What do you think of your job in sales?

In My Humble Opinion
1

So, since I’m graduating in June and my teaching career got ruined before it really got started, I’ve been applying to various jobs in various industries. I’m not sure what to really do with my English degree, and the thread I started earlier about that didn’t look promising. So, one job I applied for and got an interview out of is with a huge home security company as a sales rep.

What I didn’t know until my phone interview this morning is that after the training period, where I would earn $1650/month, I would be strictly on commision. So, SalesDopers, how do you like working strictly for commision? I have no experience with that, but it seems like it could be fun. I forgot to ask the interviewer, so I’ll ask here: Do commissioned sales people get health benefits? That’s quite important to me, since I get dropped off of Dad’s the day after I graduate.

What else should I know about sales?

(Sorry if this is a bit rambly, I’ve been up for a while!)

2

Sales gigs suck. For the most part, sales managers will hire anyone they can, give them some training and turn them loose. And they love to hire people right out of college. If you make it, great, if you don’t, you’re done. Turn over is very very high. I’ve been a stockbroker and mortgage broker. Its a lot of work, long hours. It can be very rewarding, if you’re good. I was a broker right before the bubble popped. After 9/11, no one could make any sales. If you have a bad month, you go hungry.

But I should ask, what will you be selling? And would you buy it? That helps.

3

I’d be selling home security systems for ADT. If I had a house, instead of an apartment, I’d buy one. I do believe that they have a lot of great products, so I have no ethical issues with shilling something that I don’t believe in.