Avoid the No. 1 mistake in hiring sales personnel

Industry experience looks good on paper. But too much of a good thing could be problematic.

  • By Michelle Richardson and Russ Sharer
  • | 5:00 a.m. June 23, 2022
  • | 0 Free Articles Remaining!
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Michelle Richardson is the vice president for sales performance research at The Brooks Group. Russ Sharer is the director of strategic sales excellence at The Brooks Group. (Courtesy photos)
Michelle Richardson is the vice president for sales performance research at The Brooks Group. Russ Sharer is the director of strategic sales excellence at The Brooks Group. (Courtesy photos)

It’s safe to say nearly every sales manager has regretted at least one of his or her new hires. Resumes, interviews and even references can sometimes conceal the truth that the only thing a salesperson knows how to sell is themself.

While there are many mistakes that can be made in the hiring process, it’s our opinion the biggest mistake is exclusively hiring people from within your industry.

 

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