Account manager Review

I manage the relationship between Softcat and our customers. This involves reaching out to new customers by cold calling and either asking questions around there business and IT needs or arranging a meeting at a different date to discuss this in more detail. I then handle internal things such as speaking to our IT specialists to arrange calls and manage deals and because we are such a large company there are many different departments you interact with.

I have learned many new skills due to being new to the business world I have learned how to communicate through email and phone whether that is the language you use when speaking to a customer or messaging a colleague. I have also learned many different sales techniques as Softcat pay for your training courses they have sent me to a training course where we speak to an experienced sales person and spend the week in a hotel.

I really enjoy my role as the whole culture surrounding Softcat is brilliant its such a social competitive environment. In the office there is a good atmosphere and a buzz which motivates me to work hard and try and earn more commission. Like many people I am motivated by money so to be surrounded by other really successful account managers it pushes me to be more like them. There are many events outside of work which are really enjoyable things like going to nice restaurants or bars and Softcat pay for it all.

It is very well structured as when you first join there is a 3 week induction which includes 2 weeks of training and a week away in the peak district team building with the other apprentices from all around the country. There are constantly training sessions to improve your knowledge of the business and the products we sell. The structure of the business works really well as I have my apprentice manager and I also have a previous apprentice as my buddy so if I'm ever stuck with anything I can reach out to either of them, I can also speak to any of the more senior account managers or anyone in the office as they are all so friendly and willing to help. It is difficult as the workload is large and the apprenticeship side of things can be quite time consuming so you learn to manage your time very well.

I have lots of support as my manager is really helpful and will dedicate the time to help me. Because there are so many departments at Softcat there is always someone that can help with your issue so if my manager doesn't know the answer he is able to direct me in the right direction of someone who specializes in that area.

Our mentor from Firebrand is really helpful, he is constantly on top of our workloads reaching out to give us a reminder about something if we are falling behind or plenty of warning if something is going to be time consuming so we can plan the time. He is also available for calls or messages so if I am stuck on anything I can just reach out and resolve the issue straight away.

I find the sales courses we do are very beneficial as I try and use these techniques in the real world because its coming from someone who has done this and seen it work first hand. Some of the technical IT sessions are less relevant as it doesn't fit into the things we are selling and anything that's highly technical we use our specialists and consultants.

There are activities outside of work such as the football team. There are also lots of social events such as nights out free bars and meals. For example our Christmas do was in the Etihad (Man City's stadium) and this had a free bar all night. You will find there is generally some form of social activity available to go to every week.

Yes

Because it is such a social job and they make it fun. I have never heard of a corporate company that treats their employees so well. There are so many benefits to the job and if you are a sociable person the job is perfect for you. Everyone is so friendly and easy to get on with so you also make some really good friends.

When applying to Softcat focus on the companies values and its culture because this industry is massive on personality and your ability to interact with others. You need to show that you are resilient and motivated to work hard, it helps if you are a competitive person and you can build rapport with whoever interviews you.