8 years ago
April 18, 2016

Look for These Traits in Sales Candidates

Whether you are hiring directly or going through a sales recruitment agency, keep these traits in mind when interviewing sales candidates

Rhys Metler

Look_for_These_Traits_in_Sales_Candidates

Quality sales reps can be difficult to find. Although there are numerous sales staffing agencies, millions of salespeople, and even more trying to break into the industry, that does not mean that everyone is cut out for a career in sales. Today’s sales jobs are more competitive than ever. Whether you are hiring directly or going through a sales recruitment agency, keep these things in mind during the interviewing and hiring process.

The Best Sales Reps Can Sell Anything… Literally 



And they may have to, too. Some companies today are selling some of the strangest things. Remember, it is exceedingly obvious to ask applicants to “sell me this pen” or even “sell me this paperclip”. Get creative, and give job candidates a truly bizarre product to sell to gauge their true determination and talent (or lack thereof).



The Best Sales Reps See Opportunity Everywhere 



It is common knowledge that sales reps need excellent written and verbal communication skills. What too few companies realize is that the best sales people are also the most patient and persistent–and the most optimistic. The very best sales people will view obstacles and the odd sale that they cannot close as opportunities, and that’s very important.

The Best Sales Reps Focus on the Consumer 



A competent salesperson will be sales-driven. For continued and great amounts of success, however, it is best to be consumer-driven as well. These sales professionals understand that sales is all about making connections and building strong relationships, and they focus on that, instead of just focusing on their precise number of sales. 

Sales recruitment agencies know exactly what to look for—and it may not always be the overconfident salesperson all of us see in movies and on TV. Look for salespeople who are creative and can sell just about anything to anyone. Look for optimistic people who see opportunities everywhere. Look for salespeople who understand the importance of building relationships.

Rhys Metler

Rhys is a tenacious, top performing Senior Sales Recruiter with 15+ years of focused experience in the Digital Media, Mobile, Software, Technology and B2B verticals. He has a successful track record of headhunting top performing sales candidates for some of the most exciting brands in North America. He is a Certified Recruitment Specialist (CRS) and has expert experience in prospecting new business, client retention/renewals and managing top performing sales and recruitment teams. Rhys enjoys spending quality time with his wife, son, and daughters, BBQing on a hot summer day and tropical vacations.

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