How do I become a sales exec for mobile phone/pc world type shop?

DAS***

Hi everyone. I have an arts degree in philosophy and anthropology. I went into college not knowing what I wanted to do, and chose philosophy and anthropology i guess just because I was interested in them, i was happy with my results, but right now dont see a future in them, and would like to get into sales instead. Its hard coz its like starting from scratch all over again. I think phil and anth are pretty useless to me and "transferable skills" is pretty much a joke- If you want to get into accounting/management/IT u need an accounting/man...etc degree/diploma/some certification, though right now im kinda relying on my "transferable skills" when applying for sales exec jobs- in particular i would like to work in mobile phone shop/pc world type shop, currys, dixons etc. So what do you all think? Is it a hard job to get into? What would you need to get the job?

flash harry

DAS*** wrote: »

Hi everyone. I have an arts degree in philosophy and anthropology. I went into college not knowing what I wanted to do, and chose philosophy and anthropology i guess just because I was interested in them, i was happy with my results, but right now dont see a future in them, and would like to get into sales instead. Its hard coz its like starting from scratch all over again. I think phil and anth are pretty useless to me and "transferable skills" is pretty much a joke- If you want to get into accounting/management/IT u need an accounting/man...etc degree/diploma/some certification, though right now im kinda relying on my "transferable skills" when applying for sales exec jobs- in particular i would like to work in mobile phone shop/pc world type shop, currys, dixons etc. So what do you all think? Is it a hard job to get into? What would you need to get the job?

DAS - dont think these roles are usually too difficult to get into - search IrishJobs or the like and the companies directly....

DAS***

flash harry wrote: »

DAS - dont think these roles are usually too difficult to get into - search IrishJobs or the like and the companies directly....

Have done. Have applied for lots, but I really think I may need a sales diploma or something, or some sales experience...

Tha Gopher

tbh I dont think PC World and its linked firms (I think Currys and Dixons are part of the same group) actually pay decent money. Might have in the past (the PC world salesman we first bought off in 2000 was wearing a suit!) but they cut years ago. Mate worked there in 2003 and said it was minimum wage plus commission for how many sales you could push. Its the reason most staff in them are Indian/Pakistani, employ salesmen from a country with strong IT education but paying them McDonalds wages.

DAS***

Wages cant be that bad, and I wouldn't regard it as "pushing" sales. You try to get the cutomer to buy and point out all the good features but its up to them. You're selling high spec products. I hate pushy/desperate salespeople so I wont become one of them

snellers

but the thing about selling in those environments (pc world/dixons et al) is that you arent gonna make a ton of cash at any time. - IMO these aren't real sales people - they are merely customer advisors...and that is why pay tends to be poor

are you sure about sales? seems madness to leave your qualifications behind for what is a non-qualified environment.....and before people kick off yes I am generalising......there are of course extremely specialist, qualified people selling .....but as a general rule sales is sales whatever you sell - you either have the ability or you don't ....unless people move into sales management they drift towards marketing or other areas

DAS***

Anyone out there who has got such a job??

DAS***

snellers wrote: »

but the thing about selling in those environments (pc world/dixons et al) is that you arent gonna make a ton of cash at any time. - IMO these aren't real sales people - they are merely customer advisors...and that is why pay tends to be poor

are you sure about sales? seems madness to leave your qualifications behind for what is a non-qualified environment.....and before people kick off yes I am generalising......there are of course extremely specialist, qualified people selling .....but as a general rule sales is sales whatever you sell - you either have the ability or you don't ....unless people move into sales management they drift towards marketing or other areas

Yes Im pretty sure about sales. Well its the only thing I want to do right now. Tbh i dont know what in the hell to do with my phil and anth. Phil drives me crazy, and anthrop, well anyone I know who wants to continue with it has gone on to do masters in sociology or something, and I dont want to do further study right now. Only finished college etc.. I dont know why people have a bad idea of these sales advisors or whatever you want to call them, they usually have well qualified in IT-some can be IT technicians etc.. But yes I get your point maybe its not really sales but its near enough, and its in IT-an area I love.

flash harry

DAS*** wrote: »

Yes Im pretty sure about sales. Well its the only thing I want to do right now. Tbh i dont know what in the hell to do with my phil and anth. Phil drives me crazy, and anthrop, well anyone I know who wants to continue with it has gone on to do masters in sociology or something, and I dont want to do further study right now. Only finished college etc.. I dont know why people have a bad idea of these sales advisors or whatever you want to call them, they usually have well qualified in IT-some can be IT technicians etc.. But yes I get your point maybe its not really sales but its near enough, and its in IT-an area I love.

