How do I seal this deal?
August 20, 2013 10:52 PM Subscribe
I fell into an opportunity that I'd like to pursue. How do I not screw this up?
In the interest of keeping it short, I won't get into why, but suffice it to say that I am overeducated and underemployed. I am a college graduate who tends bar part time. Last night, I was alone in the bar and three guys came in. They all work for a big European conglomerate. One was local, their go-to guy in the area. The other was the head of sales. The third was the inventor and patent holder of their flagship product. I am charming at work- that's how I earn my living, after all. They all seemed quite taken with me and the head of sales kept saying that the local guy should hire me because I have the personality for sales. The inventor flat out told me that I'm too intelligent to be a barmaid. They invited me out for a drink tonight, and I went. More of the same, though now that we were all on the same side of the bar, there was a lot more of "too bad you're married" and "you'll do well because you're a knockout". I got a phone number of the local guy, and the email of the inventor's assistant. We discussed my educational background. The salary that was mentioned was $80K per year to start, which makes my palms sweat and is damn fortune around here. Someone, help me out. How do I follow up in a meaningful and non-desperate way?
In the interest of keeping it short, I won't get into why, but suffice it to say that I am overeducated and underemployed. I am a college graduate who tends bar part time. Last night, I was alone in the bar and three guys came in. They all work for a big European conglomerate. One was local, their go-to guy in the area. The other was the head of sales. The third was the inventor and patent holder of their flagship product. I am charming at work- that's how I earn my living, after all. They all seemed quite taken with me and the head of sales kept saying that the local guy should hire me because I have the personality for sales. The inventor flat out told me that I'm too intelligent to be a barmaid. They invited me out for a drink tonight, and I went. More of the same, though now that we were all on the same side of the bar, there was a lot more of "too bad you're married" and "you'll do well because you're a knockout". I got a phone number of the local guy, and the email of the inventor's assistant. We discussed my educational background. The salary that was mentioned was $80K per year to start, which makes my palms sweat and is damn fortune around here. Someone, help me out. How do I follow up in a meaningful and non-desperate way?
Call the local guy, remind him of who you are and say that you want to follow up on your conversation, ask for the contact info of the head of sales or someone in hiring. You want to email that person your resume and a cover letter.
Not gonna lie, my bullshit detector is beeping, but I wish you well.
posted by sm1tten at 11:11 PM on August 20, 2013 [8 favorites]
Not gonna lie, my bullshit detector is beeping, but I wish you well.
posted by sm1tten at 11:11 PM on August 20, 2013 [8 favorites]
Response by poster: I googled them all last night- their credit cards all had the names they gave me- and they do appear to work for the company mentioned. The inventor definitely holds the patents on the device he mentioned.
posted by Athene at 11:12 PM on August 20, 2013
posted by Athene at 11:12 PM on August 20, 2013
Yeah, I think this is bullshit.
posted by heyjude at 11:13 PM on August 20, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by heyjude at 11:13 PM on August 20, 2013 [4 favorites]
It is not uncommon for lame "businessmen" to try to charm the charming woman. But, to hell with it, take a positive attitude and swing for the fences. Be cool, follow up on their words, and see what happens.
posted by grassbottles at 11:23 PM on August 20, 2013
posted by grassbottles at 11:23 PM on August 20, 2013
I don't think it's bullshit but I do think you're gonna have to sell them. If you have zero experience in sales other than pimping drinks (no offense intended -- my ex husband and I were in the business) you would probably do well in a crash course in sales.
posted by janey47 at 11:25 PM on August 20, 2013
posted by janey47 at 11:25 PM on August 20, 2013
When I say "I suspect this is bullshit," I mean less "I doubt that these dudes are who and what they say they are," and more "I doubt that they're sincerely interested in giving you a position at the company and suspect they were using the lure of that to get you to go out with them."
That said, you've researched and they seem at least superficially legit, so I'd treat them like they totally are, and would obviously only be interested in you in a professional capacity. Phone the local guy and say something like "Hey, I really enjoyed our discussion about [work thing] the other night. If you were sincere about the possibility of a position with your company, I'd love to discuss it further."
