Why I Joined
Throughout my career, I have always valued roles that focus on communication. Although I had no prior experience in sales, I had a long-standing interest in working as a sales representative for a specialized trading company. Upon changing careers in my late 30s, I decided to join because I saw it as an opportunity to take on a new challenge while leveraging my past experiences.
What is your current role?
I am responsible for approximately 30 to 40 clients. My role involves visiting their offices and construction sites to understand their needs, followed by proposing products, providing quotes, managing orders, and ensuring successful delivery. I am constantly on the move, coordinating with manufacturers and various internal departments to meet our clients’ expectations.
When do you feel most rewarded?
I feel a great sense of accomplishment when a client says, “Yamashita-san, I’ll leave it to you.” Even with clients who were initially distant, repeated visits allow us to build a relationship of trust, eventually leading to words of appreciation. Seeing a construction site that I was involved in reach completion still gives me a strong sense of achievement.
What are your future challenges and goals?
Since the range of products and knowledge required is vast, I want to continue learning every day. My goal is to grow into a sales professional who can meet the diverse needs of various clients and use that experience to mentor younger colleagues. Additionally, I aim to become someone who can create unique proposals and sales strategies that set us apart from the competition.
A Typical Day
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9:00Clock-in
Check emails and review sales figures from the previous day. Prepare for inquiries and pending responses.
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10:30Preparation
Organize information and documents tailored to the clients scheduled for visits.
Checking emails
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11:00 – 15:00Client Visits
Visit construction site offices and client companies. Provide updates on new products and manufacturer info. Develop sales strategies based on client feedback. I also receive follow‑up requests from clients.
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12:30Lunch
Take a break and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the client’s location.
Heading out for client visits
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15:00 – 18:00Back to Office
Follow up on client requests, contact suppliers, and create quotations.
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18:00Clock-out
Verify daily sales figures, complete the daily report, and head home.
A short rest in the break room
A Message to Candidates
This job is perfect for those who enjoy talking with people and aren’t afraid to ask questions when they don’t know something. Acting as the link between manufacturers and clients is a responsible role, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Our company culture encourages taking on challenges, and I look forward to working with you!
How I Spend My Time Off
On my days off, I often relax at home, watching movies or cooking. On Friday nights, I enjoy going out for drinks with my colleagues, or having fun with karaoke and darts. Exploring interesting shops I find on social media is also one of my favorite ways to spend time.
