Driving ambition leads to success
DIRECT sales offer regular vacancies and can bring steady promotion.
Sean Drury, 32, who sells AA memberships in the field, says: ‘I work in a non-pressurised sales environment talking to people all day, and I get a lot of job satisfaction every time I gain a new member.’
Sean, from Rotherham, says: ‘ I progressed through hard work, good results, positive attitude, a desire to succeed and asking to stand in for my own area manager.’
He now recruits other staff and adds: ‘ We look for trustworthy people, with the skills and life experiences for the job. Sales skills can be taught, but a desire to succeed is essential.’
He advises: ‘Research the company, look at advertising and mission statements, and include their language in your application. If you are interviewed over the phone, smile — it changes how you sound.’
Kate Hough, sales designer and area manager with blinds and shutters company Thomas Sanderson, says: ‘ People have a preconceived idea of sales people, but today direct sales is about being open and honest. Candidates do not need any sales experience as long as they have good communication skills. In interviews speak clearly and let your personality shine through.’
Leena Parmar, founder of citrus-connect.co.uk, a recruiter specialising in direct sales, says: ‘Direct sales is a genuine career opportunity. Using an agency gives you a choice of employed and selfemployed roles.’
‘We look for resilience,’ says Anna Coathup, sales operations manager at Burrows Communications, which produces publications for councils. ‘It’s not just about targets — we want staff who will get to know the area, with enthusiasm for our campaigns.’