[venting_bitch]

The corporate newsletter posted a job for an admin assistant for the sales and marketing department.

It would be an ideal job for me for multiple reasons, but I can't seem to get past one requirement:

"Knowledge of various sales techniques."

I do not have a marketing education. AT ALL.

All of my jobs have been customer service and sales oriented (I love retail), but I don't have the "book" learning on sales techniques.

And I need to submit a letter of interest by 6 June.

Any ideas how I could address the lack of education, but also "spin" my practical experience into a good letter?

Or at this point, ANY ideas?

Thanks!

[jord0205]

I found that fitting all criteria in a job posting isn't always necessary.

Here are things to your advantage;
a. you know the company, the products (if you don't, learn about them now)
b. You said you have some experience with sales. (a sales technique is satisfying the customer by knowing products and presenting things they would want to buy)
c. you already believe its a job you can do well and a job you want.

So even if you can't brag about sales techniques you know, you know a lot of other things. If/when you have the interview sell your personality and your desire to work and learn in that department. It might also help for you to learn a bit about sales and marketing in the mean time.

I wouldn't address the lack of education, only if they bring it up and make them feel confident that you can learn it quickly/efficiently and be good at it.

[Libby Huffman]

Great advice Jord! I would have to agree that you should never include anything negative in your resume or interest letter. Highlight what you do know. If they ask about your lack of knowledge in a specific area, don't dwell. Explain that you aren't familiar but would love to learn and quickly sway the conversation back to the attributes you posses.

Share with them what you think makes you an effective sales person, and how you’ve assisted with sales in the past. Familiarize yourself with different sales techniques by searching the internet.

I was once an admin for a sales/marketing team. The most important part of my job was making it easier for the sales team to close deals. Knowing the product is absolutely a crucial part of a sales position, but it’s also extremely important for those assisting them. Touch on what you know about the company and the skills you’ve learned in the past that makes this job perfect for you.

[venting_bitch]

Thanks jord and Libby!

You guys are awesome! I think that some of the environment that I'm trying to escape has chipped away at my confidence, and your responses have really made me feel like I CAN do this.

I love this place; it's so empowering.

[venting_bitch]

UPDATE:

I've since spoken to one of the reps the job would be "assisting," and he told me that the current admin mislabeled the job. The job is not actually admin work, it's basically ringing up and cashing out gift cards from the corporate office. Apparently, they are planning on opening up a "window" later on in the year, and the job would entail sitting in it and selling gift cards.

I'm really glad I never sent out my resume at this point.

Thanks for all your help!

[Patricia]

It's a good thing you checked further. Sometimes half the battle is deciphering the job posting.

I wouldn't shy away from applying for other jobs just because it doesn't seem like you are fully qualified. I recently applied for a job I didn't think I had a chance at, but I ended up getting it. My other qualifications were enough to get them interested. In the interview they asked me what I planned to do about the area I was lacking. I told them I had already been to the library and was reading books and learning as much as I could. I also had a network of assistants that I was talking to about it and getting coaching, including from this site.

It is nice to have this network on OfficeArrow. I find everyone seems so professional and helpful.

[LIBERTILADY]

did not answer the queation, does any one use cover letters any more? and what is a good idea for a cover letter? i would like to know also?

[Lauren Elder]

Hi libertilady,

I think everyone should have a cover letter tailored for the company they are applying to. Resumes can be more general, but cover letters should explain why you are qualified to work at the company and why you want to work at the company.
We have a great article on How to Write a Cover Letter and also a http://www.officearrow.com/forums/te...tter-word.html template to help get you started.

Good luck!

[sflorin]

Your cover letter should give the powers that be a small taste of what you can do for their company, this will leave them wanting more and call you for a Face to Face !
Scotty
VIBE

[williamstj]

This is the best cover letter advice I have found.

Internship Cover Letter « GrouperEye.com Blog