Now that you are past the basics of landing the tech sales job you want, let’s get into some more of the advanced concepts. One major part of the application process that people don’t take advantage of is the vast amount of tools available to you.
Companies make it their job to help you get a job. One of the best things you can do is to utilize the tools and services available to you. For example, Rainmakers.co specializes in helping aspiring sales-people get the jobs they need to further their career.
Is a recruiting agency right for me?
Sales agencies pride themselves on their ability to land jobs for their clients, but not all agencies are created equal. Your best bet is to seek out agencies that have connections in the industry, are focused on a limited amount of companies, and provide coaching throughout the process.
You may be asking yourself if it’s worth going through the process of finding an agent. Well, consider it like this, an agency is going to get you a job that’s best for you at your stage in your career. An agency that promises you a CEO job at Apple is obviously not telling you the truth.
Nailing the right job, and not necessarily the best job, will maximize your growth and profits. All of this will greatly outweigh whatever cost you incur by hiring an agency to help you along this process.
High touch
High touch is an industry term used to describe the relationship an agency has with its customers and clients. The term symbolizes honest human interactions over corporate jargon. We are all human beings, no matter what job we have. When an agency can achieve a real relationship with both potential employers and potential employees, the process becomes much more natural. Relationships based on high touch last longer and yield greater results.
You can test out how an agency performs by simply giving them a call. If you have to go through two automated call responses and three customer service reps before you can have a real conversation about your goals, then they are not the agency for you.
The way an agency deals with you is the way they deal with their potential employers. Poor communication, overly complicated processes, and stale results are red flags to anybody looking for an agency to get them hired.
Limited amount of companies
An agency will usually ask you what companies you would like to work for. Perhaps your dream jobs and what jobs you think you are capable of handling today. An easy tactic used by sleazy agencies is to immediately promise your biggest goal right up front. But the truth is, an agency cannot have connections to every single company that has a sales department.
A good agency will have solid connections to a limited amount of companies. Usually, those companies will be focused in a particular field. This allows an agency to create deeper connections with companies. Deeper connections lead to more clear understandings of what a company actually needs.
This may sound simple, but consider how important that single fact above is. Let’s say a company is growing and has developed a relationship with a hiring agency. Part of what makes the agency great is the understanding of how companies in their sector grow. Certain companies go through particular stages of development that are trackable. For example, one of the first hires a company should make is an account manager, any good agency will know this and know what hires to make next.
The agency is an aid to the company as it grows because it provides them with employees who fill the necessary roles as they become available. This relationship is invaluable and it shows the skills of an agency when they have multiple relationships like this on the books.
Good opportunity for coaching during the process if you pick the right one
Good coaching will make or break your career. If an agency advises you to take a position you are not ready for, then your reputation in the industry can be ruined. On the other hand, if you are recommended a position you are overqualified for, you can be stuck in a job you don’t need for years.
A good coach is always a positive asset no matter what industry you’re in. That’s why having a high touch relationship with your agency is primary to your success. A good coach will help you land the right job at the right company which will multiply your success.
What about Job platforms/marketplaces?
If you’re not ready to go the agency route just yet, there are some other options available to you. There are plenty of websites that post jobs and help you connect with potential employers.
Monster / Indeed – low quality except for junior roles
Websites like Monster and Indeed have helped a lot of people land jobs. However, the jobs available on these sites are most likely low quality except for junior positions. For those just graduating college, or taking their first steps in a new industry, these resources are great.
For the more ambitious job hunters though, these options may be a bit lackluster. What an agency provides is a position that is finely tailored to your skills and goals. The types of jobs you get from Monster and Indeed will be jobs that require some kind of repetitive and non-creative skills. However, that may be what you need at this point in your career.
LinkedIn – good if used for a targeted approach
LinkedIn is a very powerful resource in the job market. The site provides you with direct access to the people you want to talk to. Let’s say you want to work for Uber. The head of hiring at Uber definitely has a LinkedIn profile. She may be busy but at least Uber grants you that direct connection for you to make an attempt to impress her with your resume.
LinkedIn is best for a targeted approach. The previous lesson is all about how to perfect your presence on this site and we can’t hammer it enough how important that is. Hitting a potential at the right time with the right profile can land you a job you may have thought was out of your league. But this requires a lot of time and effort. And just because a company looks good on the outside, doesn’t mean the culture on the inside is profitable and has room for growth. This is why having an agency may be better suited than the LinkedIn route.
Rainmakers – lots of opportunities, companies approach you directly
With Rainmakers.co we provide our employers with a ton of opportunities. Because we are focused on a particular niche, we are able to develop a skillset that caters to potential employers perfectly. We understand how companies in this field grow and what they need. We also provide in-depth coaching and to our clients which helps us determine your skills and aspirations.
Companies will approach you because they know we only deal with serious and motivated clients. Not only will they approach you, but they will make it clear exactly what they are looking for and what they can provide. There will be no need to accept the first offer you get because we have many opportunities to choose from.
Conclusion
Yes, there are many ways to get a job but at the end of the day, a great agency will save you time, money and effort. Why take a chance on getting a job that is not right for you and wasting your time there. Working with an agency like Rainmakers will ensure long-term growth for your career because we specialize in making sure the position you get is perfect for you. Why waste your time doing anything else?