Just make sure your email is explaining why you are a great fit for the company. Most likely you will be recommended for an interview.
3. Build relationship with Your Interviewer
Most salespeople prioritize building relationships with other people. Who you know can be your next potential customer.
As a job seeker, learn to build and develop an immediate rapport with your interviewer.  If possible, you can adapt their behaviors and mannerisms. This way you will personally connect with them and they will trust you.
It is not about faking your whole personality but similar gestures like a smile can be a bonus to you.
4. Tell your Success Stories
Sharing your success stories with others is an effective way to make them like you.
Have you noticed that most companies share testimonials on their websites?
This is to let you know how they have helped their clients in the past and how they can help you as well.
As a job seeker, you need to demonstrate results. Tell stories of how you solved problems in the past. Illustrate on your CV and share them during interviews.
Conclusion
With this said and done, you need to be like a sales professional while hunting for a job. These are just but a few sales techniques to try out today to be able to sell yourself to employers.
Tobias is a Communication Assistant at Career Point Kenya. Email tobias@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke