This hiring tip may seem counter intuitive but it has a lot of merit. Many companies still choose industry experience over sales skills because of the potentially faster ramp-up time and potential business that an industry-seasoned candidate brings to the table.
While this is a reasonable assumption, you may be passing up the opportunity to hire the sales skills that could take the company further than any transfer of business would.
Successful sales organizations look for sales skills with the understanding that they can provide the industry knowledge and background in a reasonable timeframe. Mind you, experience is a wonderful thing just as long as it’s accompanied by sales skills.
People with good sales skills are everywhere when you’re looking for it. Instead of prospecting for new business, sharp sales managers prospect for new talent.
