Choosing to become a Salesforce Professional can be a rewarding experience, but when you are just getting started, you may feel as if there is an overwhelming amount of information that you need to learn. Starting a new career, especially in an environment as large as the Salesforce eco-system can be daunting.

As a beginner, you are always learning something new. Be it the first certification in Salesforce or moving up the career ladder to a new position in the eco-system, applying yourself is the key. It is important not to compare yourself to others. We all learn at our own pace.

Earlier this month, I set the goal of obtaining my Salesforce Associate certification. Just a year ago, I knew nothing about Salesforce, but now I am diving headfirst into this certification, learning just how vast this platform really is. Although I am not pursuing a career in the Salesforce ecosystem, I have become more aware of the dedication all candidates demonstrate to achieve these amazing milestones and appreciate their ability to apply themselves for personal growth.

As a member of the Steadman Brown team, we often emphasize the need for Salesforce certifications for selective positions. However, this may leave you believing that specific certifications are a must-have.

Tips from me to you!

1.     Get that first certification and keep pushing. A Salesforce Certification is one of the easiest ways to become familiar with Salesforce. Salesforce professionals should strive to gain more knowledge to improve their career prospects. As you know, certifications are a fantastic way to enhance your skill set. But how many do you need to achieve before you can get your foot through the door? That’s the key question. Good news! A single certification is sufficient to get you started.

2.      Experience. I know what you are thinking... "No experience = No job" but "No job = No experience". Unfortunately, sometimes those certifications we mentioned previously are not enough. There is a need for real-world experience among all employers, but if you are unable to obtain employment, how will you gain experience? 

Long before Steadman Brown, aged 16, I was looking for my first job as a waitress to in a bar make some extra money after college to pay for my driving lessons. It was frustrating that every employer I approached requested that I have previous experience, but with no company offering me a position to gain experience, I felt like I was running in a never-ending circle.

How did I overcome this challenge? Through voluntary work at a local farm shop. I gained the necessary experience to introduce myself to my next employer and say, "Yes, I have work experience in similar environments, and here is what I have learned.". Additionally, as it was voluntary it demonstrated my commitment to self-improvement as well as my willingness to work hard to achieve my goals. By providing me with examples of how I have applied my skills and what value I can add to their organization, I was able to walk into a potential new position with confidence. While a small bar role compared to a Salesforce administrator position may seem far fetched, the logic remains the same.

If you demonstrate a desire to learn, show a willingness to apply yourself to the best of your abilities, you are sure to stand out. Did I get that job? Yes, I did.

Look for volunteer opportunities, do some freelancing, believe in yourself, and do everything you can to stand out from the crowd. All of us must start somewhere, right?

3.     LinkedIn! It is this place that provides you with the most effective opportunity to showcase who you are and why you are the most suitable candidate for the job. The purpose of LinkedIn goes far beyond simply listing your skills and experience. It is a dynamic, living profile. The website is a resource for Salesforce recruiters, like us at Steadman Brown, to locate top-notch Salesforce talent for our clients. You can find people with the same goals as you, who will help to encourage you and guide you on your journey. Members of the ecosystem can also view what you post about, what you comment on, and what articles you write. This will all show employers how immersed you are in the Salesforce environment. Get connected!

We know that landing an entry level Salesforce job can be difficult. Looking for countless jobs and studying for certifications, but feeling as if you are not progressing? Maybe its time to speak to a specialist Salesforce recruiter or take up some of these tips to achieve your goals.

We would like to discuss how we can help you land your first job. Don't hesitate to contact us.