Sales Search Process

Exceeding Expectations

Discovery

First, we need to understand what you are looking for and the actions you have taken to generate results. What's working? What's not working? What's missing? We gather information to assess your professional and corporate objectives.

We discuss your needs and learn about the history of the company, the position, and what you desire in your next hire. What is the culture of the organization? What types of people do well here? What challenges is the company facing? Based on your ideal candidate, we create a benchmark profile based on the information that we gather from you during the discovery process. This benchmark includes both hard and soft requirements. We identify interview questions that match the sales position and characteristics of the sales professional you are looking for. These questions will help streamline the search process.

Research

We conduct research on potential candidates that match hard skill requirements. We develop lists from proprietary sources and gather appropriate contacts that will help identify potential candidates throughout the search process.

We call potential candidates to discuss the opportunity. We set up times to further discuss candidates’ background, information, and the opportunity.

Internal Interviews

We conduct in-depth interviews with a few selected candidates that match benchmark requirements. We use pre-selected sales or sales-management-focused interview questions designed to uncover information that is useful in the selection process.

Client Interview Selection

We present background information with interview notes about candidates’ reasons for interest, current compensation, previous and current experience, and other pertinent information.

Meetings

We arrange a meeting between both parties and give the candidates information regarding location, who they will be meeting, and any relevant information necessary for the meeting. We discuss with you the points of interest for the candidates, their strengths and weaknesses, and any necessary or requested information.

Feedback Collection & Evaluation

We speak with the candidate after the interview to see what they think of the opportunity and the meeting. We let you know what their interest level is in the opportunity. We discuss your thoughts on the interview and get feedback that is critical to moving forward in the search process.

Adjustments

Based on your interview feedback, we may make adjustments to our candidate referrals. We may revisit candidates or adjust referrals accordingly. Your feedback after an interview is extremely valuable. Without feedback, we are left with intuition and guesswork. With your input and full participation, we can shorten the hiring process to save you time and money.

Negotiations

If specifically requested, we will verify some candidate-provided information which can include reference checking and W2 verification. As outlined in our fee agreement, we encourage our clients to follow their normal hiring process and conduct any necessary employment verification in accordance with their existing hiring policies and procedures.

We work with you to negotiate an offer for the candidate you would like to hire. We review benefits and other compensation outside of base salary and bonus parameters with the candidate or set up a time for them to review with human resources.

Onboarding

The post-placement process includes follow-up with you and your new hire to see how things are progressing. We take a long-term view in this business are committed to making solid matches for both parties.

Contact Optimal Sales Search Today!

Contact Optimal Sales Search to discuss your sales-hiring needs! We invite you to work with a sales recruiter who understands how important a key sales hire is to your organization. Contact us today at 510.260.0986; contact@optimalss.com.