Working with a headhunter is a great way to help advance your job search in the sales industry. Recruiters have industry connections and can provide invaluable advice that can help you improve your resume, perform better in interviews and be a better candidate overall. You’ll also encounter headhunters who represent companies looking to hire.
An important topic that will come up is salary. You will need to have the salary talk with the headhunter, hiring managers and other people who are part of your job search journey. With this in mind, our sales headhunters have compiled a list of tips for a productive salary conversation.
Before the conversation, research sales industry-standard salary ranges for your role and experience. This knowledge empowers you to negotiate confidently and ensures your expectations align with market norms. Sales compensation can vary, so being informed strengthens your position during discussions with the recruiter.
During the conversation, focus on your contributions and achievements. Highlight specific sales metrics, deals closed, or revenue generated to illustrate your value to the organization. Demonstrating the impact you’ve had in your previous roles strengthens your case for a competitive compensation package.
When discussing salary, don’t solely focus on the base pay. Consider the entire compensation package, including bonuses, commissions, benefits, and growth potential. Evaluating the total package provides a comprehensive view of the opportunities and rewards associated with the role.
Choose an appropriate time to bring up the salary discussion. Ideally, wait until you’ve established your fit for the role and the recruiter has expressed interest. This ensures the conversation is framed in the context of your potential contributions, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome. If the headhunter brings up salary first, it’s okay to have the conversation.
While having a clear salary expectation is important, be open to a discussion. Recruiters may have insights into the company’s compensation structure or additional benefits. Express your openness to negotiation and highlight your eagerness to be part of the team, creating a collaborative atmosphere for salary discussions.
Getting the salary talk right is an important step in the job search process. Be ready to make your case so you can get your desired salary.
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Jace is a sales recruiter with almost a decade of experience building high-performing sales teams in North America, across Europe, Asia, and Australia. He also has plenty of tips to help your sales team increase revenue!