Help me get this job

[Arch]

I couldn't give monkey's fart if the salesperson was a right sullen git, I just want accurate answers to my questions. I am sick of "faux" friendship, "trigger" questions and plastic smiles, as a potential customer I'd like the 90%/10% ratio to be reversed please.

Basically, I want someone in a retail situation to keep out of my way until I want help, then to know as much as possible (I don't expect they'll always have all the answers), and to help me with their full attention, listening to what I say etc. Cheerfulness and chat are a bonus, but lower down the list of priorities.

 

[Risex4]

I couldn't give monkey's fart if the salesperson was a right sullen git, I just want accurate answers to my questions. I am sick of "faux" friendship, "trigger" questions and plastic smiles, as a potential customer I'd like the 90%/10% ratio to be reversed please.

And all are a result of a trained personality.

I was speaking within the context of a job interview; of course you want your sales person to be knowledgeable. But it still stands that the ability to talk and engage with the customer is still the number 1 skill any person in sales can have. I don't mean you have to make friends with them, indulge in small talk and put them on your Christmas card list but it doesn't matter what the knowledge level is - they could be the most knowledgeable person in the world - if their communications are that of an orangutan on a hangover and therefore unable to impart that knowledge in a practical and connected way, people wont buy.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

erm..let's not confuse how to do the job with how to get the job.

 

[Nearly there]

Smile
Make eye contact
speak clearly
good luck

 

[deadpool7]

Way back when in college, I was working at a grocery store and applied for a sales position at an electronics retailer. I had no sales experience and was 100% honest in my interview. I was interviewed by the sales manager, but the store manager was also in the room. I focused on how I felt the keys to sales were a) knowing the product and b) understanding the customer's needs and meeting those needs. I was hired the next day and was told that the store manager was extremely impressed with my responses and could tell I genuinely meant what I said, which was absolutely true. I enjoyed the few years I worked in sales and it was rewarding when I had repeat customers come back to me as they appreciated the level of service I provided.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Yes I've felt that its best to be honest (within reason of course) so that your employer doesn't get any nasty surprises should you get the job.

Anyway, good luck!

 

[Andy_G]

Good advice so far, all i would add is.
Dont mention the wage/pay straight away, if they dont offer a tour of some type ask them if they could show you around, and dont over sell yourself just to get the job, otherwise if you get it, you might struggle to keep it.
Not blowing my own trumpet but ive had more jobs than a job centre when i was younger(left, not sacked btw), and and at a rough guess ive got erm well 99% of them.
Good luck mate

 

[MarkF]

I forgot..............many years ago I went for a sales job. The place was dismal, the product was industrial and boring, the wage not exciting, as I was going through the interview, on auto-pilot wondering whether I even wanted the job or not considering the poor fun/money ratio, I asked how many widgets did they sell per month on average. After the reply, I asked if a bonus would be payable per widget over a certain figure if sales increased after my arrival. I was wondering if increased money could raise my enthusiasm for the job, they interpreted it differently and offered me the job that day.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

don't fart.

 

[Brandane]

don't fart.

..................... or go out on a serious drinking session the night before.

Good luck Matthew .

 

[postman]

Good luck.the thought of me having to go for a job at 63 would frighten the pants off me.Retired nearly seven years now and loving it.

 

[Matthew_T]

Well I fear that it was a bit pointless making this thread.

Turns out that the interview was more of just an enhanced job description. The lady who I met simply went through the hours, wage, and what the job entailed. She didnt ask me any questions and I had more questions to ask than her.
I asked if there was a possibility of doing more hours (5.5 hours is not much). She said that it included flexi-time so I would do more at peak times of business.
I also asked if there was the possibility to develop into a different role. She said that I would start off folding materials and then gradually go on to till work and serving customers. She also said that there was a girl working there that had started off in my role and then ended up working in the warehouse doing distribution.

She was fine with me not having any experience and was fine with me being at college for one or two days a week.

She asked about travel and pointed out that I only had a provisional license. I told her that getting to work wouldnt be a problem (I didnt say that I would be cycling).
Me and my dad did a little bit of maths and if I was to drive (if I had a car) then it would only balance out what I was getting paid on a weekly basis. So it would be more beneficial to cycle anyway.

Thanks once again for the advice given. However, it was more of an informal chat then a proper interview. I will know in a week or so if I have the job.

 

[fossyant]

This is how many part time jobs go. It's more about the person. TBH it's not a bad route to cycle, and if you get bored by the coast road, you could always hit the back roads (all be it very lumpy). The bus route is fair also.

 

[Matthew_T]

This is how many part time jobs go. It's more about the person. TBH it's not a bad route to cycle, and if you get bored by the coast road, you could always hit the back roads (all be it very lumpy). The bus route is fair also.

Yes, the route has 3 options. 1. Take the main road straight there. 2. Take the coastal path for a little bit through the caravan parks. 3. Head up over the hills.
I will probably end up changing the route and extending it when I get a bit bored.

 

[gavroche]

just out of curiosity, how far is it from your house?