DAS if you really want to get into sales, yes chase a retail role or a telesales one (cue: everyone saying how crappy it is) - if yu can do well in telesales you know you can do it in other types of sales

snellers

as above - if you make it in telesales cold calling you will make it anywhere in sales!

It has got to be one of the most difficult jobs to perform well in - huge respect for those that can

IamBeowulf

DAS*** wrote: »

Anyone out there who has got such a job??

I worked for Dixons and I can tell you it's not a job I'd recommend. Contrary to other posts, the commission can be pretty high but you really have to work hard at it. The standard wage is low.

Someone said they're not sales people. Not true. Their job relies on them achieving a certain level of insurance sales. Hard to do on a sales floor, especially with the know-it-alls (never have I met so many arrogant people! They really look down their nose at you in there!)

I'd say pick something you want to do for the rest of your life. Forget jumping into sales jobs.

TheBigLebowski

DAS*** wrote: »

Yes Im pretty sure about sales. Well its the only thing I want to do right now. Tbh i dont know what in the hell to do with my phil and anth. Phil drives me crazy, and anthrop, well anyone I know who wants to continue with it has gone on to do masters in sociology or something, and I dont want to do further study right now. Only finished college etc.. I dont know why people have a bad idea of these sales advisors or whatever you want to call them, they usually have well qualified in IT-some can be IT technicians etc.. But yes I get your point maybe its not really sales but its near enough, and its in IT-an area I love.

I don't think you could class working in PC World as 'working in IT' and from what I see of the people working in these places, they have very little knowledge of PCs and are more interested in selling extended warranties. I doubt very much these places are hard to get into and I doubt you would need any IT quals. In fact, I'd consider it a waste of IT qualifications to work there.

DAS***

Thanks for the advice everyone. You've really put me off working in such PC stores (I mean that in a good way!) Ideally I would like to work as an IT consultant or seomthing along that line, so thought working in sales area might be a good idea to start off with. Telesales or cold calling no thank you. Its ugh. Why would you want to call people who have not voiced any interest in what you are selling. Its a losing game. I'd prefer responding to interest and need.

IamBeowulf wrote: »

I'd say pick something you want to do for the rest of your life. Forget jumping into sales jobs.

I think you may be right. I've taken your advice and decided on an IT course thanks.

TheBigLebowski wrote: »

I doubt very much these places are hard to get into and I doubt you would need any IT quals. In fact, I'd consider it a waste of IT qualifications to work there.

I think I'd have to agree

BillyGoatGruff

If you ever wanted to get into sales in the future. (Salespeople are always needed) you need to design your CV towards the job. Point out instances in previous jobs/clubs/organisations where you have had to deal/negotiate/solve the problems of (with) people. Tell them you are a great closer of a sale. (They love that one). Tell them you know how to ask open (Q's you can't say yes or no to) questions, recognise buying signals and close the sale. That you realise the importance of the customer being treated well. (For repeat business)

Hope that helps if you are still considering sales.

nesf

snellers wrote: »

as above - if you make it in telesales cold calling you will make it anywhere in sales!

Not really no. There's a lot more to sales than being able to get a once off sale over the phone.

DAS***

Great advice. Ye I've actually got interview for mobile phone shop sales job thurs so I'll see how that goes thanks!;)

BillyGoatGruff

Best of luck with it. Let us know how it goes.

Remember the key words

good closer/honest/loyal/personable/quick learner/interested in mobiles

Read up on the company you are applying for.

Read up on the competition.

Good luck:D