Seeking Management-Oriented TSTers for advice

[CleanNeon98]

I'm currently looking into a promotion at work for a "Sales Lead" at a furniture store which carries a good salary behind it. It basically involved doing inventory, handling customer service issues, selling, etc., basically the day-to-day operations of the store.

The Sales Leads (2) in my store know I want the job, and I am slowly but surely being trained and I'm getting my feet wet in all aspects of the position. The District Manager also knows I'm after the job and told me to keep up what I'm doing and that "good things will happen".

However, that's not enough. I'm looking for ideas on what to do, I want to come into the interview prepared and to walk out of it with the job. I'm taking initiative in the store to do things on my own (things that I'm not supposed to do as a Sales Associate but that Sales Leads do) and they see that.

Basically I'm looking for advice from TST's management oriented members, what do you look for when hiring someone for a job like this, and what are some techniques and tools I can use on the sales floor and during the interview process to make sure this goes over smoothly? I don't have an interview date set yet but so far my sales numbers (written, delivered, average sale, etc.) are higher than most others in the store, and I've been in the top 10 in the entire district for about 2 months running, and doing well this month too. Any advice you can offer is greatly apreciated. My mom's company may soon be closing their headquarters and if that happens I'll need the extra money to help my parents out while she goes to school or finds another job.

[angdefeo]

First a question, will the new position give you better pay/benefits? I ask because in some companies the sales managers aren't the people with the best sales numbers. Companies want to keep their best sellers selling since they do that best, and give the 2nd tier people the sales managers positions. In my experience (software consulting) the sales people were paid much higher than the managers since they produced the most.

[jpalamar]

From my experience, the best sales people are usually the worst managers... its just a different set of skills and few people have both.

Also, what Ang said is also true many times, sales people usually have potential to make more then their bosses, but it is of course as high stress and high turnover position. Something to think about first is do you want to be in management or sales?

If I were interviewing you I would want to know what you have done for the company so far to prove you have what it takes, what you can offer the company if given the sales person, and how far your willing to go to make it happen.

[Proven]

I couldn't agree anymore with whats been said above. A great Salesman or better yet "someone who gets the most Sales" IMO isn't necessarily what makes a good manager. There's 2 types of GOOD Salesman in my book.

A. One's who's an aggressive closer by any means and is out to dominate the Competition (including other team members within the Company).

Gets sales, makes money

B. Someone who's honestly out to help the Customers and will work as a team at getting Sales and repeat business/come backs.

Still gets Sales but is also making everyone around them better

If your Salesman A I think all's your good for is getting Sales and as a manager you may run things like a dictatorship. All's you've proven is that you can make yourself better. If your Salesman B I think you got some ammunition to take with you in the interview.

A good Manager makes everyone around them better (use this line). What would make you feel better? - knowing you helped someone become a better Salesman or butting them out of the way and showing them how its done?

Use your Sales history only as an example of how you can excel. Spend more time explaining how you've helped others make Sales and become better.

OR, look at who's the best Manager in their eyes and pretend your just like them regardless of whether or not you are (I don't like this and think ultimately you'll sink but it will get you the job ).

[CleanNeon98]

I'm more personality B. Our store is a non comissioned structure, there are 3 types of employees per store

Sales Associate (me now)
Sales Lead (getting there)
Store Manager (do not want)

Basically the associate are just supposed to sell, if there are customer service issues, etc. they get handed up to the Leads. The Leads are the go-to people with questions about product, warranty, cover availability, etc. I won't get into the technical stuff. So the associates take orders from the Leads, and the Leads take orders from the Manager, as an associate, my decision making ability is masked by what I can and can't do. Leads train associates, and help close the bigger sales if customers put up resistance or are weary about the purchase. It's a team oriented environment and I'm a team oriented person so I work in it well, we recently had a new associate start and he is more personality A, and he applied for a lead but only got accepted as an associate to "test" him and he didn't meet the mark. Meanwhile I'm always on the floor between customers and other associates/leads looking to help them out any way I can. I also have the benefit of having one of the best leads in the company at my store and he is basically training me directly little by little every day.

