saltysal profile picture
saltysal profile picture

saltysal

Account Executive

Executive
Fire Starter
Good Citizen
+3

The Struggle is Real

Hey fellow War Room fam,


Comin at you live with 100% humility here (sorry for the shit buzz lingo)


I've been searching for the next sales opportunity for the better part of 4 months now (I'm still currently employed as an AE) and I am STRUGGLING to even land the first interview. The only interviews I'm getting are phone screening calls from recruiters that have reached out to me and it's typically not a field I'm wanting to transition to.


I've revamped my resume and shared it with others including a former head of HR and I've gotten positive feedback. Not sure where I'm missing the mark.......is there anything additional you would recommend to stand out? (Cover letters, asking for LI endorsements on skills, etc.)


It's hard AF to continue selling for a company I'm not crazy about while focusing on landing the next opportunity but I've managed to do it for this long. Definitely won't last forever. Any help would be super appreciated.



🤝 Networking
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16

15 comments

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pirate
Big Shot
7
🦜☠️ Account Executive
Maybe anonymise your CV and post it here? You'll get a lot of valuable help. Calling hiring directors and attending events is my suggestion
oldcloser
Arsonist
5
💀
Yep - redact that puppy. We'll help.
jefe
Arsonist
5
🍁
Crowdsource that shit to your fellow savages.

I'd suggest using a screenshot with decently high resolution - you'll get more feedback than if you made people click an attachment.
7
Founding BDR
Reach out to the hiring managers directly through cold calls/LinkedIn. Really helps you stand out and put a face to the name with a LI connection. Think about going a step further and multithread a few of the higher positions (C-Level, VPs, Directors etc) into one email. I’ve seen some success with this lately. Happy searching!
BitcoinAddict
Opinionated
2
AE
It could be a saturated tactic though, I have been trying it recently and a ton go right to VM. Seems like Hiring Managers are all too used to it.
BlueJays2591
Politicker
5
Federal Business Dev Director
Hiring market has been tough. Very hard to get even a response right now.
BigShrimpin
Catalyst
4
Account executive
The advice here is solid, also keep in mind with the massive layoffs last year theres a bunch of serious talent hitting the market and less hiring. You're doing all the right inputs try increasing your volume.
BitcoinAddict
Opinionated
3
AE
So I am going to propose a unique solution OP. As much as I hate the "build your brand" nonsense, why not just post on LinkedIn often with what you know about sales and then simply see who likes or engages with your post.

Thank them and if their company is hiring, ask them to make an intro. I know it is an out there kind of concept but you are differentiating yourself.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
3
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
The end of a calendar year is interesting. Companies are making changes, but hiring is often lagging. It might just have been unfortunate timing.

That said, I also encourage you to post your CV here so we can help with that and set you up as best we can.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
@braintank is a cv genius
Pachacuti
Politicker
2
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Honestly - just keep doing what you're doing. Maybe call some companies you'd like to work for, network with VP's and other HM's.... never hurts to let them know you're looking for when they might be hiring.
Mrtinez
Contributor
2
Senior Business Developer Manager
Im in the same kind boat and I can tell you the market now is not the best, Lot of talents looking for good opportunities and high volume of candidates looking for better commissions, plus less offers. It’s not your fault, I guess, keep pushing and learning from every fail, whatever you fail you always take one to learn. All the luck
0
Ambassador and Member
Hi, might not fully address your point but want to say that whatever happens or how ever long it takes you to land another company pls make sure you do your 110% best at this current company even if you dislike a lot of things about but having a job is better than not having one just like that old adage 1 s always better than 0. In terms of applying one avenue is also that of talking to any of the customers you brought onboard in the past that you have great relationship with that can make introductions. The rest of the Sales professionals also shared the rest of the ideas i had too.. Hope this helps. wish the best. Keep us posted!
Armageddon
Opinionated
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Happy to provide feedback on your resume. I’d also ask for feedback from recruiters / hiring managers who don’t more forward after an interview. Tell them you’re struggling and could really use their feedback to make the adjustments necessary
JCashmann805
Executive
0
AVP, West
Find a need and fill it.

Don’t look at what’s posted out there. LI and the like are inundated with stuff that’s old/been filled or not real - HR and TA have to post to be relevant and keep their jobs too - so rather than see what’s already there, figure out a problem that 1-5 target companies you might want to work for are looking to solve. Figure out how YOU can solve for it and send an actual letter to the attention of the CEO or COO with a note on the envelope: I have a solution for you.

It takes some time, but about 80% of jobs or roles are NOT even posted.

Try it. See if this works.

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