Any suggestions on how to break in to the B2B sales industry? Having completed a great deal of education it seems as though job fair events and the resume dumping does not have much effect.
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A quick Google search shows several B2B sales roles in the Topeka area, so apparently no shortage of opportunities. I would spend less time on job fairs and invest more in targeted searches with organizations that have openings. Most companies love hiring vets because of your strong work ethic and commitment to service. I would also recommend selecting the type of company you want to work for and go after them directly. You would be surprised how hard it is for companies to find GOOD people, so you need to get in front of them! Good luck and thank you for your service.
Thomas you need to lead with your career interest. Every piece of communications you send to people needs to address the sales career aspect. I am enclosing an article on LinkedIn, as no one is looking for motivated etc.-they search by career, short sweet searches.
You need to make sure your resume matches the job posting, skill for skill and address the job's needs. B2B is a lot of customer service, stress you customer service accomplishments with #$%. Companies want value, you have education and experience in dealing with customer service-all military positions have a good portion of CSR, taking care of the needs of other soldiers. Attempting to do the same position with less, but improve service etc.
Sales takes drive, knowing your product-show you learn quickly. Or study their product or service on the internet prior to applying-use your writing ability to give them live examples in your cover letter etc. I would also look at Informational Interviewing, seek information on the career, you are transitioning out of the military and need some help on learning about B2B, could someone provide you with some information-if you ask for a job you will be sent to the internet job site. Seek information, Google Informational Interviewing, if you can do it live, as part of sales is listening.
I would sign up for the ACP mentor program, get a person who does this for a living to tell you what you need to show companies about yourself. Thanks for your service and sacrifice. God Bless. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-profile-your-chance-discovered-transitioning-jerry-welsh/
Thomas, thank you for your service. What B2B Sales jobs have you applied for? Have you gotten any responses? Have you had a chance to interview? How much sales experience do you have? Does it come through on your resume? If you have limited sales experience, you might look for B2B sales internships to build up experience. Here is an example of one I found in the DFW area (sorry, not Cincinnati) - Marketing (B2B) Management Trainee 2019
BNSF - Fort Worth, TX - $58,000 a year.
Let me know how else I might help!
I am sorry but I don't know anything about B2B, Good Luck, Bill
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