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I had always been in sales, but mainly working within the Travel Industry, my last role for thirteen years had been as a Sales manager for a Caribbean Hotel Group. I have two children and had been happily having a career break just working part time to keep away the boredom when I saw the recruitment web site and vacancies advertised for within my area of Greater Manchester.
Just filling out the application highlighting what I had achieved in certain situations made me realise I wanted this role, that whilst I wasn't and never will be a graduate, I did have skills and experience that seemed to fit the profile.
The interview process is very thorough, I was very nervous, but on reflection it was good fun too. The advice I would give for this is be prepared before you go, arrive early, be yourself and be honest. Show them what you've got and what you can give that's special to you.
The training process is so comprehensive, you have to be ready to work hard, be part of a team and help out fellow trainees. You can be away from home for days at a time but the trainers are so supportive throughout.
If I was to pass on any tips, this is your time, get out of the training as much as you can, everything you are taught, no matter how experienced you are, you will use. Always be punctual and stay very organised and you will love the training, I was very sad to leave all my fellow trainees at the end of the six weeks, I confess a few tears were shed by us all as it is such a bonding and growing experience. I know I have made strong ties with my fellow trainees as we all grew together, leaving no-one behind.
You are also allocated a mentor within your area, a fellow work colleague who will help you once you are out in the field; I got so much out of shadowing and working with my mentor. I confess I still call her most days either to ask advice or share a success. It's great to have that ongoing support.
I am now a few months into my role as Trainee Field Sales Representative and I love it! I am very organised, I pre-plan everyday, and when I am out meeting traders I am so proud that I am not just another sales representative disrupting their day, I am a Tobacco Consultant for ITUK and get the opportunity to form fantastic working relationships with the people I meet.
I thought I had left it too late in my career to be a Trainee again, but ITUK has been the best move I ever made.
Information is correct at 10 March 2008.