I'm happy to share that I successfully pivot from office admin to a sales role where every JD screams "excellent social skills." That phrase used to make my stomach drop because I'm not the loudest person in the room. But the more I looked at my old work, the more I realized I've been doing "sales-adjacent" social stuff for years – just with different titles.
Admin translated to rapport and influence in disguise. Calming an upset vendor over a billing mix-up, negotiating calendar collisions between two directors, diffusing "who gets the conference room" wars – that's listening, labeling emotions, and finding a next step. I started collecting these moments and quantifying them so they don't sound like vague "I'm a people person" lines.
In interviews, I try to show social skills in the room instead of claiming them. I paraphrase what the interviewer says before answering: "If I heard you right, …" Then I ask one targeted follow-up that proves I'm tracking. It feels simple, but it signals curiosity and real-time listening.
Rejection stories matter in sales interviews, so I use admin examples that map cleanly. Like the time 20+ people ignored my town hall invites. I adjusted the subject line, sent a short nudge, and asked managers to mention it live, and it turnout jumped without me taking the silence personally. That shows I can iterate a cadence and stay upbeat.
Sometimes I invite a quick role‑play: "Want to throw me a common objection and I'll talk it through?" I narrate lightly: "I'd mirror their wording, ask one clarifying question, then offer two paths forward." Even if it's not perfect, it demonstrates coachability and comfort thinking on my feet.
Small nonverbals help more than I expected. Slight forward lean, slower pace than my default, smile on greeting, and writing their name at the top of my notes so I use it naturally. I pause after answers and ask, "Does that land?" It keeps the conversation collaborative instead of performative.
Before the interview, I used to do some mock interviews with a coach or interview assistant tool like Beyz or just chatgpt, which flagged two habits I didn't notice: I stacked questions without waiting, and I rarely asked for a clear next step. Tightening those made my answers calmer and more "sales." I'll brainstorm objection phrasing with gpt, but I keep the real interview human.
When they ask "Why sales?" I don't say "I love talking to people." I say: "I like turning mess into clarity and helping people decide. Admin taught me to listen for what's unsaid, align stakeholders, and move things forward – sales lets me do that with customers." That feels honest for an introvert and still matches the JD.
Heppy to see your experience if you're willing to share. Any suggestions are appreciated.