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What we look for

The right candidate

Candidates do not need previous experience in the IT industry, nor do they need a long track record of success in a sales role. What is more important is the candidates’ understanding of the ways businesses operate, their potential to reach the highest levels of sales performance and their desire to be the best of the best.

Typically, candidates will be able to demonstrate a successful competitive track-record, an intimate understanding of the way that large organisations work, an aptitude for developing new skills in a pressurised environment, an exceptional ability to both work within and lead campaign teams and a strong commitment to succeed.
What we measure:

• Drive (competitiveness, "urgency")
• Team-player (including ability to listen & take charge where appropriate)
• Empathy and relationship building
• Commercial acumen
• Persistence (stamina, ability to cope with rejection)
• Proactive attitude
• Leadership
• Individuality

What qualities do we look for in our Sales Associates?

Here are Sales Associates’ thoughts on what Computacenter seeks in its candidates:

Above all, the program looks for potential. Computacenter wants an ambitious group of people that will use the programme to learn and develop so that, by the time they become an Account Manager, they can use all of the acquired experience to stand alone from the competition.

It’s also important to demonstrate a well-rounded personality. Sales is a very social profession and the key decision makers in the recruitment process want to know that you’ll work well in a team, and also appear interesting and engaging in front of customers. While this doesn’t mean that you always have to be the loudest person in the room, it’s important to have the social skills and confidence to build a wide-reaching network and really benefit from the high exposure that comes with the program.
Similarly, the ability to collaborate and work well in a team will be paramount to your success in the company. You will be asked to undertake numerous group projects as part of the program, and team work will be essential when you become an Account Manager.

There’s no doubt that the programme is very demanding and you will be involved in some very testing projects. For example, after 6 months into the role we each had to present an initiative to the CEO, Mike Norris, that would fundamentally improve the company and, given his blessing, implement it. For this sort of work, being proactive and well organised is essential, but you’ll also need to demonstrate a great deal of initiative and creativity. Don’t be afraid to suggest new strategies or step into unchartered territory and, above all, don’t worry about getting a few things wrong.

The program will require you to step out of your comfort zone on a regular basis. However, while this can be intimidating, it will also mean that you learn and gain new skills at a surprising rate. Remember, such tasks are not imposed just for the sake of it; they exist with the sole purpose of developing you as quickly and as comprehensively as possible.

Finally, when it comes down to interviews and, if you get there, the final assessment days, the best advice that we can give you is to be yourself. Don’t just give the answers that you think the assessors will want to here; show off your best personal characteristics and you’ll give yourself the best chance of getting through.

Good luck!

 

 

What the current Sales Associates say about the assessment:

Matt: If you get through to the Client Director interview then well done! My advice at this point is to be prepared, be focused, be yourself and, without putting too much pressure on yourself, concentrate on building some rapport. All the Client Directors have a great sense of humour and want you to do well!

Chris: When attending the interview I would recommend that firstly you research the company to get an understanding of the business strategy and identify who some of the key customers are. From a personal perspective ensure that you get your own individual personality across and be really considered regarding the answers you give.

James: Preparation is definitely the best starting point; ensure that you do your research thoroughly. Have an idea what Computacenter do, what are their goals, values and which markets do they operate in? The key question is why do you want to work for Computacenter and what can you offer the program? Really be sure about what makes you tick and how you can sell yourself over and above the competition don’t be afraid to exploit your strengths and communicate them clearly. Ultimately the Client Director and interviewer want to see you and your personality shine through. The best advice is to relax and just be yourself.

Lucy: The most important thing to do is to PLAN and PREPARE; including:

• Reading up on all you can find about Computacenter
• Communicating the skills you can bring to the programme
• Thinking of lots of valuable examples to showcase your skills (utilise STAR technique here)
• Understand what Computacenter’s FACE BEHAVIOURS stand for
• Be confident, professional and most of all yourself

Do not be nervous – Computacenter is a company that is interested in YOU and wants YOU to be successful... It’s a one off chance to sell yourself to a fantastic company. There is not a ‘one mould fits all’ mentality here as everyone is unique and excels in their own way on the programme and throughout the business.

Daniel: First and foremost it is important to be yourself and allow your experience, understanding and personality to come through during the interview process. As with everything preparation is key so try and understand as much about Computacenter as you can – what are the company’s challenges? What are competitors doing in the market? What are the company’s values? Being able to demonstrate that you have thought around the interview and shown some enterprise in achieving the answers to these questions will put you in good stead.

Jennifer: Firstly be yourself! Show your enthusiasm and passion for the program and prove that you have done your research on the company prior to the interview, remember they are not looking to catch you out. Try to relax and actively listen to the questions they ask. At this stage you’re probably still deciding whether this is the right company for you, so take everything in and don’t be afraid to ask the Client Director who’s interviewing you a few questions.

Laura: If there’s one thing I’ve learnt within Computacenter, preparation is key. With that in mind I would strongly suggest candidates invest time familiarising themselves with Computacenter’s website. Be confident in your interview, it’s an opportunity to showcase you’re experience, learning and application. Interviewers aren’t there to catch you out or trip you up, so be yourself.