How to Use Sales Techniques to Land Your Dream Job

Job hunting feels like a chore, right?

But here's the thing - it's really just selling yourself.

Let me show you what I mean.

Disclaimer: This post is just me sharing my own thoughts and experiences from working in the pharmaceutical sales industry. It’s not official advice or a statement from any organization. Just a bit of my own perspective on what goes on behind the scenes.

Make Them Notice You

Forget those boring bullet points on your resume. Hit them with something like "I turned our messy spreadsheets into a system that saved 20 hours a week." Or "Built a social media strategy that brought in 50% more leads." That's the kind of stuff that makes someone stop and think "Huh, interesting."

Your Story Matters

Maybe you jumped from teaching to tech, or started in sales but fell in love with data. That's what makes you different.

Own it.

For example, a teacher-turned-project-manager brings amazing communication skills and can break down complex ideas. That's gold in the corporate world.

What's In It For Them?

Take a good look at what they need.

If their team is struggling with deadlines, tell them about that time you got a chaotic project back on track. Make them see how you fix their problems. Did you streamline a monthly report from 5 days to 5 hours? That's exactly what hiring managers want to hear.

Stay Organized (Without Going Crazy)

Just use a basic spreadsheet. Company name, when you applied, when to follow up. Nothing fancy. Set reminders for follow-ups. Treat it like a sales pipeline - because that's exactly what it is. Keep notes on who you talked to and what you discussed.

Those Awkward Moments

Too much experience? Say "Great - I can jump right in and help others level up too."

No industry experience? Focus on the problems you've solved that matter to them.

Career gap? Talk about what you learned during that time.

There's always a way to turn these conversations around.

The Follow-Up Sweet Spot

Check in after a week. Quick thank-you note after interviews. Just keep it real - no cookie-cutter messages. Share an interesting article about their industry. Comment on company news. Show you're paying attention and thinking about how you can add value.

Interview Like a Pro

Stories work better than rehearsed answers. Talk about real stuff you've done. When they ask about challenges, walk them through what happened. Keep it simple. Share the mess-ups too - they show you're human and can learn from mistakes.

Real Connections Beat Random Networking

Don't just collect LinkedIn connections. Message people about shared interests. Show up at events. Have actual conversations. Follow up on conversations with relevant articles or ideas. Build relationships before you need them.

Read the Room

Notice when they start talking details - like start dates or introducing you to the team? That's usually good news. Pay attention to body language. Are they leaning in? Getting more specific about the role? These are buying signals.

Know What Works

Keep tabs on:

• Which applications get responses
• What resume version clicks
• How many interviews turn into offers
• Which networking approaches lead to real opportunities

Track these numbers like a salesperson tracks their pipeline. It'll show you what's working and what needs to change.

The Power of Persistence

Good salespeople know that "no" often means "not right now." Same goes for job hunting. Keep in touch with companies you like. Share their content. Comment on their posts. You never know when the right opportunity will pop up.

Just Jump In

Try one thing different in your next application. See what happens. Switch it up if it doesn't work. Maybe your cover letter needs more punch, or your LinkedIn profile could tell a better story. Keep tweaking until something clicks.

Think of it this way - you're not just another applicant. You're someone who can make their life easier. Show them that, and you're halfway there. The best jobs often go to people who know how to sell themselves - not because they're the most qualified, but because they know how to show their value.