Looking to fill a sales position? Any time you post a job ad online, you’ll receive applications from many people. Some are qualified, while many others are not. Some are passively looking, while others are actively looking for a new job.

But, what about unemployed salespeople? Would you consider hiring them? Should you? Our sales recruiters will shed some light on this time and give you some things to think about. First, we’ll talk about why you should consider it. Then, we’ll pose some questions to think about.

The Case For Why You Should Consider Hiring An Unemployed Salesperson

Should you consider hiring an unemployed salesperson? The short answer is yes.  Being unemployed does not necessarily mean that a person is not qualified or capable of doing the job. In fact, many talented and experienced salespeople may find themselves unemployed due to circumstances beyond their control, such as downsizing, company closures, or restructuring. There have definitely been a lot of layoffs in recent months. Another company’s loss could be your gain.

Assessment the same as other candidates

When considering an unemployed salesperson, it’s important to focus on their skills, experience, and accomplishments in previous sales roles. Look for candidates who have a proven track record of success in sales, regardless of their current employment status. Additionally, it’s important to ask about the reasons for their unemployment and assess whether their skills and experience align with the needs of your company.

Unemployed candidates could be more motivated

It’s also worth noting that hiring an unemployed salesperson can bring unique benefits to your company. They may be more motivated to succeed and eager to prove themselves in a new role. Additionally, they may be willing to accept a lower starting salary or a more flexible compensation structure, which can be beneficial for your company’s budget.

Ultimately, the decision to hire an unemployed salesperson should be based on their qualifications, experience, and fit for the role, rather than their employment status.

Questions to Consider About Unemployed Salespeople

As with other candidates, you should always assess them on an individual basis. In this instance, it’s important to get to the root of why they are unemployed. Here are some questions to think about:

• How long has the candidate been out of work?
• Why are they out of work? What explanation did they provide?
• Why have other companies or industry contact not offered them work?
• Is there an underlying reason they are unemployed?

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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.