How to get a job in sales with no previous experience?

[Smith]

Hey guys

I want to get a job in sales this summer holiday because it would give me an opportunity to practice my social skills while making money at the same time (2 birds in one stone). I have sent out CV to some retail stores, and got rejected from all of them. I think the main reason could be I have no previous experience in sales, so how do you overcome this?

If every retail store is looking for some experienced retailers then that means no hope for new guys like me. Is there anything I can do or say on my CV to increase my chances?

I have tried relating my other work experience and say how those skills could be transferable to retail, but maybe I'm not being convincing enough on my CV. (I have spent hours trying to refine it and I will keep trying)

Any advice is appreciated.

Cheers

- Smith

 

[Thedoctor]

Smith,

I'd recommend dropping off you CV/ resume in person. This is particularly important in the Sales industry since you are judged (sometimes solely) on your appearance. So go around and drop off as many as you can and when you do, ask to speak to the person in charge of hiring and introduce yourself. This will go a long way, especially with no previous experience. When you do this, make sure you are dressed like the staff that works there (if they wear dress shirts or polos etc.) It' makes it easier for a potential employer to imagine you working there if you already look like you do.

-John

 

[Smith]

Thanks for the advice! It's currently impossible for me to send my CV in person lol because I'm in another city, but I'll try to include pictures of myself on my CV for now. Once I get there in 2 weeks, I'll start dropping off CV in person and introduce myself to the managers. Great advice! Thanks!

 

[Thinkingenigma]

Or just follow Leo's example from Wolf of Wall street, lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX4PK7UEMac

 

[Smith]

Or just follow Leo's example from Wolf of Wall street, lol

LOL that guy with his silver tongue.

Most of them have quotas that most applicants fail on within a few weeks, and lose the jobs. However, if you can be persistent and really keep an open mind to learn the training they'll give you, you will have an internalized sales skill set that will put you well ahead of many people with more "regular" sales experience.

Thanks Drexel! That's an excellent idea. Almost forgot these jobs exist. Hmm I didn't know they have quotas to reach since most of them are like street decorations standing there doing nothing lol. But yea it will help me build really thick skin that might also be good for pickup.