Skip to content

Job Seekers Hub | 5 soft skills employers look for when hiring sales reps

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    If you love hitting targets, have zero fear of rejection, you’re great at building relationships, and you constantly push the boundaries to break records and drive home results – chances are you’re a good salesperson. However, to be a great salesperson, it’s often the soft skills that really separate the good from the great.

    After learning from The Wall Street Journal that 58% of employees who stated they had ‘excellent communication skills’ on their LinkedIn profile were successfully hired over the process of the year, well, it’s safe to say this got us thinking. As such, we asked our clients what they cared about most when hiring for their sales team. While some of these may not come as a surprise, it’s important to highlight these five skills to help you build up your soft skills and outshine your competition.

    During the interview stages, employers care about these five qualities when hiring new sales talent:

    1 – Strong communication – cold calling, social selling, email etiquette, you name it – these are all part of the communication umbrella that employers want to know you can excel at

    2 – Professionalism – whether it’s a phone based or client facing role, being polished and professional will allow clients and prospects to take you seriously to ultimately build trust.

    3 – Adaptability – sales environments are constantly changing. Employers want to know if you’ll be able to adjust to new situations – both internally and externally.

    4 – Leadership/management skills – employers are always thinking long-term. They don’t want to have to hire again in six months if the candidate wasn’t the right fit. Hiring a candidate with long-term leadership and management potential to help the team grow is a huge aspect, especially in those junior and mid-market roles.

    5 – Passion and enthusiasm – no one likes an un-enthusiastic salesperson. Excitement, passion and a positive attitude is much more likely to stand out and leave a lasting impression.

    With regards to specific interview questions, Lisa Dougherty (Editor at Content Marketing Institute) always asks candidates; “If money wasn’t a factor and you could do whatever you wanted in any industry, what would you do?” Lisa asks this because she “wants to find out what they are passionate about and if they are enthusiastic when talking about it. If they struggle to answer, that’s a huge clue into their personality. A hustler will have plenty to say and will light up like a Christmas tree”. This is Lisa’s way of digging into their soft skills without directly asking how “passionate” they are.

    Our biggest suggestion is to be genuine and to present your soft skills in a non-forced way. Be confident, be real, and most importantly – be you.

    FROM OUR PULSE NEWS, EMPLOYER AND JOB SEEKER HUBS

    Featured Articles

    Mastering Cold Calls: Proven Strategies

    In the world of sales, mastering the art of cold calling is often considered a hallmark of success. It’s a skill that can open doors, forge relationships, and drive revenue for businesses of all sizes. However, it’s also a technique that many find daunting and challenging to execute effectively. Before diving into specific strategies, it’s…

    Top 10 Game-Changing Sales Strategies

    Whether you’re a seasoned sales leader or an aspiring rep, this blog will equip you with the game-changing strategies needed to thrive in the ever-evolving marketplace. From strategic learning to effective communication, we’ll delve into the tactics that can elevate your sales game. So grab your virtual notepad, because we’re about to explore the art…

    Tips for recruiting top sales talent

    Recruiting exceptional sales talent is a critical endeavour for any organization. The success of your sales team directly impacts revenue, customer satisfaction, and overall business growth. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into proven strategies, practical tips, and actionable insights to help you attract, assess, and hire top-performing sales professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned…

    How to Leverage AI for Maximum Impact

    In today’s hyper-competitive business landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential for sales professionals. Enter AI, a game-changing technology that promises to transform the way we sell. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of AI-powered sales and explore practical strategies for integrating it effectively. Understanding AI in Sales   Before we explore practical…

    The Art of Maximizing Sales Commissions

    Sales commissions play a pivotal role in motivating sales teams and driving revenue growth. Whether you’re a seasoned salesperson or just starting your career, understanding the art of maximizing commissions is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore actionable steps to boost your earnings while maintaining a healthy balance between revenue and profit.   1. Sales Maximization…

    Boost Your Resume with Sales Skills

    In today’s competitive job market, having a standout resume is crucial for securing employment opportunities. One effective way to enhance your resume and increase your marketability is by incorporating sales skills. Whether you’re aiming for a career in sales or not, possessing these skills can significantly elevate your professional profile. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll…

    Tips for Cyber Security Best Practices

    In today’s digital age, where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, cybersecurity has become more critical than ever before. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, from ransomware attacks to phishing scams, protecting our digital assets and personal information has become a top priority. This blog is dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge…

    Sucessfully Navigate Fintech Recruitment

    In the dynamic world of financial technology (fintech), where innovation converges with finance, the quest for exceptional talent is both exhilarating and daunting. As fintech companies surge forward, fueled by disruptive technologies and shifting consumer demands, their success hinges on assembling the right teams. In this 2,000-word exploration, we’ll delve into the intricacies of fintech…

    Tips to elevate your recruitment process

    Recruiting the right talent is a critical aspect of organizational success. Whether you’re a startup or a well-established company, your recruitment process directly impacts your team’s performance, company culture, and overall growth. In this blog, we’ll explore actionable strategies to enhance your recruitment practices and attract top-notch candidates.    Evaluate Current Hiring Practices   Whether…

    SaaS Trends 2024: What to Expect

    The software-as-a-service (SaaS) landscape is evolving rapidly, and 2024 promises to be a pivotal year. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-based solutions, understanding the upcoming trends becomes crucial. In this blog post, we’ll dissect the key developments that will shape the SaaS industry in the coming year.   1. AI-Powered SaaS Applications   In 2024,…

    POWERED BY