Sales Hiring Straight Talk Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:06:12 -0500 https://www.SalesHiringStraightTalk.com en-us © 2026 Sales Hiring Straight Talk yes 5df64b0f-c8b3-5ce8-9579-bbc43753e935 Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) sales, hiring, sales managers, sales leaders, hire, shst, assessments, interview Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling https://storage.buzzsprout.com/24viky38x37qv11iake59k5pxa33?.jpg Sales Hiring Straight Talk https://www.SalesHiringStraightTalk.com Jennifer Leake Suzanne Paling How Today's Candidates are Different - Mark Wilcox #2 How Today's Candidates are Different - Mark Wilcox #2 This is the second of 3 interviews with Mark Wilcox, Global VP of Sales on the subject of Candidate Experience in the First Interview in the hiring process.

In this podcast, Mark Wilcox shares what he thinks has changed the most in his 30 years of interviews with sales people - and how it contributes to a good candidate experience.

Listen to learn a few of his favorite questions that create richer 1st interviews with sales candidates. 

]]> This is the second of 3 interviews with Mark Wilcox, Global VP of Sales on the subject of Candidate Experience in the First Interview in the hiring process.

In this podcast, Mark Wilcox shares what he thinks has changed the most in his 30 years of interviews with sales people - and how it contributes to a good candidate experience.

Listen to learn a few of his favorite questions that create richer 1st interviews with sales candidates. 

]]> Buzzsprout-10923177 Thu, 07 Jul 2022 16:00:00 -0400 492 full false Interviews Should be a Human Experience - Mark Wilcox #1 Interviews Should be a Human Experience - Mark Wilcox #1 This is the first of 3 interviews with Mark Wilcox, Global VP of Sales on the subject of Candidate Experience in the First Interview in the hiring process.

Life, interviewing and applying for a job is hard enough. The more comfortable you can make the candidate, the easier it is to learn more about who they really are. Learn how Mark does this, as well as his "pet peeve" about candidates.

Mark is a veteran "customer first" sales leader, with over 30 years of sales leadership experience and success across multiple industries including: advertising, media, finance and software.  Skilled at applying innovation and process excellence, his goal is to provide value to customers and leadership to sales teams.




]]> This is the first of 3 interviews with Mark Wilcox, Global VP of Sales on the subject of Candidate Experience in the First Interview in the hiring process.

Life, interviewing and applying for a job is hard enough. The more comfortable you can make the candidate, the easier it is to learn more about who they really are. Learn how Mark does this, as well as his "pet peeve" about candidates.

Mark is a veteran "customer first" sales leader, with over 30 years of sales leadership experience and success across multiple industries including: advertising, media, finance and software.  Skilled at applying innovation and process excellence, his goal is to provide value to customers and leadership to sales teams.




]]> Jennifer Leake & Susan Paling Buzzsprout-10752753 Tue, 07 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0400 474 full false Turn Your Candidates into Brand Ambassadors Turn Your Candidates into Brand Ambassadors Podcast host Suzanne Paling interviews co-host Jennifer Leake of Assessment Pros on the topic of assessments and the candidate experience. Jennifer has over 30 years experience with a variety of assessments and how to supplement and better understand candidates and employees with objective assessment information.

Assessments have become a common "slice in the hiring pie", so learn 4 things to do to create a better Candidate Experience with them.  In addition, they shorten what can be a lengthy interview process as well as create Brand Ambassadors for you ... even if you don't hire a candidate you've interviewed.

This is the second of two conversations between Suzanne and Jennifer.

]]> Podcast host Suzanne Paling interviews co-host Jennifer Leake of Assessment Pros on the topic of assessments and the candidate experience. Jennifer has over 30 years experience with a variety of assessments and how to supplement and better understand candidates and employees with objective assessment information.

Assessments have become a common "slice in the hiring pie", so learn 4 things to do to create a better Candidate Experience with them.  In addition, they shorten what can be a lengthy interview process as well as create Brand Ambassadors for you ... even if you don't hire a candidate you've interviewed.

This is the second of two conversations between Suzanne and Jennifer.

]]> Buzzsprout-10644262 Wed, 18 May 2022 23:00:00 -0400 443 full false How Assessments Improve Candidate Experience How Assessments Improve Candidate Experience Podcast host Suzanne Paling interviews co-host Jennifer Leake of Assessment Pros on the topic of assessments and the candidate experience. Jennifer has over 30 years experience with a variety of assessments and how to supplement and better understand candidates and employees with objective assessment information.

The competition for talent is intense these days. Assessments are a way for you and your company to set yourself apart from the rest.  At the Assessment Step #2 in the hiring process, you and the candidate have already started to form opinions about each other.

Pre-hire assessments help resolve 3 of the most common frustrations candidates have about the job interview experience. Learn what they are and why assessments offer a solution to them.  This is the first of two conversations between Suzanne and Jennifer.

]]> Podcast host Suzanne Paling interviews co-host Jennifer Leake of Assessment Pros on the topic of assessments and the candidate experience. Jennifer has over 30 years experience with a variety of assessments and how to supplement and better understand candidates and employees with objective assessment information.

The competition for talent is intense these days. Assessments are a way for you and your company to set yourself apart from the rest.  At the Assessment Step #2 in the hiring process, you and the candidate have already started to form opinions about each other.

Pre-hire assessments help resolve 3 of the most common frustrations candidates have about the job interview experience. Learn what they are and why assessments offer a solution to them.  This is the first of two conversations between Suzanne and Jennifer.

]]> Buzzsprout-10599478 Wed, 11 May 2022 10:00:00 -0400 513 full false Are Your MUST HAVES for Candidates Too High? Kevin F. Davis Are Your MUST HAVES for Candidates Too High? Kevin F. Davis Kevin F. Davis talks about the fact that the best candidates have other options. He cautions against setting the bar too high for candidates and kicking out some people you shouldn't. 

Instead, there are 3 other traits sales hiring leaders should be looking for - traits he's found to be key indicators of future sales success. 

This is our third of 3 interviews with Kevin F. Davis,  author of two books “Slow Down, Sell Faster!” and “The Sales Manager’s Guide to Greatness.” 

]]> Kevin F. Davis talks about the fact that the best candidates have other options. He cautions against setting the bar too high for candidates and kicking out some people you shouldn't. 

