Here at Unity, we've had a high number of account management vacancies recently, as businesses look to bolster their client relations teams. 

With years of experience at recruiting for the position, we know a thing or two about what it takes to be a success in this role. Here are a few tips and tricks on how you can become a better account manager and perhaps develop the skills needed to take your next step on the career ladder. 

Listen
All account managers are great at talking, it's part of the job description. But are you a good listener? If not, this is something you'll need to work on if you're aiming for career progression. The best account managers are able to listen to clients and colleagues and use the information they gather to deliver the best possible service. 

Be contactable
Nothing frustrates clients like an account manager they can never get hold of. Of course, you're busy, but the best account managers are able to organise their time in such a way that no one feels like they are being ignored.

Trust your colleagues
One of the biggest mistakes an account manager can make is to try and do everything all by themselves. The best people in this position are able to trust their colleagues and work alongside them effectively. Nothing will irritate your colleagues more than if you try and do their job for them. After all, you'd be pretty annoyed if someone in another role started trying to tell you how to manage your clients.

Under-promise, over-deliver 
It's a simple technique, but it works extremely well. Whenever dealing with a client, try to under-promise and over-deliver, that way you'll always be exceeding expectations. For example, if you know a piece of work will be completed in two days time, why not tell the client it will take three days? They'll be impressed when the finished product is delivered a day early and will place even greater value on your service.

Of course, this concept should be applied within reason; there's no point under-promising to an extreme level, but by doing so in an understated manner, you can make a real positive impression.

Remember what you were hired for
As an account manager, one of your main priorities is to ensure your clients are happy. However, you always need to remember that your number-one concern is to get results for your business. It can be easy for some account managers to forget this as they try too hard to please everyone, but, at the end of the day, your employers' needs must be at the forefront of your thinking.

Think you've developed the skills to move on to your next account management role? Head to our vacancies page and see if anything catches your eye.