sir profile picture
sir profile picture

sir

SDR

Executive
Personal Narrative
Member
+3

Question about applying for jobs while currently employed

Anything I should avoiding mentioning in particular that would cause recruiters or sales management to have any doubts over hiring me? Also would appreciate any advice in general on the topic.

Thanks!
🧠 Advice
👥 Hiring
☁️ Software Tech
16

23 comments

Sort by:
RealPatrickBateman
Politicker
13
🔪Amateur Butcher🔪
Whatever you do.... DO NOT tell ANYONE (not even your work bae) that you are looking at other jobs and interviewing. Most humans do not know how to handle privileged information. Keep it close to the vest until you secure an offer that you want. 
LightingLeader
Politicker
1
Specification Sales
I may have recently made a mistake by telling my work husband lmao
RealPatrickBateman
Politicker
3
🔪Amateur Butcher🔪
👀
braintank
Politicker
11
Enterprise Account Executive
Avoid mentioning criminal record and drug habits. Save that for the final interview.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
8
🦊
You're more likely to get an offer while you're currently employed. 
sir
Executive
1
SDR
Any thoughts on talking about quota attainment and performance? In my case as an SDR, only 20% of the team hit their quotas in Q4 and I'm not part of that group. Is it better being honest about my current numbers with the context in mind or should I say I'm a stud?
saaster
Fire Starter
3
Account Executive
Absolutely don’t be “honest” but don’t outright lie either. Be a very conservative stud like 94% or 101% to quota or something and have a legit story for why and make sure the math adds up etc. They won’t ever ask for proof and it’ll make the conversation much smoother. Also don’t dwell on it - say it nonchalantly and keep on moving.
braintank
Politicker
5
Enterprise Account Executive
You don't want to lie.

But you also don't want to come out of the gate with "I didn't hit quota".

Control the narrative to focus on your accomplishments & accolades. 

If they press you for attainment it's ok to say you missed and there were macro circumstances (e.g. 80% of team missed). But pivot back to the positive and opportunities at the new position.
Jewcan_Sam81
Politicker
5
Account Executive
Passive job candidates are so much more attractive, which is weird because people without a job are so much more motivated because they don't have an effing job
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
yah, never understood that.  Maybe its cause people want what they think they can't have?
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
Employed people appear to be better employees becuase they're employed. 

You also interview better because you don't give a F. 

If you don't get the offer... Oh well, back to work.
Pachacuti
Politicker
0
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
I totally agree.  Just started a new job and that's exactly the way I interviewed.  And I negotiated from a much stronger position too - pushed up the offer by $80k Y1.  Company probably would have been better off hiring someone who's unemployed.
Jewcan_Sam81
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Something like that I guess. Like the whole “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend” thing. Dudes in the 80’s wrote this whole song about it
Jewcan_Sam81
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Exactly, such a weird thing
CoorsKing
WR Officer
3
Retired King of the Coors Knights
Just don’t list any references at your current company that you don’t want to know you are looking to leave. Other than that, send it
Sunbunny31
Politicker
3
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
All good advice! I jumped ship from my previous employer because I was fed up, but my current employer does not know that. I expressed that I was ready for a change, had solid reasons for that interest, and together with my experience, it landed me the job.
SalesBeast
Politicker
2
Sales Leader
Don’t put down current company or management directly. You can make up bs reasons to want and leave, but you don’t want to seem at all negative. Doubts would come from if you had a few short job stints or a malicious attitude.
1nbatopshotfan
Politicker
2
Sales
Most people are applying while employed. Let it rip. 
Pachacuti
Politicker
2
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
dont talk negatively about your current employer but have a good story about why you are looking (cause they will definitely ask!)
And keep it close to the vest that you're looking!
saaster
Fire Starter
2
Account Executive
Don’t shit on your current employer even if they’re terrible! This sounds like common sense but I’ve had several friends fuck it up and get passed on for pretty legit opportunities.
washedD1soccer
Politicker
2
Regional Sales Manager
I’m moving back to where I lived before taking the current job I have. re-locating or not currently living where you’re applying can be a tough sell. Thankfully, I still have a network. I’m addressing it head on though and if that turns people away, so be it.
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
Be truthful about your reasons for looking provided the reason isn't because you can't sell and are on your 3rd PIP
nyc_sales
Member
1
Account Executive
Watch out for tight connections at the company you are applying and current leadership/management. If the company you apply to is cool, won't be an issue, but if they are not, could be an issue.
Bravado is a community of trusted sales professionals endorsed by their customers.
Apple Store logo
Products
The War Room Jobs Salary Guide Tech Sales U
Company
About Us How It Works Blog Bug Bounty
Contact
Press Careers
© 2024 Bravado Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy Legal and Privacy Center Sales Jobs
If you are hired as a contract sales rep by a Bravado customer, we may ask you to prove access to the employee email account provided to you by that customer. This data will be shared with customers to track your sales productivity; customers can use this data to confirm you meet the minimum activity requirements to pay out your ramp stipend and commission.