I have been sourcing sales candidates the last couple of weeks for several of our clients and received a phone call from a recruiter. Normally, I don’t get a lot of calls from recruiters. It was an interesting call so thought I would share the exchange with you. To set the stage, the recruiter did not ask if I had time to talk or if it was a convenient time for me. In fact, his call came just a few minutes prior to a scheduled screening call with a candidate. Recruiter: Hi, this is John Doe from XYZ Recruiting. I’m not sure you know me but XYZ has filled numerous… Read More
Continue ReadingCandidates Are Discussing Benefits Earlier
I remember 5-6 years ago we would consider a benefits discussion from a sales candidate a bit of a red flag. If the candidate was asking about benefits early in the process, we became suspicious that they were looking to retire on the company’s payroll. Oh how times have changed. The fact that more of this cost is being pushed to the employee makes this topic a valid one for early in a hiring process. We still prefer to have candidates discuss the commission plan, market position and value proposition, but benefits are a real cost in the equation. From Inc.com comes this article with survey results that are not… Read More
Continue ReadingSales Traits Series – Long Range Planning
Longer sales cycles require salespeople and sales managers with abilities that match that time horizon. This week’s trait is important for any sales position that is asked to navigate an extended sale. Long Range Planning This is the ability to identify long-range goals and design realistic plans to attain them. It is the ability to see the big picture and then determine the direction to take and resources to use to attain future goals. A salesperson with strength in this capacity is able to effectively €œsee into the future,€ forecast needs and comprehend how certain situations or procedures will meet those needs. A weakness in this area might be due… Read More
Continue ReadingTimeliness Counts!
In the past several weeks I have been working with one of our clients on a sales position that they are desperately trying to fill. On numerous occasions they have said it needs to be filled quickly. I can appreciate this approach, however the actions of the client are not congruent with their words. Let me explain. We have a strong candidate that has interviewed several times in-person and on the phone. Unfortunately, he has been waiting 2 weeks for a follow-up call from one of the managers to set up what he was told would be the final interview. Before you pass judgement think back over your latest hires.… Read More
Continue ReadingBreak The Candidate’s Interview Routine
Here is a typical article about interview technique titled How to Keep Your Cool In the Interview Hot Seat from CareerJournal.com. The article promotes common advice regarding how to keep your nerves during an interview. Personally, I appreciate a candidate who has some nervousness in an interview. Granted, I don’t want them to curl up in the fetal position on the floor, but a bit of nervousness tells me that they have a desire to do well. Implicitly I then believe they are most interested in the position (not always true but a good way to hedge your bets). Now, here is the advice in the article that we derail… Read More
Continue ReadingSales Traits Series – Respect For Policies
This week we focus on a thorn in many sales manager’s sides but this trait is one where strength may not actually be beneficial to success in sales. Respect For Policies The ability of a salesperson to see and appreciate the value of conducting business affairs according to the defined intent of company policies and standards. A salesperson with strength in this trait generally understands the philosophies of the corporate structure and will strive to conduct business according to those standards. They will honor the concept of doing things according to the rules and regulations of the company. A weakness in this area indicates a salesperson who does not have… Read More
Continue ReadingWhat Does Success Look Like?
Earlier this week, myself and the President of one of our customers interviewed a sales candidate. We purposely put the candidate through an extensive interview to observe his ability to handle a lengthy discussion (similar to our customer’s typical call). After putting him through the paces, we gave him the chance to ask questions of us. This time is most valuable in an interview in that it gives you insight into the candidate’s thought process during the qualifying stage in a sales process. He did quite well in his questions – he learned who the competition is, what markets he would call on, the company’s value proposition and culture (including… Read More
Continue ReadingSales Traits Series – Enjoyment Of The Job
This week we look at a trait that provides much insight into existing salespeople. There are other factors to consider in assessing a salesperson’s present state, but this trait provides a tangible red flag. Existing salespeople who score low in this trait are a definite flight risk for the employer. Enjoyment Of The Job The feeling that one€™s job is both fulfilling and rewarding and that it has a positive and useful benefit. A salesperson with high scores in this capacity will tend to view their job as more than simply a means to earn an income. They view it as a valuable endeavor that proves beneficial to others as… Read More
Continue ReadingCannon Fodder In Sales Ads
A common mistake in sales ad writing is the belief that you have to cover every single responsibility in the position. This is not true and leads to long-winded ads that can actually be a deterrent to candidates. Case in point from an ad I read this morning: 15. Other duties as assigned. That’s right – bullet #15 looks like they ran out of gas so the finished the overly long list with a catch-all waste of a line. People understand there are many aspects to a job beyond what is written in the job description. If they don’t, they should work for the government. Don’t use the line listed… Read More
Continue ReadingSales Traits Series – Surrendering Control
This week we focus on a trait that is strongly needed in a team-based sale. The salesperson needs to be the lead on a team-based sale, but they have to have the ability to let the other team members do their part. If the salesperson struggles in this area, they will be less efficient and more dictatorial in their interaction. A bad mix in today’s market. Surrendering ControlThe ability of a salesperson to surrender control of a given situation, or outcome, to another person or group of people. The ability to be comfortable in a situation where a significant portion of the responsibility for achieving a goal lies in the… Read More
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