How to Get a Job as a Sales Manager
According to Bob Kelly, chairman of the Sales Management Association, the profession has changed over the past several years as a result of technology and automation. "The management job is trying to make sense of the change, and sales managers are pivotal in its success," he says. Kelly says as the profession develops, hiring managers are looking closely as traits like an applicant's ability to effectively establish a rapport with their team and to improve the sales skills of individual representatives. However, he says companies are more hesitant when it comes to hiring sales managers unless applicants can prove they’ll increase profits. To do that, Kelly recommends applicants develop a plan of action demonstrating how they would boost productivity. "Hiring managers want to know that a sales manager is about implementation and is action-oriented," Kelly says. "It's not enough for a sales manager to make more sales themselves—they have to make the rest of the team more productive."
Interview Questions Submitted by Real Sales Managers
"Have you won sales contests in the past?" - RadioShack Sales Manager Candidate (Location Unknown)
"How would you handle a conflict with two associates?" - Macy's Sales Manager Candidate (Indianapolis, IN)
"Why should we consider you for this position?" - DIRECTV Area Sales Manager Candidate (Location Unknown)
What is the Job Like?
Sales managers often work alongside other top managers within the company. This can be a high-pressure job, as sales managers must often handle changes in schedule and various problems in the workplace while still meeting deadlines and goals. Long hours (sometimes including evenings and weekends) are common, and some sales managers often find it hard to disconnect from the job once the day is over. A sales manager may be required to travel substantially in order to meet with customers and others within the industry. Job transfers between headquarters and regional offices are also common.
Real Reviews From Sales Managers
+ "Car, Mileage, Best Benefits in the Industry, Sisterhood among other District Managers. Contact with Representatives best part of job. Opportunity to win a world-class trip each year." - Avon District Sales Manager (Location Unknown)
+ "Good training, good benefits, good pay, good relationship with senior management, recognition for a job well done. Team mentality. Made to feel valued." - Macy's Sales Manager (Baton Rouge, LA)
- "Retail in general can be challenging but the company is a good company to work for. Family owned and operated." - Dillard's Area Sales Manager (Tallahassee, FL)
- "Open long hours and all holidays had too many managers and not enough associates at some times to get projects done" - Lowe's Sales Manager (Sicklerville, NJ)
Review information and interview questions supplied by Glassdoor.