Instead, there are 3 other traits sales hiring leaders should be looking for - traits he's found to be key indicators of future sales success. 

This is our third of 3 interviews with Kevin F. Davis,  author of two books “Slow Down, Sell Faster!” and “The Sales Manager’s Guide to Greatness.” 

]]> Buzzsprout-10487699 Fri, 22 Apr 2022 21:00:00 -0400 523 full false Are Your Phone Interviews Too Superficial? Kevin F. Davis Are Your Phone Interviews Too Superficial? Kevin F. Davis Kevin F. Davis shares ideas on the how and what to ask in the phone interview. He suggests questions other interviewers might not ask.

Do you use your 20 minutes (30 minutes MAX!) wisely in your phone interview with candidates so they have a good first impression candidate experience with you?  You're seeking thought provoking questions from them that enhance their experience with you, as well as give you insights into how they might perform with prospects.

This is our second of 3 interviews with Kevin F. Davis,  author of two books “Slow Down, Sell Faster!” and “The Sales Manager’s Guide to Greatness.” 

]]> Kevin F. Davis shares ideas on the how and what to ask in the phone interview. He suggests questions other interviewers might not ask.

Do you use your 20 minutes (30 minutes MAX!) wisely in your phone interview with candidates so they have a good first impression candidate experience with you?  You're seeking thought provoking questions from them that enhance their experience with you, as well as give you insights into how they might perform with prospects.

This is our second of 3 interviews with Kevin F. Davis,  author of two books “Slow Down, Sell Faster!” and “The Sales Manager’s Guide to Greatness.” 

]]> Buzzsprout-10421024 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 20:00:00 -0400 619 full false Why You Should Do Your Own Phone Interviews! Kevin F. Davis Why You Should Do Your Own Phone Interviews! Kevin F. Davis In this current podcast series, we are discussing the candidate experience during the hiring process. 

Today, we are joined by Kevin F. Davis,  author of two books “Slow Down, Sell Faster!” and “The Sales Manager’s Guide to Greatness.”  Sales hiring leaders - do you conduct your own phone interviews? If not, listen to why Kevin thinks this is a mistake. 

This is the first of 3 interviews with Kevin F. Davis on the subject of Candidate Experience.

]]> In this current podcast series, we are discussing the candidate experience during the hiring process. 

Today, we are joined by Kevin F. Davis,  author of two books “Slow Down, Sell Faster!” and “The Sales Manager’s Guide to Greatness.”  Sales hiring leaders - do you conduct your own phone interviews? If not, listen to why Kevin thinks this is a mistake. 

This is the first of 3 interviews with Kevin F. Davis on the subject of Candidate Experience.

]]> Buzzsprout-10371767 Sun, 03 Apr 2022 20:00:00 -0400 463 full true 5 Key Ingredients to Better R.E.A.C.H. Candidates - Ira Wolfe 5 Key Ingredients to Better R.E.A.C.H. Candidates - Ira Wolfe Ira S. Wolfe is the president of Success Performance Solutions, a red carpet TEDx speaker and author of the books The Perfect Labor Storm and Recruiting in the Age of Googlization:  When the Shift Hits Your Plan.
 
A long time expert and thought leader on Candidate Experience, he shares how applicants apply for jobs has changed today. If you don’t know this, you’re losing the war for talent.

 He also shares his 5 key ingredients to R.E.A.C.H candidates.

This is the third of 3 interviews with Ira on the subject of Candidate Experience.

 

]]> Ira S. Wolfe is the president of Success Performance Solutions, a red carpet TEDx speaker and author of the books The Perfect Labor Storm and Recruiting in the Age of Googlization:  When the Shift Hits Your Plan.
 
A long time expert and thought leader on Candidate Experience, he shares how applicants apply for jobs has changed today. If you don’t know this, you’re losing the war for talent.

 He also shares his 5 key ingredients to R.E.A.C.H candidates.

This is the third of 3 interviews with Ira on the subject of Candidate Experience.

 

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-10312252 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0400 686 full false A Candidate's #1 Complaint - Avoid It and Stand Out - Ira Wolfe A Candidate's #1 Complaint - Avoid It and Stand Out - Ira Wolfe In our second interview with Ira S Wolfe, we asked "What do candidates say makes a great job search experience?"  Learn their #1 complaint - a very common action by hiring companies - and what sales leaders can do to improve their hiring process.

Ira is the president of Success Performance Solutions, a red carpet TEDx speaker and author of the books The Perfect  Labor Storm and Recruiting in the Age of Googlization:  When the Shift Hits Your Plan.

A long time expert on Candidate Experience, he shares why it has never been more important than in today's marketplace where candidates have lots of choices.

This is the second of 3 interviews with Ira on the subject of Candidate Experience.

]]> In our second interview with Ira S Wolfe, we asked "What do candidates say makes a great job search experience?"  Learn their #1 complaint - a very common action by hiring companies - and what sales leaders can do to improve their hiring process.

Ira is the president of Success Performance Solutions, a red carpet TEDx speaker and author of the books The Perfect  Labor Storm and Recruiting in the Age of Googlization:  When the Shift Hits Your Plan.

A long time expert on Candidate Experience, he shares why it has never been more important than in today's marketplace where candidates have lots of choices.

This is the second of 3 interviews with Ira on the subject of Candidate Experience.

]]> Buzzsprout-10176756 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0500 705 full true Candidate Experience - What It Is and Why It Needs to Be Important to You - Ira Wolfe Candidate Experience - What It Is and Why It Needs to Be Important to You - Ira Wolfe In our first interview with Ira S Wolfe, learn why candidate experience is an important part of your hiring strategy in today's market.  What's the first impression candidates have of your company, starting with the first time someone is thinking about a job with you.

Ira is the president of Success Performance Solutions, a red carpet TEDx speaker and author of the books The Perfect  Labor Storm and Recruiting in the Age of Googlization:  When the Shift Hits Your Plan.

A long time expert on Candidate Experience, he shares why it has never been more important than in today's marketplace where candidates have lots of choices.

This is the first of 3 interviews with Ira on the subject of Candidate Experience.

]]> In our first interview with Ira S Wolfe, learn why candidate experience is an important part of your hiring strategy in today's market.  What's the first impression candidates have of your company, starting with the first time someone is thinking about a job with you.