Also, keep an eye on comments about your attractiveness, etc. It's one thing at a bar, but it's another thing in a meeting about a job, and it should be at least a little bit of a red flag. Workplaces in which your boss is harassing you quickly become unawesome.
posted by MeghanC at 11:26 PM on August 20, 2013 [13 favorites]
That said, you've researched and they seem at least superficially legit, so I'd treat them like they totally are, and would obviously only be interested in you in a professional capacity. Phone the local guy and say something like "Hey, I really enjoyed our discussion about [work thing] the other night. If you were sincere about the possibility of a position with your company, I'd love to discuss it further."
Also, keep an eye on comments about your attractiveness, etc. It's one thing at a bar, but it's another thing in a meeting about a job, and it should be at least a little bit of a red flag. Workplaces in which your boss is harassing you quickly become unawesome.
posted by MeghanC at 11:26 PM on August 20, 2013 [13 favorites]
I don't think this is BS. I run a business. People with good salesmanship qualities are hard to come by. Even more so if they are also knockouts. These guys know that salesmanship qualities + brains + pretty face = more sales.
Tell them you were intrigued by your conversation because you have always been interested in sales and you would like to know more about the opportunity. Feel free to MeMail me if you want feedback on specific wording you put together or your general strategizing.
posted by Dansaman at 11:44 PM on August 20, 2013 [2 favorites]
Tell them you were intrigued by your conversation because you have always been interested in sales and you would like to know more about the opportunity. Feel free to MeMail me if you want feedback on specific wording you put together or your general strategizing.
posted by Dansaman at 11:44 PM on August 20, 2013 [2 favorites]
It's one thing at a bar, but it's another thing in a meeting about a job, and it should be at least a little bit of a red flag. Workplaces in which your boss is harassing you quickly become unawesome.
Oh for chrissake. Athene works IN A BAR. Let's give her the benefit of the doubt that she's seen plenty of unawesome and she knows what's up.
Athene: trust your own bullshit detector.
Call the local guy. Ask where you can send your CV and try to arrange a proper job interview. Your first sales job is to sell yourself so go do it.
Good luck. Be positive. Go get it.
posted by three blind mice at 11:45 PM on August 20, 2013 [2 favorites]
Oh for chrissake. Athene works IN A BAR. Let's give her the benefit of the doubt that she's seen plenty of unawesome and she knows what's up.
Athene: trust your own bullshit detector.
Call the local guy. Ask where you can send your CV and try to arrange a proper job interview. Your first sales job is to sell yourself so go do it.
Good luck. Be positive. Go get it.
posted by three blind mice at 11:45 PM on August 20, 2013 [2 favorites]
Ask for a follow-up meeting with the local guy at a venue where no booze is involved. Repeat: no booze.
People loooooooooove to talk big when the liquor is flowing. Let's see what he's got when he's sober. (You, too.)
posted by nacho fries at 11:47 PM on August 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
People loooooooooove to talk big when the liquor is flowing. Let's see what he's got when he's sober. (You, too.)
posted by nacho fries at 11:47 PM on August 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
Ask for a follow-up meeting with the local guy at a venue where no booze is involved. Repeat: no booze.
NO. Ask for a proper job interview at the employer's place of business. You've already had the informal interview. There is no need to repeat that.
posted by three blind mice at 12:55 AM on August 21, 2013 [10 favorites]
NO. Ask for a proper job interview at the employer's place of business. You've already had the informal interview. There is no need to repeat that.
posted by three blind mice at 12:55 AM on August 21, 2013 [10 favorites]
I'd be cautious, too, but I think the salary talk (super bump for you but realistic for a corporate sales position) and the discussion of your education makes this likely legitimate, at least as trolling (in the fishing sense).
I would definitely not want another round of "getting to know you" and try to land a real interview, but if these guys are at the top level, they probably don't want to muck around much either.
I agree with the no booze from now at least until you're a truly hired colleague, and they should respect those boundaries. I would also suggest that you be ready to be firm about, um, comments about your looks boundaries, in a polite pivot sort of way ("Haha. Now let's discuss training opportunities.")
The thing is, at least back in the day, these sorts of positions were very much a maw-of-the-beast sort of thing. I supported, in IT, folks who were in these sorts of jobs and there were always a core group of old hands who had the best territories and clients, and a busload of noobs who were flaming out or at least working their butts off to make quota. It may well be one of the cushier, more stable sales forces, depending on industry and other things, but also be prepared to be essentially in a sort of pass/fail environment. They only suggested an opportunity, in other words, but it will be up to you to make it work.
posted by dhartung at 1:36 AM on August 21, 2013 [1 favorite]
I would definitely not want another round of "getting to know you" and try to land a real interview, but if these guys are at the top level, they probably don't want to muck around much either.
