Sonja Joachims

How would you describe your role as an Inside Sales Representative in modular construction?

As an Inside Sales Representative, I am responsible for maintaining relationships with existing customers and acquiring new ones. I work closely with our outside sales team to ensure we meet our customers' needs.
I help them select the right modular units and containers for their specific projects and make sure everything goes smoothly, from quotation to delivery.
It is a varied role where I interact with customers per phone and e-mail and work internally with different departments.

 

What qualifications do you think are needed to do the job well?

The main qualifications for an Inside Sales Representative is to be an "administrative jack-of-all-trades", it is very important to be very flexible and goal-oriented.
It is essential to have and maintain a smooth and good cooperation with the other departments so that you can respond to changes quickly and efficiently.

 

What makes your working day a perfect/successful one?

A perfect working day for me is when I can maintain control over the tasks I am carrying out, i.e. my job content is often influenced by uncontrollable factors.
 Meaning that my predetermined planning will need to be revised and tasks need to be rescheduled.
The trick is to quickly and correctly take action where needed while maintaining internal rest and calm, to ultimately ensure that the customer is 100% satisfied with our delivered modular units and services.

 

How would your colleagues describe you?

I think they would describe me as a positive person who is always ready to help others.
I strongly believe in teamwork and I always try to have a supportive role. Whether it is answering questions, offering help or sharing my knowledge, I do my best to support others in their work.
In addition, I think they would also describe me as proactive. I always try to think ahead and solve problems even before they occur.  I like to take the initiative and am willing to go the extra mile to make sure things run smoothly.
Another aspect I think my colleagues would notice is that I am a good listener. I find it important to listen attentively to my colleagues' needs and concerns. By listening well, I can better understand what is going on and how I can contribute to the success of the team.
In short, I think my colleagues would describe me as a positive, helpful and proactive person who is a good listener and always willing to lend a hand.

 

If you needed to change jobs for a day, which other department would you like to work in?

If I had the opportunity to work in another department, I would like to spend a day in each department. It seems appropriate for me to get a better understanding of the details of each person's job and to understand how each department contributes to the bigger picture of Algeco.
I believe that working in each department would give not only myself but also other colleagues a broader perspective and would help for better collaboration with colleagues from different departments. It would be a great way to expand my own knowledge and skills and gain a deeper understanding of how our company functions as a whole.

 

What "tips and tricks" would you like to pass on to a potential Inside Sales Employee Representative?

For those who read this interview and want to apply for an Inside or Outside Sales position, I personally think it is very important that this candidate has the qualities listed below:

• Flexible attitude: It is very important to be flexible and able to think along with the customer to find the best possible solution.
• Be enthusiastic and show your passion: Inside sales often requires a lot of communication with customers, both by phone and in writing. It is important to show your enthusiasm and passion for the field during the application process. Show your interest in helping customers, building relationships and achieving sales targets. Show that you are energetic and motivated to be successful in the Inside Sales role.
• Develop strong communication skills: Good communication is key to success in Inside Sales. This includes both verbal and written skills. Be clear, concise and friendly in your communication. Demonstrate your ability to effectively listen to customers, ask questions and understand their needs, and then turn this information into valuable solutions.
• Be results-oriented and resilient: Inside sales can be challenging, it is important that you are able to deal with rejections and setbacks. Emphasise your focus on results and your willingness to set goals and pursue them
• Demonstrate your organisational skills: Inside Sales often requires managing multiple tasks and dealing with deadlines. Highlight your ability to prioritise, work in a structured way and manage your time efficiently.
• Show your team player mentality: Inside Sales is often a team effort, where close collaboration with other departments, such as marketing and outside sales, is essential. Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively, share information and contribute to the success of the team as a whole.

 

By keeping these tips and tricks in mind and highlighting them during the application process, you can show that you have the right skills and mindset to be successful as an Inside Sales Representative.

 

What does Algeco mean to you?

Algeco gives me the opportunity to develop my skills, take on new challenges and grow as a professional.
Moreover, I strongly believe in Algeco's mission to provide solutions for temporary accommodation. It gives me satisfaction to be able to help customers realise their projects and provide them with high-quality modular buildings and containers. It feels good to be part of a company that has a positive impact on society.