At American Fidelity, we believe great account managers aren’t born. They’re built through passion, perseverance and a commitment to doing the right thing. When we look for new sales representatives, we’re focused less on checking boxes and more on identifying individuals who consistently demonstrate the qualities that lead to long-term success by being a difference maker for our Customers.
We spoke with several of our hiring managers to get their insights on what type of experience and qualities they look for when hiring outside sales representatives at AF:
What prior experience is helpful for a candidate?
- “A background in insurance or already having passed their security exams is a definite plus. If they are bilingual, that can help the candidate start fast, too. These are not requirements, but if I see the qualities I’m looking for, I’m willing to give anyone a shot.” – Jeremy d’Autremont, California State Manager
- “The ability to succeed isn't always defined by years in the workforce. We often see successes in college, community or athletic roles translate for a candidate just as often as we do in those with professional experience.” – Scott Florsheim, Northwest Regional Manager
- “Previous sales success is a must, because it shows that a representative can persevere through challenging situations and succeed under the pressure of a quota.” – Matt Salisbury, Northeast Regional Manager
The bottom line? “A great candidate has a dynamic personality who can immediately engage in conversation,” one hiring manager shared. “Our sales reps meet dozens of people each day, and they need to be able to connect with various personalities on any given day. While I am also looking for someone with a strong history in sales, I also look for someone who is loyal. I am not hiring for a temporary position. I am hiring you to retire — meaning I want you here for the long run.”
Want to learn more about building a sales career at AF? Learn more about Sales careers and apply now!
