Sourcing Sales Stars in today’s market
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010Sourcing *SALES STARS* in today’s job market
So, to share what we’re frequently asked about the job market recently…if there’s 10% unemployment why can’t we find great sales talent immediately in our search?
I normally say “Welcome to our world!” It’s also taking us as long, or longer, to find talent than normal. You would think we could reduce time spent searching if we placed active candidates rather than passive, but not so. In three recent VP Sales searches we submitted 18 passive candidates and one active candidate to finalize those searches.
Also, we’re offering more candidates than usual to fulfill client requirements. Two years ago we averaged 4 candidates per search and last year was 6. That means 33% more candidates to interview and obviously longer hours to completion for our team.
Companies are not releasing their stars without a fight. Stars become available mostly in situations where companies go completely out of business or cut a whole department or unit. They’re often networked with other sales people at competitive firms so you don’t always know they’re in the market until they are gone.
It is our business to know who those stars are and how to find them.
Is 2010 the time to add some sales stars to your team? We have already doubled search inventory from this time last year with clients adding new VP Sales and Director level sales managers. If you’re considering a search, you may want to call us for timing projections for best results.
Here’s to good selling in 2010!