2 years ago
October 14, 2021

5 Ways to Make a Bad First Impression to Sales Candidates

We all know first impressions matter. It takes a lot more effort to come back from a bad first impression than it does making a good impression from the start….

sales recruiter Liz Vixner
Elizabeth Vixner

We all know first impressions matter. It takes a lot more effort to come back from a bad first impression than it does making a good impression from the start. The impression you give off as an employer or hiring manager will play a big role in your ability to hire top sales talent. There are just as many ways to make a bad impression as a good one. So, you need to be conscious of what you say and do during the recruiting process.

If you want to make a poor impression on top talent and lose them to your competitors, here are some things you can do:

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1. You Make Them Wait

No one wants to be left waiting. Whether you are having an in-person interview or speaking with them online, it’s imperative for you to be on time. You wouldn’t want your sales reps to be late for an appointment with a customer. Being late can make a candidate feel like they are not a priority.

2. You Are Not Welcoming

You should be enthusiastic about the prospect of hiring a good sales candidate. But if you or the work environment is not welcoming, you could make the candidate feel uncomfortable.

3. You Forget Their Name

As a sales rep, you are always told to do your homework and learn as much as possible about a customer before a meeting. If you forget a candidate’s name or fail to prepare for the interview beforehand, they could take it as a sign you don’t have a strong process in place.

4. You Check Notifications During the Interview

Your attention needs to be squarely on the candidate. You need to stay engaged with them throughout the interview process. Make sure you turn off all notifications to reduce the temptation to check them. Looking at your phone or glancing at another program on your computer during a video meeting can show you are not interested or engaged.

5. You Ask General Questions

If you seem like you are simply reading off a series of general questions rather than asking pointed and specific questions, you could turn off the candidate. Ask questions that are specific to the candidate and their abilities.

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sales recruiter Liz Vixner

Elizabeth Vixner

Elizabeth is a sales recruiter that has led and developed multiple top sales teams in Canada in the Automotive, Retail, and Sports Industries. With 6+ years of corporate sales experience, she knows what separates a good salesperson from a great salesperson. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Specialization in Marketing and Accounting with Honours from the Schulich School of Business at York University.

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