Ira is the president of Success Performance Solutions, a red carpet TEDx speaker and author of the books The Perfect  Labor Storm and Recruiting in the Age of Googlization:  When the Shift Hits Your Plan.

A long time expert on Candidate Experience, he shares why it has never been more important than in today's marketplace where candidates have lots of choices.

This is the first of 3 interviews with Ira on the subject of Candidate Experience.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9995444 Tue, 01 Feb 2022 20:00:00 -0500 598 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, candidateexperience, firstimpressions full false 2021 Holiday Edition: Creating Clarity When Hiring 2021 Holiday Edition: Creating Clarity When Hiring Though we wish it wasn’t so, most hiring sales leaders still need to factor COVID into their interview process this next year.  We have made Creating Clarity When Hiring our theme for today’s 2021 holiday podcast. 

Creating clarity is especially important regarding your policies and plans in these areas:

  • Vaccinations
  • Remote Work
  • Travel Expectations
  • Training & Development 

... and one you may not have thought of!

Happy Holidays!

]]> Though we wish it wasn’t so, most hiring sales leaders still need to factor COVID into their interview process this next year.  We have made Creating Clarity When Hiring our theme for today’s 2021 holiday podcast. 

Creating clarity is especially important regarding your policies and plans in these areas:

  • Vaccinations
  • Remote Work
  • Travel Expectations
  • Training & Development 

... and one you may not have thought of!

Happy Holidays!

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9689451 Wed, 08 Dec 2021 23:00:00 -0500 483 hiring, covid, vaccines, interview, sales, salespeople, shst full false BEWARE! You May Have Sourcing Tunnel Vision and Biases - Shelley Billinghurst BEWARE! You May Have Sourcing Tunnel Vision and Biases - Shelley Billinghurst In this session with Shelley Billinghurst, learn why a recruiter should be part of your sourcing strategy.  Also, be prepared to discover that you may have tunnel vision and/or biases about candidates who:

  • are currently unemployed
  • have had multiple jobs in the past 5 years
  • lack same product or industry experience

Shelley Billinghurst is the President of Hire Value, Inc. and co-Host of the podcast, The Recruitment Flex with Serge and Shelley.  This is the fourth of four interviews  with Shelley on the subject of recruiting.
 

]]> In this session with Shelley Billinghurst, learn why a recruiter should be part of your sourcing strategy.  Also, be prepared to discover that you may have tunnel vision and/or biases about candidates who:

  • are currently unemployed
  • have had multiple jobs in the past 5 years
  • lack same product or industry experience

Shelley Billinghurst is the President of Hire Value, Inc. and co-Host of the podcast, The Recruitment Flex with Serge and Shelley.  This is the fourth of four interviews  with Shelley on the subject of recruiting.
 

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9575630 Thu, 18 Nov 2021 22:00:00 -0500 1071 hiring, interview, recruiting, sales, salespeople, shst, sales leaders, candidates 4 full false Your Candidate Sourcing Might Be SO 2011! - Shelley Billinghurst Your Candidate Sourcing Might Be SO 2011! - Shelley Billinghurst You have a sales opening and even with a great sales ad, how do you source good candidates? Part 3 of our interview with Shelley Billinghurst focuses on how to source good sales candidates, mistakes hiring managers make, and actions you need to take when recruiting.

In our podcast today, she discusses:

  • Why you need an "always be recruiting" mentality.
  • How do candidates know you're hiring? A "Careers" page on your website isn't enough.
  • Some recruiting actions that are SO 2011 ... and don't work today. 

Shelley Billinghurst is the President of Hire Value, Inc. and co-Host of the podcast, The Recruitment Flex with Serge and Shelley.  This is the third of four interviews  with Shelley on the subject of recruiting.

]]> You have a sales opening and even with a great sales ad, how do you source good candidates? Part 3 of our interview with Shelley Billinghurst focuses on how to source good sales candidates, mistakes hiring managers make, and actions you need to take when recruiting.

In our podcast today, she discusses:

  • Why you need an "always be recruiting" mentality.
  • How do candidates know you're hiring? A "Careers" page on your website isn't enough.
  • Some recruiting actions that are SO 2011 ... and don't work today. 

Shelley Billinghurst is the President of Hire Value, Inc. and co-Host of the podcast, The Recruitment Flex with Serge and Shelley.  This is the third of four interviews  with Shelley on the subject of recruiting.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9529050 Wed, 10 Nov 2021 22:00:00 -0500 631 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, recruiting, candidate, candidate sourcing 3 full false Why Posting a Job Description is a BIG Mistake - and What to Do Instead - Shelley Billinghurst Why Posting a Job Description is a BIG Mistake - and What to Do Instead - Shelley Billinghurst The purpose and function of a job description is to legally protect you when you need to terminate an employee for non-performance. It's not designed to attract great sales talent to your job opening.

You need a way of saying "Come work here!" which requires you to be ultra clear on who you want to hire.

Shelley Billinghurst is the President of Hire Value, Inc. and co-Host of the podcast, The Recruitment Flex with Serge and Shelley.  This is the second of four interviews  with Shelley on the subject of recruiting.

]]> The purpose and function of a job description is to legally protect you when you need to terminate an employee for non-performance. It's not designed to attract great sales talent to your job opening.

You need a way of saying "Come work here!" which requires you to be ultra clear on who you want to hire.

Shelley Billinghurst is the President of Hire Value, Inc. and co-Host of the podcast, The Recruitment Flex with Serge and Shelley.  This is the second of four interviews  with Shelley on the subject of recruiting.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9461414 Sat, 30 Oct 2021 17:00:00 -0400 717 hiring, sourcingcandidates, candidates, sales, salespeople, shst, sales leaders 2 full false The Incoming Wave of Today's Labor Market & Hiring - Shelley Billinghurst The Incoming Wave of Today's Labor Market & Hiring - Shelley Billinghurst Shelley Billinghurst joined us today with a warning that in today's Labor Market, we’re standing on the shore right now ... and we are going to see a wave of people changing jobs at a rate that we have never seen before.

 She particularly discusses the 5 things your sales recruits are looking for in your company during your hiring process.

