It's Not Always the Industry: Picking a Career That Fits You

Running an executive search firm, I see job candidates consistently choose the wrong career via focusing on an industry rather than pinpointing the right company for them. Here are a few ways to choose the right sales or marketing job, thus ensuring that you not only consistently increase your value as a job seeker, but also that you grow as a person: While reading this, keep in mind that some of my favorite clients work in industries that may not seem "sexy." First glances can be deceiving, as there is usually an inverse relationship between what is assumed to be sexy and what is proven to be lucrative.

1) What is the corporate atmosphere and will you be happy in it?

You should strive to be in a company that is full of like-minded individuals whom you can relate to and are within a similar age group as you. Not everyone loves work, but having a friendly atmosphere full of people whom you can relate to is a paramount to your success with the firm. Therefore, ask yourself these two questions (among others), which should shed some light as to whether you will like the firm:

a) What are the people like?

There are many things to consider when making an educated guess as to what the people are like within a company, but things like dress and personal interaction with one another should give you a start. I would recommend staying away from overly arrogant companies. Chances are these individuals are masking unhappiness and insecurity behind that a tough exterior.

b) How long do you perceive they've been with the company?

If you get the get the chance to speak with a sales or marketing rep., ask how long they've worked at the company and follow the below formula before making a decision as to whether this is a positive thing:

Over 5 years without promotion = red flag

Over 5 years with promotion = positive

Multiple reps. there under a year = red flag

Multiple reps there over two years = positive

2) What is their dedication to a marketing plan?

As a sales or marketing representative, it is paramount that you have proper support from your marketing team. Companies who attempt to ignore this aspect of business suffer dearly in revenue and thus the employees do as well. Remember that you are going to have this company on your resume and, when going for your next job, the image of your last firm (or current company) can mean a differences of thousands of dollars in offered compensation.

Moreover, as a sales rep. the better perception that prospects have of your firm, the easier it is going to be to close them.

In closing, as a job seeker looking for a solid sales or marketing position where you will be happy and thrive, look for the aforementioned variables, put industry aside, and you should make your friends quite jealous over the success and progress of your career.


Ken Sundheim runs KAS Placement, an executive staffing firm that Ken started in 2005.

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Ken's articles have appeared in, among many others Forbes, NYTimes, USA Today and more.

KAS Placement is an executive recruitment agency.