Did you know that a sales hiring mistake can cost between 6-10 times the base salary of a salesperson? In addition, the turnover rate for sales positions is over 40% per year. As a result, it is important to hire the best salespeople the first time. Although sales management headhunters will send qualified sales candidates to your office, it is up to you to interview and choose the best ones. By looking for the following criteria in each applicant you interview, your sales jobs will be filled by the most qualified employees.
1. Confidence. The sales reps you hire must display a high level of confidence. Not only should they be confident in themselves, but they must also be confident in the products they are selling, as well. Although too much confidence can often result in arrogance, the right amount of confidence will help your salespeople make more sales.
2. Adaptability. Your sales team members must be able to adapt to changing environments. For example, many clients now expect high-quality sales presentations that utilize technology, so every member of your sales team must know how to create a technologically-advanced presentation. By having the ability to adapt to changing environments, your sales team will be able to effectively implement different sales strategies as they become available.
3. Charisma. In order to have a successful sales career, salespeople must be charismatic. Charisma involves having the capability to communicate well in social environments, and it also means having strong interpersonal skills, as well. A warm smile and a firm handshake can go a long way when making a sale, so each one of your sales reps must have good charisma.
Since finding the best employees for your company can be challenging, you must look for certain criteria in each applicant you interview. Confidence, adaptability, and charisma, for example, are three important qualities every good salesperson must possess. Although sales management headhunters will send you qualified applicants, it is up to you to find the best sales reps by using these search criteria.