If you are looking for a sales job in 2023 it’s important to understand the current hiring trends. At the start of every year, there is a renewed outlook on how the upcoming year will play out. The current state of the economy and things that employers value can affect how you should approach the job search process.

Our sales recruiters provide an update on the latest sales hiring trends you can expect to see in 2023:

1. A slow start to the year

With uncertainty about the economy and talk of a recession, you can expect companies to hold back on hiring sales professionals in the first part of the year. This is like many other industries that have seen things slow or companies who may have over-hired as we came out of the pandemic.

But if things start taking a turn for the better, you can expect companies to start hiring once again in the second half of 2023.

2. A focus on retention

With the economic uncertainty presented by an economic downturn, many companies will shift their recruitment efforts from hiring to retention, at least at the beginning of the year. Turnover rates are high and companies don’t want to lose their top sales employees, especially considering the challenges and cost of finding a suitable replacement.

3. More options to work from home

Remote work is here is stay. Expect more sales companies to offer you the option to work remotely at least a few days per week. Hybrid work models have proven to be successful in most industries, including sales.

4. Emphasis on digital skills

As more businesses move online, sales professionals with experience and skills in digital marketing and e-commerce will be in high demand. Look for employers to include additional digital skills and abilities in job ads.

5. A focus on data analysis

Data analysis is an important part of the sales process, especially for digital sales. Companies are looking for salespeople who can use data to guide strategies and decisions.

6. Diversification of sales roles

Sales roles continue to evolve. 2023 will be no different. With the growth of e-commerce, sales roles are diversifying with more roles in customer service, account management, and digital marketing. Look for companies to create new roles or shift their approach in how they hire for traditional sales roles.

7. An emphasis on soft skills

As sales become more complex, companies are looking for salespeople with strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Employers are looking for people who can build trust, strong relationships, and genuine connections with their customers online, over the phone and in person.

Keep these trends in mind as you search for a sales job this year. Need some help with your search? Connect with our sales recruiters to get access to top employers and jobs in your industry and preferred location.

More Sales Hiring Advice From Our Recruiters

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Selling During a Recession: 5 Things You Need to Know

SalesForce Search is a sales recruitment agency that specializes in hiring sales rockstars. Hiring top salespeople is tough. Only 55% meet their quota. Our proactive approach recruits talented salespeople before they hit the market. As North America’s leading sales headhunter we recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. To find your next sales rockstar, start your search here.