vB Easy Archive - Selling Phones as a first job?

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Selling Phones as a first job?
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Posted by: elementwrx

I'm currently starting to consider my first job. I'll be 18 in November, and I plan on starting to work after the christmas holiday (early January). There are a few Cingular stores VERY close to my home, and with my intrest in cell phones, it's a place i'm considering going to work.

Now, I know from reading this board that a lot of the employees are pissed about Cingular cutting their pay, but this job isn't going to be supporting my family or anything, this is just to make some extra money for enjoyment, so making above min. wage or making $25k+/year isn't an issue. I'll probably be working this job at least until the end of next summer when i'd be leaving for college, so it's not a long-term job comittment (but Cingular doesn't need to know that).

I enjoy working with people, and I have a good way with explaing things to "dumb people" without getting frustrated, and just being nice even when someone else is being a total ***** (i guess that's what middle and high school can do to you :lol

. I will most likely go into Buisness Administration in college, so I figure that going into something related with other people will help me gain skills that I can use later on in life.

Anyways, lemme know if this would be an interesting first job. I already have Cingular as my carrier, and I'm very interested in the cell phone market. I am good with technology and I can work with these things very easily.

Posted by: SuxBeingU

17yrs old and hasn't had a job yet?I doubt you'll get hired with no sales experience at a corporate store. You may want to look at a Best Buy or "big box" retailer for some experience before approaching a direct store.

Posted by: flipflops

Actually they will probably pick you right up. Thats what they are doing out here. Getting rid of anyone good that has a couple of years of experience under their belts and hiring teenagers to fill the space.

Posted by: magiteck

Quote:

Originally Posted by flipflops

Actually they will probably pick you right up. Thats what they are doing out here. Getting rid of anyone good that has a couple of years of experience under their belts and hiring teenagers to fill the space.

That's definately not the norm around here. It's highly competitive for us. 1-2 years of Sales experience at a bare minimum... and that's only if you find an available position, that isn't being filled by a more qualified applicant.

Posted by: elementwrx

Yeah, Best Buy would be my next best bet around here to sell phones for Cingular. That's actually where I picked mine up...but the BB reps don't get the benefits of a Cingular Employee, like the free cell phone coverage and phone discounts, right?

But I will probably apply at a Best Buy around here as well. There's at least 3 Cingular Stores around here, so one might even have an opening

Posted by: MoeDrummer

Wihtout experience you are hosed and not all Cingular employees get free service. Actually i dont know of any CSR's that do around here. So if that is your motivation i suggest you look elsewhere. and if you cant sell it doesnt matter how friendly and patient you are.

Posted by: NukuCamui

I have to agree with the OP being hired on as a sales rep. Because they dont have any sales experience, it gives Cingular a chance to mold them into what they want. A lot of places that do sales dont like to have to "force" people who have experience to do it their way...its better to have a fresh mind to mold and brainwash....I mean, uh...no, thats what I mean.

Posted by: aj&t

First off, you need to be 18 and have a High School Diploma or equivilant. Second, you have no work experience what so ever? That is going to a huge disadvantage to you. They dont care if you know every single thing about the network and phones and what not, its if you can sell. Just cause you know everything there is to know about Cingular doesnt mean that "Joe Customer" will buy from you. You need sales skills, customer service skills, all that stuff. good luck.

Posted by: elementwrx

You need a high school diploma to work with Cingular?

Oh well...when I go job hunting, it'll be worth a shot to apply just for the heck of it, but I will also apply at other "normal" teenager jobs.

Posted by: aj&t

Yes, HS Diploma, GED, or equivilant.