I agree with the no booze from now at least until you're a truly hired colleague, and they should respect those boundaries. I would also suggest that you be ready to be firm about, um, comments about your looks boundaries, in a polite pivot sort of way ("Haha. Now let's discuss training opportunities.")
The thing is, at least back in the day, these sorts of positions were very much a maw-of-the-beast sort of thing. I supported, in IT, folks who were in these sorts of jobs and there were always a core group of old hands who had the best territories and clients, and a busload of noobs who were flaming out or at least working their butts off to make quota. It may well be one of the cushier, more stable sales forces, depending on industry and other things, but also be prepared to be essentially in a sort of pass/fail environment. They only suggested an opportunity, in other words, but it will be up to you to make it work.
posted by dhartung at 1:36 AM on August 21, 2013 [1 favorite]
They're already making comments about your physical appearance and you don't even work with them yet? Ew. That would be my cue to get up and walk away. But you're still interested, so I'd go with three blind mice's sage advice above. Next meeting is at their place of business, full stop.
I'm sure you're more than able to take care of yourself Athene, but I can't shake that "If it's too good to be true, it probably is" feeling I'm getting from your post. Can you provide some more information about the job and how it was pitched to you?
posted by futureisunwritten at 4:32 AM on August 21, 2013
I'm sure you're more than able to take care of yourself Athene, but I can't shake that "If it's too good to be true, it probably is" feeling I'm getting from your post. Can you provide some more information about the job and how it was pitched to you?
posted by futureisunwritten at 4:32 AM on August 21, 2013
80K?
Any true sales job will never mention the salary without the commission potential. That's what supposed to excite the candidate - not the base salary.
It doesn't make sense to talk about your looks for such a position, unless you're supposed to be selling German beer samples at nightclubs.
When an attractive candidate comes our way, no one ever mentions her hotness in public discussions, never mind with the candidate.
posted by Kruger5 at 5:21 AM on August 21, 2013 [1 favorite]
Any true sales job will never mention the salary without the commission potential. That's what supposed to excite the candidate - not the base salary.
It doesn't make sense to talk about your looks for such a position, unless you're supposed to be selling German beer samples at nightclubs.
When an attractive candidate comes our way, no one ever mentions her hotness in public discussions, never mind with the candidate.
posted by Kruger5 at 5:21 AM on August 21, 2013 [1 favorite]
//Any true sales job will never mention the salary without the commission potential//
That is only true for low level stuff like car sales, business forms, etc. If it's a complex sale with a six month sales cycle, nobody is taking that job for less than $80K base.
posted by COD at 5:27 AM on August 21, 2013 [2 favorites]
That is only true for low level stuff like car sales, business forms, etc. If it's a complex sale with a six month sales cycle, nobody is taking that job for less than $80K base.
posted by COD at 5:27 AM on August 21, 2013 [2 favorites]
I like three blind mice's comments. Yes, pursue it, but be vigilant for being strung along and for being bullshitted.
If, from here on out, everything is professional, then maybe this is a legitimate opportunity. If, on the other hand, what you hear back is more invitations to bars or one-on-one in a restaurant at night, then it sounds like bullshit and you're being played.
posted by Unified Theory at 5:39 AM on August 21, 2013
If, from here on out, everything is professional, then maybe this is a legitimate opportunity. If, on the other hand, what you hear back is more invitations to bars or one-on-one in a restaurant at night, then it sounds like bullshit and you're being played.
posted by Unified Theory at 5:39 AM on August 21, 2013
I'd treat this as an invitation to follow up a job opportunity.
Polish up your resume and send it in an email to everyone you met.
Dear Guys,
You are some of the most interesting folks I've met in a long time. I really enjoyed our evening out when you were here and I wanted to follow up our conversation. I've attached a copy of my resume and I'd love to be considered for any opening you may have in the future.
Regards,
Athene
Go on the company website and apply for positions that are open in your area. When you do, email the crew,
Dear Guys,
I saw that there was an opening at your company for an Assistant Gazingus Pin salesperson. I've applied through the website, but I'd love it if you could provide me with some insight about the position. I'm really excited about the possibility of working at JØß and I'd love your help in making that happen.