Shelley Billinghurst is the President of Hire Value, Inc. and co-Host of the podcast, The Recruitment Flex with Serge and Shelley.  This is the first of four interviews  with Shelley on the subject of recruiting.

]]> Shelley Billinghurst joined us today with a warning that in today's Labor Market, we’re standing on the shore right now ... and we are going to see a wave of people changing jobs at a rate that we have never seen before.

 She particularly discusses the 5 things your sales recruits are looking for in your company during your hiring process.

Shelley Billinghurst is the President of Hire Value, Inc. and co-Host of the podcast, The Recruitment Flex with Serge and Shelley.  This is the first of four interviews  with Shelley on the subject of recruiting.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9377587 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 21:00:00 -0400 627 hiring, interview, sales, salespeople, shst, sales leaders, recruiting, labor market 1 full false How The Beatles Helped Convince a Top Prospect - William Tincup How The Beatles Helped Convince a Top Prospect - William Tincup How did the Beatles White album contribute to the most inventive job offer William Tincup has ever seen?  Listen for the answer in this podcast as he discusses stand out job offers.

This is the 4th and final in a series of interviews with William Tincup, President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily.com.

]]> How did the Beatles White album contribute to the most inventive job offer William Tincup has ever seen?  Listen for the answer in this podcast as he discusses stand out job offers.

This is the 4th and final in a series of interviews with William Tincup, President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily.com.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9309419 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0400 661 hiring, interview, job offer, sales, salespeople, shst, sales leaders 4 full false The Biggest Mistakes Sales Leaders Make in a Job Offer - William Tincup The Biggest Mistakes Sales Leaders Make in a Job Offer - William Tincup This podcasts highlights the biggest mistakes you can make when extending a job offer to a top sales candidate. 

William Tincup believes you have to make sure your candidate has no reason to say no. The offer letter should be personal, reflective and refer to things you've already talked about.  Listen to learn more on how to do this.

This is Part 3 of a series of interviews with William Tincup, President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily.com.

]]> This podcasts highlights the biggest mistakes you can make when extending a job offer to a top sales candidate. 

William Tincup believes you have to make sure your candidate has no reason to say no. The offer letter should be personal, reflective and refer to things you've already talked about.  Listen to learn more on how to do this.

This is Part 3 of a series of interviews with William Tincup, President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily.com.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9268252 Mon, 27 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400 385 hiring, interview, job offer, sales, salespeople, shst, sales leaders 3 full false How to Stand Out When a Top Sales Candidate Has Multiple Job Offers - William Tincup How to Stand Out When a Top Sales Candidate Has Multiple Job Offers - William Tincup This podcasts offers ideas on how to "Talk Straight" to a top Sales Rep Candidate you want to hire.

William Tincup shares how selling to prospects, and selling your position to candidates, are very similar. Transfer and use your skills, mindset and actions as a sales manager for selling clients and prospects, to when you are hiring and want to win the talent war.

This is Part 2 of a series of interviews with William Tincup, President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily.com.

]]> This podcasts offers ideas on how to "Talk Straight" to a top Sales Rep Candidate you want to hire.

William Tincup shares how selling to prospects, and selling your position to candidates, are very similar. Transfer and use your skills, mindset and actions as a sales manager for selling clients and prospects, to when you are hiring and want to win the talent war.

This is Part 2 of a series of interviews with William Tincup, President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily.com.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9227981 Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0400 549 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, job offer 2 full false Are You Fumbling at the Goal Line with Your Job Offer? Are You Fumbling at the Goal Line with Your Job Offer? You spend hours interviewing candidates. After spending much time and money recruiting and hiring, many sales leaders fumble the ball at the one yard line.

William Tincup talks about 4 key actions for getting the best and brightest sales reps on your sales team:

  1. Your Job Offer
  2. Onboarding
  3. Collaborating with HR
  4. Treating hiring as you would a Sales Call

This is Part 1 of a series of interviews with William Tincup, President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily.com.

]]> You spend hours interviewing candidates. After spending much time and money recruiting and hiring, many sales leaders fumble the ball at the one yard line.

William Tincup talks about 4 key actions for getting the best and brightest sales reps on your sales team:

  1. Your Job Offer
  2. Onboarding
  3. Collaborating with HR
  4. Treating hiring as you would a Sales Call

This is Part 1 of a series of interviews with William Tincup, President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily.com.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9175254 Sun, 12 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400 594 hiring, interview, job offer, sales, salespeople, shst, sales leaders 1 full false Still Hiring Virtually? Ideas to Make Your Virtual Hiring Stronger Still Hiring Virtually? Ideas to Make Your Virtual Hiring Stronger Virtual and remote work is not going away.  The need to hire candidates still exists and virtual hiring is growing.  As requested, we've combined our most downloaded podcasts, our Virtual Hiring series, into a single podcast for easier listening.

You hiring process needs to be stronger than ever, especially when you are not meeting these candidates in person.  In this series, we focus on the First and Second Interviews with 6 tips for conducting these important conversations virtually.

We also share 6 questions you may find valuable when Reference Checking.  You rely even more now on people who know and have met your candidate.

]]> Virtual and remote work is not going away.  The need to hire candidates still exists and virtual hiring is growing.  As requested, we've combined our most downloaded podcasts, our Virtual Hiring series, into a single podcast for easier listening.

You hiring process needs to be stronger than ever, especially when you are not meeting these candidates in person.  In this series, we focus on the First and Second Interviews with 6 tips for conducting these important conversations virtually.

We also share 6 questions you may find valuable when Reference Checking.  You rely even more now on people who know and have met your candidate.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-9044170 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0400 1291 full false Insights from Jeb Blount: The Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide Insights from Jeb Blount: The Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide This is our full interview with Jeb Blount, an in-demand keynote speaker, sales influencer and author. He has a great e-book on his website SalesGravy.com called the Sales Manager’s Ultimate Interview Guide. It’s a 25 page guide on how to conduct more effective sales interviews.

This interview was broken into 5 shorter podcasts for easier listening. However, due to listener requests, we have combined them into a single 40 minute podcast.

]]> This is our full interview with Jeb Blount, an in-demand keynote speaker, sales influencer and author. He has a great e-book on his website SalesGravy.com called the Sales Manager’s Ultimate Interview Guide. It’s a 25 page guide on how to conduct more effective sales interviews.

