Member Article

Apprentice style interviews to find trainee sales advisors

A builder in Burbage is taking a tip from The Apprentice’s Alan Sugar as it launches a major search for new trainees who could land a job on the spot.

Persimmon Homes North Midlands wants to find six new trainee sales advisors and is launching Apprentice-style interviews at their Mayflower Gardens development in the village.

The interviews will be held on Thursday 22nd January from 4pm until 7:30pm and people are being encouraged to walk into the marketing suite at the development without an appointment. They will then be given an interview and could be offered a job by the end of the day.

Sherrie Hankin, head of sales with Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “To ensure the on-going success of the company, we are keen to strengthen our sales team and want to invest in the skills we need to grow the business.

“We want fresh people in the industry who are keen, hard-working and have a real enthusiasm for the job and want to do well.

“We wanted to do something a little different in our recruitment process, and hope people will respond. They are welcome to just walk in off the street, sit down and have an ‘Apprentice’ style interview. If they are lucky, we could be making them a job offer by the end of the day.”

Trainees undergo a comprehensive induction and training programme looking at customer care and construction sites and liaise with independent financial advisors, conveyancers and solicitors.

Two trainees who have quickly seen success with the company are Hannah Dorner and Amy Crisp.

Hannah is now in charge of her own development at Blackberry Grange, in Market Harborough. The 24 year old, from Thrapston, has a degree in quantity surveying but on graduating, she decided that a career in sales would suit her far better. She has been so successful that she has just been chosen as the region’s Sales Trainee of the Year.

Meanwhile, Amy, 24, who previously worked as a travel rep and events co-ordinator, has been so impressive since she started with the company that she has been given her own development to run within a matter of months.

Sherrie added: “Our trainees all receive extensive training so that they understand the whole process of buying a home and the schemes available such as the Government-backed Help to Buy, Home Change and Part Exchange. Excellent customer service is vital for Persimmon Homes, where sales advisors are often the first point of contact for prospective buyers.

“It gives us a great boost to see new faces in the company and reap the benefits of all their talents.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lee Southen .