Regards,
Athene
This is THE essense of sales. The ability to read buying signs and to pounce on the opportunity.
I work in a sales organization and if the guys I work with had invited someone out for drinks with them, it would mean that they wanted to see if they were the kind of person who would fit into our organization.
Seriously, what do you have to lose here? If it comes to nothing, it won't be because you didn't strive for it.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:58 AM on August 21, 2013 [3 favorites]
Polish up your resume and send it in an email to everyone you met.
Dear Guys,
You are some of the most interesting folks I've met in a long time. I really enjoyed our evening out when you were here and I wanted to follow up our conversation. I've attached a copy of my resume and I'd love to be considered for any opening you may have in the future.
Regards,
Athene
Go on the company website and apply for positions that are open in your area. When you do, email the crew,
Dear Guys,
I saw that there was an opening at your company for an Assistant Gazingus Pin salesperson. I've applied through the website, but I'd love it if you could provide me with some insight about the position. I'm really excited about the possibility of working at JØß and I'd love your help in making that happen.
Regards,
Athene
This is THE essense of sales. The ability to read buying signs and to pounce on the opportunity.
I work in a sales organization and if the guys I work with had invited someone out for drinks with them, it would mean that they wanted to see if they were the kind of person who would fit into our organization.
Seriously, what do you have to lose here? If it comes to nothing, it won't be because you didn't strive for it.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:58 AM on August 21, 2013 [3 favorites]
And even if these guys don't pan out, maybe this was a bit of a "call to arms" for you to do something other than bartend. If you're excited about it, give it a whirl.
So take some sales classes or read some sales books and then go out there and sell yourself! (You know what I mean....)
posted by St. Peepsburg at 7:40 AM on August 21, 2013 [1 favorite]
So take some sales classes or read some sales books and then go out there and sell yourself! (You know what I mean....)
posted by St. Peepsburg at 7:40 AM on August 21, 2013 [1 favorite]
Treat your interactions with them thus far like interviews. I was unemployed and landed a job one night at a bar in much the same way. People like to work with people they like. Savvy people can spot talent in all kinds of situations. Be cautious but go for it.
posted by PeaPod at 8:51 AM on August 21, 2013
posted by PeaPod at 8:51 AM on August 21, 2013
NO. Ask for a proper job interview at the employer's place of business.
No need to yell. I was actually suggesting the same thing as you -- a proper meeting, sans alcohol.
OP, don't get overly-excited about this one particular opportunity. Instead, treat it as a portal opening to you to explore the general possibility of moving into sales. Go online, research other, similar jobs. Spend time watching youtube videos on negotiating, sales techniques, and so on. See if the field seems like one you might want to enter.
There's nothing special or magical about this particular gig or this particular set of guys. Perhaps they recognized something in you that will indeed turn into a new career for you, but they aren't the only game in town.
posted by nacho fries at 11:54 AM on August 21, 2013 [2 favorites]
No need to yell. I was actually suggesting the same thing as you -- a proper meeting, sans alcohol.
OP, don't get overly-excited about this one particular opportunity. Instead, treat it as a portal opening to you to explore the general possibility of moving into sales. Go online, research other, similar jobs. Spend time watching youtube videos on negotiating, sales techniques, and so on. See if the field seems like one you might want to enter.
There's nothing special or magical about this particular gig or this particular set of guys. Perhaps they recognized something in you that will indeed turn into a new career for you, but they aren't the only game in town.
posted by nacho fries at 11:54 AM on August 21, 2013 [2 favorites]
I'd word the letter with a little more energy, something like, "Please let me know when we can meet for a formal interview."
I assume these cats are looking for confident, personable people who can sell -- so sell yourself with personable confidence.
posted by ambient2 at 12:52 PM on August 21, 2013
I assume these cats are looking for confident, personable people who can sell -- so sell yourself with personable confidence.
posted by ambient2 at 12:52 PM on August 21, 2013
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Hi ____,
I enjoyed our discussion on Monday night. Thanks for your insights. I'd like to continue the conversation about the opportunity you described. Let me know if you have time to meet for coffee or have a call to discuss further.
Best regards,
Athene
posted by grassbottles at 11:08 PM on August 20, 2013