Table of Contents
1. Confidence – maintaining a positive attitude
Not all prospective customers will want to buy what you’re selling and to deal with these rejections you’ll need a high level of confidence, positivity and tenacity.
Having this unwavering faith in yourself and the product you’re pitching, all in the face of resistance and rejection, is vital. Chet Patel, chief commercial officer, BT Global says the best sales people remain self-assured.
2. Resilience – communicating with conviction
Chet also believes that reacting positively to knock-backs is essential. Each sale can be full of obstacles, so you must have the belief to overcome any challenges thrown your way. ‘You may have put a lot of time and effort into trying to land a deal, but it didn’t work out,’ he adds. ‘You have to be resilient and dust yourself off, and believe that you will land the next one.’
Communicating with conviction can help transmit your passion for sales in an interview. Researching the industry, the company and the role will allow you to emphasise how your strengths and experiences make you the ideal candidate.
3. Active listening – understanding the customers’ needs
Communication is fundamental in building trust and creating a rapport with customers, believes Mark Denton, managing director of Riverside Motor Group. He says, ‘It’s important that salespeople are confident and knowledgeable when advising customers, but the value of listening can easily be overlooked.’
Through all business transactions, Mark explains how it’s vital to avoid personal filters, assumptions, judgements, and beliefs. This is because customers have the best understanding of their own wants and needs, and so the salesperson needs to listen carefully in order to have the greatest understanding of this.
‘The best way to ensure complete coherence is to ask clarifying questions and summarise what you have been told,’ suggests Mark. ‘A major part of active listening is to treat others with the respect and attention you’d like to receive in a conversation, so they feel their requirements are understood, and will be adhered to.’
Claire Robertson, HR director for the joint venture between Unilever and PepsiCo, also feels that sales graduates should be active listeners during the recruitment stage of applications.
‘There’s a common misconception among graduates at assessment centres that it’s all about talking, especially in group exercises,’ she says. ‘But it’s often the applicants who listen well, summarise and lead the group to a decision that impress us most.
4. Rapport building – selling your personality
Unleashing your personality is equally valuable when it comes to developing your customer service skills. Coming across as authentic and engaging will endear you to others and gain their trust.
Building a strong rapport with customers is important, as you’ve got to convince them that you’re the best person to sell them a product. There’s no better time to show these skills than in your job interview, as this is the ultimate sale. You’re selling your talents but, even more importantly, you’re selling your personality.
5. Entrepreneurial spirit – continual self-improvement
The top sales candidates possess genuine entrepreneurial drive and spirit, claims Claire. Something as simple as trading on eBay can go a surprisingly long way in showing you’re able and agile enough to create your own breaks.
‘By being able to demonstrate that you can craft opportunities where they may not obviously exist and see these through to execution and delivery, you’ll show that you have a natural talent for selling,’ she says.
For those with these attributes, working for yourself and starting your own business may be something to consider either now or in the future. Explore self-employment and what it takes to become an entrepreneur.
Rising to challenges and possessing an appetite for self-improvement are also important. Be comfortable with critically reflecting on past experiences.
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.