This interview was broken into 5 shorter podcasts for easier listening. However, due to listener requests, we have combined them into a single 40 minute podcast.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-8965139 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 22:00:00 -0400 2642 hiring, interview, salesleaders, shst, jeb blount full false Background & Reference Checks: If You Could Have Know ... You SHOULD Have Known! Background & Reference Checks: If You Could Have Know ... You SHOULD Have Known! NOTE: Listeners have requested we combine our earlier 2 part interview with John into a single podcast for easier listening. Thanks for the suggestion - and here it is.

As hiring managers we are often guilty of skipping or doing a hurried job of background checks, and a subgroup of this, reference  checks.  After they start working with us,  we find ourselves discovering things and say, “I wish someone had told me that before I hired this salesperson.”  

Join us and our guest John Beaudette,  a Private Investigator and Vice President of Operations & Compliance at Employment Screening Services. He's been doing this for over 30 years and his company really has it down to a science.

We talk about the reasons for background checks and why it’s so important to make sure we conduct them for each candidate, maybe even relying on experts who do this far better than we can do it ourselves.

Reference checks today are very different than they were in the past.  This podcast shares important information you need to know about Reference checking:

  • False references and what to look out for
  • The challenges of candidate self-documentation
  • Salary history ban laws
  • Continuous Criminal Monitoring

Why listen to this podcast? Because if you could have known ... you should have known!

]]> NOTE: Listeners have requested we combine our earlier 2 part interview with John into a single podcast for easier listening. Thanks for the suggestion - and here it is.

As hiring managers we are often guilty of skipping or doing a hurried job of background checks, and a subgroup of this, reference  checks.  After they start working with us,  we find ourselves discovering things and say, “I wish someone had told me that before I hired this salesperson.”  

Join us and our guest John Beaudette,  a Private Investigator and Vice President of Operations & Compliance at Employment Screening Services. He's been doing this for over 30 years and his company really has it down to a science.

We talk about the reasons for background checks and why it’s so important to make sure we conduct them for each candidate, maybe even relying on experts who do this far better than we can do it ourselves.

Reference checks today are very different than they were in the past.  This podcast shares important information you need to know about Reference checking:

  • False references and what to look out for
  • The challenges of candidate self-documentation
  • Salary history ban laws
  • Continuous Criminal Monitoring

Why listen to this podcast? Because if you could have known ... you should have known!

]]> https://www.saleshiringstraightalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-8882543 Sun, 18 Jul 2021 15:00:00 -0400 1061 hiring, interview, background checks, reference checks, sales, salespeople, shst 5 2 full false How Sales Interviews are Similar to Sales Calls - Jeb Blount Interview #5 How Sales Interviews are Similar to Sales Calls - Jeb Blount Interview #5 What the Best Sales Hiring Leaders Do in Interviews

This is our 5th and final podcast with Jeb Blount, an in-demand keynote speaker, sales influencer and author. He has a great e-book on his website SalesGravy.com called the Sales Manager’s Ultimate Interview Guide. It’s a 25 page guide on how to conduct more effective sales interviews.

In this podcast, he discusses how sales hiring interviews and sales calls are very similar. The 3-part process you use to create good questions in a sales call is the same process Sales Leaders should use when preparing interview questions for a candidate.

To download his eBook, Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide, go to https://www.salesgravy.com or use this link https://salesgravy.com/ultimate-sales-interview-guide/

]]> What the Best Sales Hiring Leaders Do in Interviews

This is our 5th and final podcast with Jeb Blount, an in-demand keynote speaker, sales influencer and author. He has a great e-book on his website SalesGravy.com called the Sales Manager’s Ultimate Interview Guide. It’s a 25 page guide on how to conduct more effective sales interviews.

In this podcast, he discusses how sales hiring interviews and sales calls are very similar. The 3-part process you use to create good questions in a sales call is the same process Sales Leaders should use when preparing interview questions for a candidate.

To download his eBook, Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide, go to https://www.salesgravy.com or use this link https://salesgravy.com/ultimate-sales-interview-guide/

]]> https://www.saleshiringstraightalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-8767724 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0400 609 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, jeb blount 5 full true The Importance of Job Fit When Hiring - Jeb Blount Interview #4 The Importance of Job Fit When Hiring - Jeb Blount Interview #4 Guest Jeb Blount is a former VP of Sales at a Fortune 200 company, Founder of Sales Gravy, the author of 13 books, and an in-demand speaker and trainer. We are excited to share his thoughts and ideas as he talks with us about hiring sales people.

In this fourth of a 5-part series, we asked Jeb about the subject of Job Fit when hiring successful salespeople.  He believes that “fit matters more than anything.”

In this podcast, he offers great examples of good and poor fit and why it determines whether a hire is good or poor.

To download his eBook, Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide, go to https://www.salesgravy.com or use this link https://salesgravy.com/ultimate-sales-interview-guide/

]]> Guest Jeb Blount is a former VP of Sales at a Fortune 200 company, Founder of Sales Gravy, the author of 13 books, and an in-demand speaker and trainer. We are excited to share his thoughts and ideas as he talks with us about hiring sales people.

In this fourth of a 5-part series, we asked Jeb about the subject of Job Fit when hiring successful salespeople.  He believes that “fit matters more than anything.”

In this podcast, he offers great examples of good and poor fit and why it determines whether a hire is good or poor.

To download his eBook, Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide, go to https://www.salesgravy.com or use this link https://salesgravy.com/ultimate-sales-interview-guide/

]]> https://www.saleshiringstraightalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-8760279 Fri, 25 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0400 430 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, job fit, jeb blount 4 full false Emotional Intelligence is Critical in Successful Salespeople - Jeb Blount Interview #3 Emotional Intelligence is Critical in Successful Salespeople - Jeb Blount Interview #3 Guest Jeb Blount is a former VP of Sales at a Fortune 200 company, Founder of Sales Gravy, the author of 13 books, and an in-demand speaker and trainer. We are excited to share his thoughts and ideas as he talks with us about hiring sales people.

In this third of a 5-part series, we asked Jeb about the subject of Emotional Intelligence when hiring successful salespeople.

