youngsmoky profile picture
youngsmoky profile picture

youngsmoky

Senior Account Executive

Celebrated Contributor
Arsonist
Politicker
+9

How do I apply for a new job when I’m not hitting quota this quarter?

Can you even apply for a new sales job in the middle of a slump?

I'm applying to jobs online and getting recruiters in my inbox. Everyone wants a high performer of course.

I've been the top performer or second best for a couple of years now. But now our team has been whittled down to just 3 AEs. And I haven't hit quota since November. 

How do I address this in my resume? Or do I not include that I've missed quota or that I'm only a top performer on a small team?

How do you address this?

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🧠 Advice
🗣 Interviewing
👨‍🏭 Resume
20

15 comments

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jefe
Arsonist
11
🍁
Can you not just put annual attainment on your resume, and call out any specific quarters where you killed it?

I voted number one but it's more massaging the numbers vs. fudging it. You can be transparent without showing EVERYTHING.
youngsmoky
Celebrated Contributor
4
Senior Account Executive
That’s a good point. I think that flies on a resume but not when they drill down into specifics in the interview.

Like when I interviewed with a team that’s rated highly on Repvue. They asked about monthly, quarterly, yearly quota and attainment, how many people are on my team, where I ranked against them, average deal length compared to the team, etc. Really pinned my fins to the floor on some of my answers. I felt like I was caught with my pants down on that one.
jefe
Arsonist
4
🍁
That’s where you’re able to tell a story… there were likely reasons that influenced your inability to hit recently. You need to give some thought to that narrative.

Some people/companies will be dicks and dig into it relentlessly with no understanding of other factors. Those probably aren’t the people/organizations you would enjoy working for.
Justatitle
Big Shot
8
Account Executive
stretching the truth is fine, much like how companies stretch their OTE...
Pachacuti
Politicker
7
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Never lie but you don’t have to tell them everything.
Beans
Big Shot
5
Enterprise Account Executive
Give numbers that help, skirt questions that hurt.
oldcloser
Arsonist
5
💀
Fear not, warrior. A smooth layer of bullshit shall get you through.
Gasty
Notable Contributor
4
War Room Community Manager
It’s all about glorifying what’s been done and will be done.

Everyone experiences a slump sometimes. I’d say, give a kick ass reason and explain the “why” if asked specifically about this and previous quarter. There can be a management change or something.

All the best. No perfect time to find a new gig honestly.

If you were going crazy on attainment of your numbers and hitting your targets outta the park, we wouldn’t be having this discussion I am 75% sure.
BigShrimpin
Catalyst
2
Account executive
nobody has ever checked my numbers on a reference call i wouldnt worry about it unless youre saying crazy shit like 500% over target
medhardwaredr
Opinionated
2
Director of Sales NA
I like jefes answer cannot improve on it.
Primaggio
Contributor
2
Account Executive
The companies lie to you about how amazing the job is - I wouldn’t be worried at all about stretching your numbers. Everybody looking for an overachiever but why would the overperforming reps leave when they are making crazy money, and it would take a year or two to start overperforming in a new role. Just saying everybody is stretching the truth - and if it’s needed to secure the job, 100% do it and don’t feel bad about it.
snafu_sales
Catalyst
1
SaaS Sales
Sounds like there is loads of good stuff here - they made layoffs but kept you, you were previously a top performer... you can control the narrative here. Show that it is your decision to look elsewhere because you don't feel like you will be able to be successful here this year.
1
Senior Account Executive
I vote fudge. There is no honor in sales.
1
Sales Team Lead
I think it's important to be aware why you didn't hit quota and what you are going to do to improve or what you have done to reach your quota. In that case, the soft skills are important (being resilient, find alternatives solutions to close deals, supporting other AEs, a lack of knowledge, etc). And put these elements in your CV. So explaining that you didn't reach your quota but why and how you want to do better. Fo example, if you were not focused on your forecast, give a plan to what you are going to do reach your quota next time.
YoursTruly
Politicker
0
Account Executive (SaaS)
Anyone who says be honest about not hiring quota on a resume is giving you TERRIBLE advice.

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