When going through the sales recruitment process, details matter. Employers never like surprises.
The best way to address any indiscretions, goof-ups, or mistakes is to deal with them on the front end of the process. Here are eight tips for passing the checks that come right before your offer.
1. Provide Accurate Compensation Totals
Sometimes it will be necessary to provide W2 verification. Review your past compensation so that when it’s discussed, you’re providing accurate information.
2. Prepare References in Advance
Today, more than ever, it’s easy to line up dates and cross-check employment history. Stick to listing people who enjoyed managing and working with you.
Let your references know you’re in job search mode, and prepare them before giving out their information. Tell them who will be calling and the type of role you’re interviewing for, so they can highlight your areas of expertise and speak knowledgeably about your relevant successes. Here’s everything you need to know about providing references.
3. Current References Are a Must, Including a Former Supervisor
Include professional references rather than personal ones: at least one former supervisor and two colleagues.
Traditionally, the more recently you’ve worked with a person, the more valuable the reference is to the inquiring employer. Provide outdated references, and red flags start flying.
4. Fill Out the Entire Application
Yes, applications are annoying! But answer all the questions, and don’t leave out information that might seem irrelevant, like past addresses.
If you don’t have everything you need when it’s requested, simply ask for more time so you can fill it out with accuracy.
5. Don’t Sweat Credit Checks
If you were an accountant, your credit history would matter. Thankfully, sales professionals don’t have to worry much about credit report judgment.
6. Explain Gaps in Employment
Be prepared to explain any and all gaps in employment. It’s best to be clear, concise, and right to the point with these explanations.
7. The Dreaded DMV Record Search
If your new job comes with a company car, expect your DMV record to be highly scrutinized.
If a company car isn’t provided, one DUI will fly about 60% of the time; two or more will typically pause the recruitment process. If this is an issue for you, be direct and up front about the facts early.
8. Getting Ahead of the Background Check
Records are pulled from the county, state, federal, and DMV levels, depending on the depth of the check conducted.
If there are known issues here, address them early in the process, preferably before you receive the background check paperwork.
Demonstrate Your Trustworthiness with Transparency
Background checks and references happen right before an offer is made. Throughout the interview process, you should be selecting appropriate references and preparing them for the possibility of a call.
If you have issues that need addressing, reveal them before you sign off on a background check, because surprises at this stage are one of the main ways job offers get rescinded.
In the information age, it’s easy to double-check facts. So present yours at the right time, and the right time is always early in the process.