To download his eBook, Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide, go to https://www.salesgravy.com or use this link: https://salesgravy.com/ultimate-sales-interview-guide/

]]> Guest Jeb Blount is a former VP of Sales at a Fortune 200 company, Founder of Sales Gravy, the author of 13 books, and an in-demand speaker and trainer. We are excited to share his thoughts and ideas as he talks with us about hiring sales people.

In this third of a 5-part series, we asked Jeb about the subject of Emotional Intelligence when hiring successful salespeople.

To download his eBook, Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide, go to https://www.salesgravy.com or use this link: https://salesgravy.com/ultimate-sales-interview-guide/

]]> https://www.saleshiringstraightalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-8686725 Sun, 13 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0400 767 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, emotional intelligence 3 full false Do You Talk Too Much When You Interview? Jeb Blount Interview #2 Do You Talk Too Much When You Interview? Jeb Blount Interview #2 Guest Jeb Blount is a former VP of Sales at a Fortune 200 company, Founder of Sales Gravy, the author of 13 books, and an in-demand speaker and trainer. We are excited to share his thoughts and ideas as he talks with us about hiring sales people.

In this second of a 5-part series, Jeb offers advice on why sales leaders talk too much in  interview and what happens when you do.

To download his eBook, Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide, go to https://www.salesgravy.com or use this link: https://salesgravy.com/ultimate-sales-interview-guide/

]]> Guest Jeb Blount is a former VP of Sales at a Fortune 200 company, Founder of Sales Gravy, the author of 13 books, and an in-demand speaker and trainer. We are excited to share his thoughts and ideas as he talks with us about hiring sales people.

In this second of a 5-part series, Jeb offers advice on why sales leaders talk too much in  interview and what happens when you do.

To download his eBook, Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide, go to https://www.salesgravy.com or use this link: https://salesgravy.com/ultimate-sales-interview-guide/

]]> https://www.saleshiringstraightalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-8577603 Mon, 24 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400 666 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, bad hires 2 full false Why Sales Leaders Make Poor Hiring Decisions - Jeb Blount Interview #1 Why Sales Leaders Make Poor Hiring Decisions - Jeb Blount Interview #1 Guest Jeb Blount is a former VP of Sales at a Fortune 200 company, Founder of Sales Gravy, the author of 13 books, and an in-demand speaker and trainer. We are excited to share his thoughts and ideas as he talks with us about hiring sales people.

In this first of a 5-part series, Jeb focuses on why sales leaders sometimes make poor hiring decisions.

To download his eBook, Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide, go to https://www.salesgravy.com or use this link: https://salesgravy.com/ultimate-sales-interview-guide/

]]> Guest Jeb Blount is a former VP of Sales at a Fortune 200 company, Founder of Sales Gravy, the author of 13 books, and an in-demand speaker and trainer. We are excited to share his thoughts and ideas as he talks with us about hiring sales people.

In this first of a 5-part series, Jeb focuses on why sales leaders sometimes make poor hiring decisions.

To download his eBook, Sales Manager's Ultimate Interview Guide, go to https://www.salesgravy.com or use this link: https://salesgravy.com/ultimate-sales-interview-guide/

]]> https://www.saleshiringstraightalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-8526245 Sun, 16 May 2021 17:00:00 -0400 450 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, jeb blount, bad hires 1 full false EP 5.2 What You Need to Know About References - John Beaudette Interview #2 EP 5.2 What You Need to Know About References - John Beaudette Interview #2 Reference checks are very different today than they were in the past.  This podcast shares important information you need to know about Reference checking:

  • False references and what to look out for
  • The challenges of candidate self-documentation
  • Salary history ban laws
  • Continuous Criminal Monitoring

This is Part 2 of our interview with guest John Beaudette, a Private Investigator and Vice President of Operations & Compliance at Employment Screening Services. 

Why listen to this podcast? Because if you could have known ... you should have known!

]]> Reference checks are very different today than they were in the past.  This podcast shares important information you need to know about Reference checking:

  • False references and what to look out for
  • The challenges of candidate self-documentation
  • Salary history ban laws
  • Continuous Criminal Monitoring

This is Part 2 of our interview with guest John Beaudette, a Private Investigator and Vice President of Operations & Compliance at Employment Screening Services. 

Why listen to this podcast? Because if you could have known ... you should have known!

]]> https://www.saleshiringstraightalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-8425472 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 21:00:00 -0400 501 hiring, interview, reference checks, sales, salespeople, shst, sales leaders 5 2 full false EP 5.2 Background Checks & References - Don't Skip These! John Beaudette #1 EP 5.2 Background Checks & References - Don't Skip These! John Beaudette #1 As hiring managers we are often guilty of skipping or doing a hurried job of reference and background checks.  After they start working with us,  we find ourselves discovering things and say, “I wish someone had told me that before I hired this salesperson.”  

When you do a thorough check of candidates, you have a better chance of learning things before you hire, rather than after you’ve spent time and money bringing them into your organization.  

Join us and our guest John Beaudette,  a Private Investigator and Vice President of Operations & Compliance at Employment Screening Services. We talk about the reasons for background checks and why it’s so important to make sure we conduct them for each candidate, maybe even relying on experts who do this far better than we can do it ourselves.

]]> As hiring managers we are often guilty of skipping or doing a hurried job of reference and background checks.  After they start working with us,  we find ourselves discovering things and say, “I wish someone had told me that before I hired this salesperson.”  

When you do a thorough check of candidates, you have a better chance of learning things before you hire, rather than after you’ve spent time and money bringing them into your organization.  

Join us and our guest John Beaudette,  a Private Investigator and Vice President of Operations & Compliance at Employment Screening Services. We talk about the reasons for background checks and why it’s so important to make sure we conduct them for each candidate, maybe even relying on experts who do this far better than we can do it ourselves.

]]> https://www.saleshiringstraightalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-8254464 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400 665 hiring, interview, background checks, reference checks, sales, salespeople, shst 5 2 full false EP 4.2 Second Interview - Inviting Others to Interview Your Candidate EP 4.2 Second Interview - Inviting Others to Interview Your Candidate Make your Second Interview even stronger by inviting others in the company to interview your candidate. In this podcast, we share how to avoid 4 common missteps of a Second Interview:

  • Inviting too few or too many others to participate in the Second Interview;
  • Asking others to interview the candidate with no direction or information;
  • Failing to gather all those who met with the candidate to compare notes; and
  • Letting the candidate meet the wrong fellow salespeople.

