H
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Hotsht

Ent AE

Haven't sold since Q3 2020, need help with story.

My last sales role was Q3 2020. Since then I haven't worked, I've been having/taking care of my kids and learning finance. My wife got cancer and I need to get the 6-figure income rolling again. I'd really appreciate any help and advice getting a well-crafted story together to get back in the game sooner rather than later.


Tech Sales tenure: 3 years (small company), 6 months (series B 50k/mo quota), 6 months (public IPO), 6 months (Series A), 12 months (Series B, covid layoff), 4 months (covid layoff) The last 3 roles I had the title of Enterprise AE and were in QA software selling bug catching AI that replaces QA testers, and that market just plain sucks. (Sounds great, no money there.)


Somewhat relevant: Was an software engineer a decade ago, so I understand software and engineers better than the average rep.


I have no clue what references will still be available. Frankly, my attainment over my career has been kind of dog water. Definitely not consistent. Worst mistake I made was burning out on the commute to SF IPO company pressure, and trying multiple AI startups in QA.


I suffered from a naive perspective on sales, and a tumultuous personal life. I needed to get some help from meds and stop drinking heavily. (baby dose of lexapro, adderall XR).


Now that my head's on straight and I have the kids old enough, and in daycare, I'm ready to get back after it. I'm a smart guy and understand sales theory really well - I can ramp quickly. My fear is only that I'll be stuck where only the shit companies will hire me and then the cycle of short tenure/job hopping continues, or that it will take 6 months to find this next gig.

🎈 Mentorship
☁️ Software Tech
🤝 Interviewing/Offer
9

9 comments

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Pachacuti
Politicker
4
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
well, first off don't mention the personal problems - they don't want to know. But I'm glad your head's back in the right place!

I would simply tell them that you took a more domestic role a couple years ago for family reasons and you're now getting back into the workplace. Its that simple.

Regarding references - you can tell them that anyone you would have used as a professional reference as since moved on. And then provide them personal references (friends, ecclesiastical leader, volunteer colleague, etc,).
BTQ
Politicker
3
Account Manager
I can't really help in finding a job but I can recommend some supplements I use for focus instead of Adderall and other stimulants.

**Disclaimer Not a doctor and not giving medical advice**

I take 200mg of L-theanine with coffee. The l-theanine helps remove the jitters and keeps me calm when I'm cold calling.

I'll also add Sabroxy to this if I'm on a cold call blitz.

I am new to sales but with your software background you can definitely use that to find a more technical role. Especially if a developer/software engineer is your target prospect.

Best of luck!
Sunbunny31
Politicker
3
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
First of all, sorry to hear about your wife’s diagnosis. Best of luck to you all.

That said, as Pachacuti mentioned, don’t bring up the personal stuff. He has a great way to explain the employment gap. No need for further details to a potential employer. Of course it’s fine to share here in the anonymous forum - we are here for support.

I’d start looking at open roles and start applying. Come back here for advice on CV, resume, interview strategy - you name it.

You can do this.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
0
🦊
❤❤❤
Diablo
Politicker
2
Sr. AE
Why don’t you join the shit company and find the desire company simultaneously? If you spend sometime building your CV and make a strategic outreach, you never know you might end up getting in your A list company.
GingerBarbarian
Opinionated
1
Lead Sales
Do not worry about going too in-depth. Your first paragraph is really all you need. Just say you had to help take care of your kids for the last few years and now that they are in daycare you are looking to get back into sales.
detectivegibbles
Politicker
1
Sales Director
Sincerest prayers to your family. Cancer is a bitch yet it's something we've all experienced via a family member or friend.

You seem self-aware so props to you on recognizing your shortcomings. Don't sweat them, every single day is an opportunity to start a new story.

Highly recommend brushing up the interview/job searching/etc skills via Tech Sales U. Definitely pay attention to the verbiage used. It will likely feel a bit redundant but I think it's a great way to dust the cobwebs off.

In my experience, most recruiters and hiring managers value transparency above all. Tell the story of why there are gaps in your resume.

Regarding the actual job hunt, the resources are out there to find something that will fit your experiences. Take the time to look and don't rush into a decision when offers are presented.

Utilize LinkedIn, send connections to people at the company with the same title you're looking for and ask about their experiences.

"Hey Christine, saw you were with XY company in an AE role for last 12 months. I'm planning on applying for (ROLE). Any chance you can share your experiences?"

I've had complete strangers willing to recommend me solely based off reaching out via linkedin.

Another big thing IMO, research the company. Read press releases and get an understanding around their goals for the next 1-5 years. What challenges are they facing? Initiatives?

Use this info in the interview process.

And most importantly, don't get discouraged. There are tons of companies hiring.

Apply as much as you can handle.

Feel free to DM me, happy to help!
Hotsht
1
Ent AE
Thanks detectivegibbles
Hotsht
1
Ent AE
I appreciate the support. Keeping it simple and straightforward is the approach I'm hearing to go with.

Improving my odds questions:
In what areas is embellishment fairly common or accepted? The months of tenure at a company?
What about attainment? How honest should a person be about their attainment if there is a lot of 'meh' quarters in my last few roles?

If my employment tenure or attainment is questioned, and the record hasn't been great over the last few gigs, how truthful do I get when asked about it? What type of stuff is actually verified in full and held to the letter? Would HR do a employment verification with my past companies, and disqualify me based on the months listed on my CV being doctored a bit?

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