I'm just looking to come into the interview armed and ready, I guess I should highlight more on how I help achieve good numbers for the team rather than just MY performance?

[Seven]

Originally Posted by CleanNeon98

I'm more personality B. Our store is a non comissioned structure, there are 3 types of employees per store

Sales Associate (me now)
Sales Lead (getting there)
Store Manager (do not want)

Basically the associate are just supposed to sell, if there are customer service issues, etc. they get handed up to the Leads. The Leads are the go-to people with questions about product, warranty, cover availability, etc. I won't get into the technical stuff. So the associates take orders from the Leads, and the Leads take orders from the Manager, as an associate, my decision making ability is masked by what I can and can't do. Leads train associates, and help close the bigger sales if customers put up resistance or are weary about the purchase. It's a team oriented environment and I'm a team oriented person so I work in it well, we recently had a new associate start and he is more personality A, and he applied for a lead but only got accepted as an associate to "test" him and he didn't meet the mark. Meanwhile I'm always on the floor between customers and other associates/leads looking to help them out any way I can. I also have the benefit of having one of the best leads in the company at my store and he is basically training me directly little by little every day.

I'm just looking to come into the interview armed and ready, I guess I should highlight more on how I help achieve good numbers for the team rather than just MY performance?

If it's a TEAM environment, make sure whomever you speak to in the interview is aware that you're there for everyone. If you have a great rep in the store, show you know that, and highlight that you'd like to become better than that person by taking what you've learned from them and adding to it, and then making others around you better and helping them out. Basically you want them to know you're not only going to go the extra mile for yourself, but for everyone else too.

[Proven]

Originally Posted by CleanNeon98

I'm just looking to come into the interview armed and ready, I guess I should highlight more on how I help achieve good numbers for the team rather than just MY performance?

I think so.

Also, Most Companies have Job descriptions available in writing. Try to get a hold of the one for the position your applying for and look at it as question's asked, then answer them. For example, taking what you've mentioned For the positions duties -

"1.Leads are the go-to people with questions about product, warranty, etc.

With my Product knowledge already being above and beyond I continue to educate myself further by keeping up to date on future product releases, Warranty changes, and finance options. Doing so has helped me with "last resort closing" ensuring the Customer has reason to come back."

Might be silly but could help. I would even take it a step further and word/doc the question/answer session to hand off to the interviewer when leaving. Will show that you've been constantly thinking about obtaining the position and remind the interviewer of things he might of not picked up on during the interview itself.

[djb5118]

A good way to approach the interviews, especially with looking into a managerial role, you should relate it to experiences that you've had to overcome and tie them into the question. When you answer, try the S.T.A.R. method. Basically in your answer you start by describing the Situation. Next, describe the Task at and...these two steps should include who, what, when, where, and way. Then the Action that was taken to solve the problem. Tie it in with teamwork and whatnot. Finally, the Resolution. What were the consequences (positive) of your decision and actions. What did you do to help come to the result and how has it shaped things going further.

Originally Posted by Proven

Might be silly but could help. I would even take it a step further and word/doc the question/answer session to hand off to the interviewer when leaving. Will show that you've been constantly thinking about obtaining the position and remind the interviewer of things he might of not picked up on during the interview itself.

This is a pretty good idea, but I would maybe tread lightly as it could come off as being cocky or pretentious. Just my thought though.

[angdefeo]

Once you break it down, what is the an interview?

- You showing them that you will be a good fit in that position. In one way or another you need to present yourself as a good fit. Sell your strong points. Show examples of how you have made tough decisions and the positive outcome. Also let them feel comfortable that you will be with the company for a long time and that this growth fits with your long term career progression. If you want to be CEO of the company, thats cool, but dont tell them that at this point. Show how as you have grown and the new position fits into that process.