It's never good to lose an A-player or hire a below-average performer - and it's even more important to hire better now.

]]> Make your Second Interview even stronger by inviting others in the company to interview your candidate. In this podcast, we share how to avoid 4 common missteps of a Second Interview:

  • Inviting too few or too many others to participate in the Second Interview;
  • Asking others to interview the candidate with no direction or information;
  • Failing to gather all those who met with the candidate to compare notes; and
  • Letting the candidate meet the wrong fellow salespeople.

It's never good to lose an A-player or hire a below-average performer - and it's even more important to hire better now.

]]> https://www.saleshiringstraightalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-8018141 Tue, 23 Feb 2021 21:00:00 -0500 597 hiring, interview, second interview, sales, salespeople, shst, sales leaders 4 2 full false EP New Year 2021 - 6 Hiring Actions to Start 2021 Strong EP New Year 2021 - 6 Hiring Actions to Start 2021 Strong On the anniversary of our first podcast, we continue to share ideas to help sales leaders increase their success rate in one of their key roles - hiring sales reps.

Sales reps may be looking to change jobs. Organize your hiring process by taking these 6 actions to make better hires in 2021.

]]> On the anniversary of our first podcast, we continue to share ideas to help sales leaders increase their success rate in one of their key roles - hiring sales reps.

Sales reps may be looking to change jobs. Organize your hiring process by taking these 6 actions to make better hires in 2021.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-7296538 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 14:00:00 -0500 471 full false EP 3.2 Best Ideas for a Strong First Interview EP 3.2 Best Ideas for a Strong First Interview In this podcast, we answer four questions that are often asked about a first interview:

  • Who should participate in this first interview?
  • Where should the interview take place?
  • When and in what detail do I talk about compensation?
  • How do I conduct a strong post-interview evaluation?

Take away ideas to make your first in-person interview a positive experience for both you and your candidate.

]]> In this podcast, we answer four questions that are often asked about a first interview:

  • Who should participate in this first interview?
  • Where should the interview take place?
  • When and in what detail do I talk about compensation?
  • How do I conduct a strong post-interview evaluation?

Take away ideas to make your first in-person interview a positive experience for both you and your candidate.

]]> https://www.saleshiringstraightalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-6410809 Thu, 19 Nov 2020 13:00:00 -0500 613 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, first interview 3 2 full false EP 2.2 Using Assessments in Hiring EP 2.2 Using Assessments in Hiring Assessments help you make more informed hiring decisions. Be more objective in your hiring process by adding assessments to challenge a natural personal bias to candidates, conduct more effective interviews and ultimately make the best hire possible.

]]> Assessments help you make more informed hiring decisions. Be more objective in your hiring process by adding assessments to challenge a natural personal bias to candidates, conduct more effective interviews and ultimately make the best hire possible.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-6115996 Thu, 15 Oct 2020 21:00:00 -0400 523 2 2 full false EP 1.2 Set Up and Prepare Your Phone Interview EP 1.2 Set Up and Prepare Your Phone Interview The phone interview is a sales leader’s opportunity to get a first impression of the candidate without meeting them in person.  And to ask the all-important question:  Can this person potentially succeed in the position I am hiring for? In this podcast, we're sharing ideas on the best way to set yourself up for a great Phone Interview. 

]]> The phone interview is a sales leader’s opportunity to get a first impression of the candidate without meeting them in person.  And to ask the all-important question:  Can this person potentially succeed in the position I am hiring for? In this podcast, we're sharing ideas on the best way to set yourself up for a great Phone Interview. 

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-4856963 Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:00:00 -0400 511 1 2 full false EP 4 Remote Worker: Hiring Virtually - Reference Checks EP 4 Remote Worker: Hiring Virtually - Reference Checks The key reason for checking references hasn’t changed – to learn more about your candidate from people who know them better.  But today you need to add reference questions you might not have asked in the past -- questions that give you a good indication of your new hires’ ability to function on their own as a remote worker.
This podcast offers 6 questions in 6 minutes that you should be asking of candidate references.  

]]> The key reason for checking references hasn’t changed – to learn more about your candidate from people who know them better.  But today you need to add reference questions you might not have asked in the past -- questions that give you a good indication of your new hires’ ability to function on their own as a remote worker.
This podcast offers 6 questions in 6 minutes that you should be asking of candidate references.  

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-4105610 Tue, 04 Aug 2020 14:00:00 -0400 370 hiring, interview, reference checks, sales, salespeople, shst, virtual, remote workers 4 2 full false EP 3 Remote Worker: Hiring Virtually - The Second Interview EP 3 Remote Worker: Hiring Virtually - The Second Interview Your position is open - and your office is closed. Now is not the time to change your 6 step hiring process ... and definitely not the time to skip the Second Interview. You'll never regret the time and cost of a second interview as much as you might regret hiring the wrong person.

]]> Your position is open - and your office is closed. Now is not the time to change your 6 step hiring process ... and definitely not the time to skip the Second Interview. You'll never regret the time and cost of a second interview as much as you might regret hiring the wrong person.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-3735278 Fri, 12 Jun 2020 22:00:00 -0400 386 hiring, interview, second interview, sales, salespeople, shst, virtual, remote workers 3 2 full false EP 2 Remote Worker: Hiring Virtually - The First Interview EP 2 Remote Worker: Hiring Virtually - The First Interview The First Interview has usually been your chance to meet candidates face-to-face ... but not when hiring virtually. Take 6 minutes to hear 6 tips to better plan and manage your virtual First Interview so your sales hiring interviews ROCK!

]]> The First Interview has usually been your chance to meet candidates face-to-face ... but not when hiring virtually. Take 6 minutes to hear 6 tips to better plan and manage your virtual First Interview so your sales hiring interviews ROCK!

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-3639370 Tue, 05 May 2020 22:00:00 -0400 386 hiring, interview, first interview, sales, salespeople, shst, virtual, remote workers0 2 2 full false EP 1 Remote Worker: Hiring Virtually Overview EP 1 Remote Worker: Hiring Virtually Overview Today's environment may still require you to hire virtually. Take 6 minutes to learn 6 steps for virtual hiring - because you may not get to meet your candidates in person. 

