E: Come in, Mr, Endo. Nice of you to come. Please have a seat.
A: Thank you, Mr Jones.
E: Well, as you know, we are expanding our sales force. We have big plans for ABC computers and need experiences sales people to help us make them happen.
A: Well, I know I can b e an asset to ABC computers because of my past sales experience.
E: Tell me about that experience.
A: Well, I’ve been in sales for nine years now, with two companies. The first one was a small computer peripherals company. I stayed there for four years, and during that time period of 25% Per year. I was responsible for sales in the Kansai area. After four years, I felt I was ready for a new challenge, so I moved to an audio components’ manufacturer, where I am still working today. I am presently in charge of sales in the Kanto region.
E: What’s your sales record been like there
A: Well, as you know, the economy has been in a slump since around 1991, which was about the time I joined the firm.
Still, we have recorded good growth every year except for 93. the last two years have seen an increase in sales of about 15 to 20% each year, so we’re very pleased. Our sales projections are quite good for the next two years, as we already have secured a large number of advance orders.
E: If things are going so well, why do you want to leave the firm now
A: Hmm~ once again, I think I am ready for a new challenge. I’ve put a good team together at my present company, a good foundation has been laid, and I think if I want to take the next step in my career, it’s time for me to move on.
E: Mr, Endo, you mention taking steps in your career. What are your career goals
A: I’m a salesman, Mr, Jones. That’s what I do best. That’s what I’m trained to do. My career goal is to work at increasingly larger firms and take on more challenging assignments.
E: Why do you want to work with a foreign company You’ve spent nine years with Japanese firms？
A: I’ve always wanted to work with a foreign firm, but I wanted a lot of solid experience before I made the move.
You see, I believe foreign firms are not so averse to risk~ they move faster~ try new things. I believe I would fit into this kind of environment.
And I believe I have a lot to offer a foreign firm. I want to work with a foreign firm that wants to grow because I think I could help them achieve their sales targets.
E: How would you describe your relationship with your last two supervisors
A: Very good, Basically, once our sales plan was put together, I had a great deal of freedom to handle my sales team in the way I felt best.
E: What would you say is the accomplishment you feel most proud about
A: Definitely it was increasing our sales record each year, despite the bad economic situation.
I say this because we had to come up with new ideas constantly during these difficult days.
E: I see. Mr. Endo, tell me how you see your strengths, your weaknesses. How do you eva luate yourself
A: Umm. I think that I am a much disciplined person~ I think every successful salesperson must be disciplined. Also, I’m very organized I like to break problems down into manageable parts and accomplish each part in a step-by-step way.
My weaknesses~ let me see. I think I am too impatient at times, when I set a goal for myself, I know there will be obstacles along the way. But I sometimes feel impatient and frustrated when I can’t reach the goal according to my schedule.
Recently, however, I’ve learned to stay calm and not get overly impatient. I’ve learned this as I’ve gained more experience.
E: What do you dislike most about sales work
A: Hmm~ that’s difficult to answer. Since I’ve been in sales all my professional career, it’s my life. I really can’t think of a