- Also an interview is a chance for you to ask relevent questions about the position and the company. They also need to sell you on the company. Dont ask about pay, that comes later. But ask the person in this position will fit into the company, what they expect this person to do, and other questions that wil make you understand if the job is what you want.

Dont over think the interview. Be ready to answer questions. Show them that you are a good fit and why they will be happy with you in that position.

Good Luck!

[motorvated]

First things first...dress to impress. As nice as you possibly can. Keep good eye contact with whomever you are interviewing with and speak clearly. Eye contact is huge in sales and costumer relations. Like you said, I'de focus on what you think you will be able to do for the store as a whole and not just what you can do for you. Express your strong points, and how you'll go the whole nine yards to have a happy costumer. A lot of good tips in this thread for you to follow...but one that I havent seen mentioned. After the interview, send a hand written thank you card; thanking them for the time they spent with you. Its sounds corny, and you may think it will be useless because you already know the people interviewing you...but its a great tip. My dad has hundreds of people working under him, and he deals with interviews nonstop. Its one of the most applied to jobs around, and he always looks for the small things like thank you cards. Something to make you stand out above everyone else.
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[Proven]

Originally Posted by djb5118

This is a pretty good idea, but I would maybe tread lightly as it could come off as being cocky or pretentious. Just my thought though.

Very true, I think its a matter of who the interviewer is and how the interviewee comes off. If the interviewee is sitting there with their chest popped out talking about how they are the best handing off such list could come off as "I'm so great, I put it in writing" haha! Maybe just bring the list with you for reference but let it be seen, if its commented on in a positive fashion then hand it off.

Regardless of handing off the list or not I think writing it down will help with memorizing what to say during the moment of truth (the interview).

[Proven]

Originally Posted by motorvated

A lot of good tips in this thread for you to follow...but one that I havent seen mentioned. After the interview, send a hand written thank you card; thanking them for the time they spent with you.

Your right, dam, Its always the simple things that end up forgotten. Thinking ahead even further if you are not offered the position try to set up a post interview to find out why and what they feel you need to approve upon.

If that doesn't work find out if the owner has a daughter, then marry her.

[DPancoast]

alex can't un puff his chest though... he's screwed

[Fujito]

Go buy a self help book regarding interviews and read it. I know the concept of reading a book may be alien or foreign to some here, but reading makes you smart!

[Proven]

Originally Posted by Fujito

Go buy a self help book regarding interviews and read it. I know the concept of reading a book may be alien or foreign to some here, but reading makes you smart!

I agree, reading is a good thing. Only problem with this is some people who've discovered the powers of reading become arrogant and even start to act like a dick.

Your thoughts?

[Fujito]

Lol you're calling me out? If I came off as a dick with that statement then good.

I'm pretentious book worm, although I don't read nearly as much as I wish due to work and school. So I'm a self proclaimed pretentious book worm that makes the effort to read.

[Proven]

Originally Posted by Fujito

Lol you're calling me out? If I came off as a dick with that statement then good.

I'm pretentious book worm, although I don't read nearly as much as I wish due to work and school. So I'm a self proclaimed pretentious book worm that makes the effort to read.

Some people just simply read and enjoy the benefits, others like to randomly bring it up in conversation to make themselves look better. Your comment wasn't dick'ish because you read.. It was just dick'ish, and it just so happens your reader.

Now I'm not calling you a dick, but your comment definitely was dick'ish

[Maxxdsix]

A. Dress to impress.
B. Be prepared to answer the question "why are you qualified for this job, why will you be successful in this position if you are appointed" or something along those lines. The managment seems to already know you from what you are saying, so if you do as well as you say, they should already know the answer to these questions, they just want to see if you have the answer.

C. MOST IMPORTANT. do NOT lie. You can stretch the truth, but dont go making **** up to make yourself look better, they will find out, and when they do they will be PISSED. just a heads up.

Good luck man.