]]> Today's environment may still require you to hire virtually. Take 6 minutes to learn 6 steps for virtual hiring - because you may not get to meet your candidates in person. 

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-3344257 Mon, 13 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0400 362 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, virtual, remote workers 1 2 full false EP 6.1 The Job Offer EP 6.1 The Job Offer Finish strong! Create a job offer that makes a great impression on candidates and makes them want to say YES to you.

These podcasts offer suggestions on writing a great job offer that will: reinforce why they should work for you, create excitement about their decision, set expectations for both parties, and lay the groundwork for the first days ahead.

]]> Finish strong! Create a job offer that makes a great impression on candidates and makes them want to say YES to you.

These podcasts offer suggestions on writing a great job offer that will: reinforce why they should work for you, create excitement about their decision, set expectations for both parties, and lay the groundwork for the first days ahead.

]]> http://www.saleshiringstraighttalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-2927125 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 13:00:00 -0500 449 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst, job offer 6 1 full false EP 5.1 Reference Check EP 5.1 Reference Check Do you feel checking references is a waste of time because you think people are legally reluctant to talk to you? References are still a powerful, yet underused information source in hiring. Ask for references – and call them!

These podcasts help you know who, how and what to ask the references to get a different perspective on the candidate before you make that job offer.

]]> Do you feel checking references is a waste of time because you think people are legally reluctant to talk to you? References are still a powerful, yet underused information source in hiring. Ask for references – and call them!

These podcasts help you know who, how and what to ask the references to get a different perspective on the candidate before you make that job offer.

]]> http://www.saleshiringstraighttalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-2926732 Mon, 17 Feb 2020 13:00:00 -0500 483 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, references, shst 5 1 full false EP 4.1 The Second Interview EP 4.1 The Second Interview Do you think a second interview isn’t necessary? Yes, it is! Even if you think you’ve found your top candidate, you need to take a second look. You have too much at stake to make your decision on one meeting only.

These podcasts offer ideas on organizing and preparing for this critical second look at top candidates.  Address any doubts and ask questions that came to mind after the first interview. Make sure they’re the same person you met and liked the first time.

]]> Do you think a second interview isn’t necessary? Yes, it is! Even if you think you’ve found your top candidate, you need to take a second look. You have too much at stake to make your decision on one meeting only.

These podcasts offer ideas on organizing and preparing for this critical second look at top candidates.  Address any doubts and ask questions that came to mind after the first interview. Make sure they’re the same person you met and liked the first time.

]]> http://www.saleshiringstraighttalk.com Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-2927149 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 13:00:00 -0500 491 hiring, interview, second interview, sales, salespeople, shst, sales leaders 4 1 full false EP 3.1 The First Interview EP 3.1 The First Interview If you are wondering “How do I prepare for the first interview?” “What are good questions to ask?”or “Should others in the company be involved?” – start here. The first interview uses all the information you have so far – resume, phone interview and assessments – to have meaningful conversations with candidates. 

These podcasts help you plan your first interviews better and take your interviewing skills to a higher level.  Learn to use 3 key tools in interviews - your hiring experience, an interview strategy and better questions – to hire and retain key sales talent.

]]> If you are wondering “How do I prepare for the first interview?” “What are good questions to ask?”or “Should others in the company be involved?” – start here. The first interview uses all the information you have so far – resume, phone interview and assessments – to have meaningful conversations with candidates. 

These podcasts help you plan your first interviews better and take your interviewing skills to a higher level.  Learn to use 3 key tools in interviews - your hiring experience, an interview strategy and better questions – to hire and retain key sales talent.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-2927140 Mon, 20 Jan 2020 13:00:00 -0500 596 hiring, interview, first interview, sales, salespeople, shst, sales leaders 3 1 full false EP 2.1 Why Use Assessments in Hiring? EP 2.1 Why Use Assessments in Hiring? Have you ever hired a salesperson you liked but it turned out they couldn’t sell?  Wouldn’t it be helpful to have an objective look at candidates before you interview them instead of learning by trial and error during their first six months with your company?  Tap into the power of pre-employment assessments.  

These podcasts offer examples and uses of pre-employment assessments to understand the candidate’s sales capabilities early. Assessments offer suggested interview questions specific to your candidate and reduce the surprises you may get after you hire them.

]]> Have you ever hired a salesperson you liked but it turned out they couldn’t sell?  Wouldn’t it be helpful to have an objective look at candidates before you interview them instead of learning by trial and error during their first six months with your company?  Tap into the power of pre-employment assessments.  

These podcasts offer examples and uses of pre-employment assessments to understand the candidate’s sales capabilities early. Assessments offer suggested interview questions specific to your candidate and reduce the surprises you may get after you hire them.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-2425973 Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:00:00 -0500 501 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, assessments 2 1 full false EP 1.1 What is a Phone Interview? EP 1.1 What is a Phone Interview? Looking to save both you and the candidate time during the hiring process? This is the place to start. Use a phone interview to quickly decide if the candidate is a good fit. If not, skip the longer in-person interview. 

These podcasts build your skills on how to have short, structured but informative phone conversations with potential candidates to determine if you want to move forward with them.

]]> Looking to save both you and the candidate time during the hiring process? This is the place to start. Use a phone interview to quickly decide if the candidate is a good fit. If not, skip the longer in-person interview. 

These podcasts build your skills on how to have short, structured but informative phone conversations with potential candidates to determine if you want to move forward with them.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-2425406 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 12:00:00 -0500 659 interview, sales, hiring, sales leaders, shst 1 1 full false WEBSITE: Meet Jennifer and Suzanne WEBSITE: Meet Jennifer and Suzanne A short introduction to Jennifer Leake and Suzanne Paling, the founders and co-hosts of Sales Hiring Straight Talk.

]]> A short introduction to Jennifer Leake and Suzanne Paling, the founders and co-hosts of Sales Hiring Straight Talk.

]]> Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-3109144 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0500 198 sales, hiring, sale leaders full false WEBSITE: What is SHST WEBSITE: What is SHST Jennifer Leake & Suzanne Paling Buzzsprout-3109117 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:00:00 -0500 324 hiring, salesleaders, sales full false