Looking for a sales job can be a stressful experience. You want the search to be as short as possible. Prolonging the situation only makes it worse. The reason why some sales professionals have trouble getting a job is they are making common sales job hunt mistakes. You could be doing something that you are not even realizing is bad form.

Below, our sales recruiters list the most common mistakes they see from sales job candidates:

1. Quitting your current sales job before you have another one lined up

It’s never recommended for you to quit your current job before you have secured a new position. Not having a job will only add more stress on you to find something. Stick with your current company and keep a paycheck coming in.

2. Focusing too much on resume prep at the expense of other tasks

While having a strong resume is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. Many job hunters spend too much time tweaking their resumes and not enough time networking, researching potential employers, and preparing for interviews.

3. Not researching the company you’re interviewing with

It’s important to have a good understanding of the company you’re applying to, its products or services, and its culture. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the job and have taken the time to do your research. Plus, the depth of your research is a skill you can put on display for interviewers. After all, many companies covet sales reps that put in the extra work to learn about clients.

4. Not customizing your cover letter, resume, and application materials to the job

Sending out the same generic resume and cover letter to every sales job application is a common mistake. It’s important to customize your application to the specific sales job you’re applying for, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

5. Failing to properly prepare for interviews

Many job hunters don’t adequately prepare for interviews. This can lead to nervousness, a lack of confidence, and poor performance. It’s important to research common interview questions, practice your answers, and have a good understanding of the company and job requirements. How much do you really want the job?

6. Talking too much and not listening enough

Salespeople are often known for their ability to talk and persuade, but it’s important to also listen actively and understand the needs and concerns of the employer, just like you would a customer. Focus on actively listening to the interviewer so you can provide better answers to the questions you are asked.

7. Neglecting to build a professional network

Networking is a crucial part of sales, and it’s important to build relationships with other sales professionals and potential employers. This can help you learn about job opportunities, gain industry insights, and build your professional reputation. The more people you know the better.

Fortunately, these common sales job search mistakes can be overcome. Focus your time and efforts on the right things and you’ll put yourself in a better position to get a job offer.

Check Out Some Additional Sales Job Search Articles

Is Seasonal Affective Disorder Impacting Your Sales Job Search? How to Overcome It:

The Best Sales Recruiter Advice You’re Not Taking

Are You a Bad Sales Job Candidate? 6 Bad Habits to Avoid

SalesForce Search is a sales recruitment agency that specializes in hiring sales rockstars. Hiring top salespeople is tough. Only 55% meet their quota. Our proactive approach recruits talented salespeople before they hit the market. As North America’s leading sales headhunter we recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. To find your next sales rockstar, start your search here.