5 Questions that Reveal a Top Performer in Industrial Sales

Gaps in sales coverage sap capacity, inflate selling costs, and expose hard-earned customer relationships to competitors - all while stunting the very growth industrial leaders work so hard to achieve.

A recent analysis of field-sales earnings reveals that turnover can reach roughly 35% in outside sales roles -nearly triple the national average. When so many experienced reps are willing to walk, it becomes clear that compensation design is more than a finance exercise; it is a frontline defense against talent churn.

A modern resume isn’t about telling your life story; it’s a concise snapshot that highlights why you deserve a closer look.

Mid-career industrial sales pros must update their skills, but they have to be the right ones. A résumé stacked with results is no longer enough. This article outlines the new rules for industrial sales professionals, details the skills and credentials that matter and demonstrates how GRS Recruiting supports successful career transitions.

Industrial Trade Shows are a valuable asset. At GRS Recruiting, we make it a priority to be on the ground at the most influential shows where technical innovation meets real-world problem solving. Whether you’re a small manufacturer seeking new channel partners, a distributor scouting complementary product lines or a consultant looking to expand your network, these gatherings offer unmatched access to decision-makers, emerging technologies and education that simply can’t be r

A year-end playbook for industrial sales leaders: clarify hiring needs, build your Q1 talent pipeline early, align with operations and marketing, and identify key skill gaps to strengthen your team. Sales directors who plan now hit Q1 harder, attract better candidates, and avoid the January scramble. This guide helps you prepare your team and talent strategy for a strong start to the new year.

When economic uncertainty rises, many organizations pull back on hiring. But the most successful companies know that strong sales talent is the key to stability, growth, and competitive advantage — no matter the climate. Here’s why maintaining focus on business development is one of the smartest strategic moves a company can make.

Did you know that how you talk to chatbots can be as important as what you ask for? Here's a guide to share with your sales or HR team.

While it might seem counterintuitive, this time of year presents unique opportunities for both employers and prospective employees.

Transitioning from an inside to an outside sales role could be an exciting opportunity to grow your career in industrial sales.

GRS' Heather Goldberg has put together some practical ways you can make a lasting impression and set yourself apart from other candidates.

An in-depth list of interview tips for 2024: Research and Preparation, Pertinent Questions, Musts for In-Person and Video Interviews

3 things you can do to secure a new job in industrial sales quickly.

Our team picks for books that will motivate and inspire you in your sales career (and life).

In sales (and recruiting), we all have competition and your differentiator needs to be highlighted as soon as possible.

One of my favorite interview questions is “Tell me about the last time you learned something new or took on a new challenge.” You learn so much about a person when you hear about their willingness to get out of their comfort zone and tackle the unknown. There are very few jobs out there that don't require individuals to learn and grow with the role. Regardless of whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned professional, challenging yourself is essential for professional gr

I don't know a single company that actually enjoys paying a large recruitment fee. Most companies will try every other way they can to hire before engaging with a recruitment firm. That said, sometimes it is necessary to turn it over to recruiting experts in your field to get the best results. Figuring out the difference between a "good" recruitment firm and a "bad" one may not be that simple. Of course, there are general expectations for any respectful company: honesty, tran

In the midst of a hectic holiday season, would candidates have less availability for interviews in their schedule? While first impressions point to no, there are many reasons that availability increases during the last two weeks of the year. 1. Time off Many businesses close for a period of time due to business slowdowns and holidays. Additionally, many employees use vacation time to travel and spend time with family. Both create a space for candidates to schedule job in

You've got a great company. You've found the perfect candidate. But when it comes down to the offer, your candidate turns you down. What went wrong? Too often, we see hiring managers interview a top-notch candidate that they'd love to hire immediately only to learn that the candidate does not share their excitement. It is critical that an interview is approached as a sales process so that you can land the best candidates. Here are a few things to focus on during the intervi

You've advertised your job and posted on social media and you still can't find the right candidate. Now what? The most desirable salespeople are generally ones who are already successfully employed. You'll need to first figure out who those people are, and then reach out to them personally and let them know about the role. How to Identify Passive Talent Ask Your Team Who are their competitors? Who have they worked with in the past who understands your industry? Go to Trade Sh

Top tips from GRS 1. Content Counts Making sure that in addition to the basics of what is actually required to perform the role you include key selling points in the ad: Career progression opportunities Unique features of your products and your customer approach Highlight any strong support system or fast lead times Profile of the leaders that the successful candidate will work with; People work for People 2. Post Where Your Candidate Lives We find that the very best candida

Each week, GRS recognizes a team member for displaying tremendous commitment to our core values. This person is awarded the "Beast of the Week" designation and is then charged with providing the group with a motivational quote, story, or video to start the week ready to accomplish great things! Since our clients and candidates are all in the business of participating in high-performance teams, we’ve decided to share a synopsis of our 2022 contributions. We hope you’ll find so

What to Consider When Presented with a Counteroffer. So, you’re starting to feel unsatisfied in your current role and decide that you...

We are where we are. Before the pandemic, so many of us had physical spaces that allowed us to stay focused on the individual parts of...

The following blog was written by Solon High School Senior Vijay Subramanian, who completed his Senior Internship with GRS Recruiting and...

Innovation. We hear the term on a regular basis. Fortune 500 companies, universities, and small start-ups collectively agree that it is...

Remember the feeling in the air when your company was able to reach a new height? Or when the entry-level Sales Rep on your team was able...

In our last post, “The Value of Workplace Values,” we outlined just how crucial having a defined set of principles is, especially in a...

Imagine your company brings on a new recruit. The interview was promising, he has a notable work history and seems ambitious to build his...

In our previous posts, The Art of Conversation: Engaging Your Candidate and The Art of Conversation: Selling the Opportunity, we explored...

In our last post, The Art of Conversation: Engaging Your Candidate, we explored the importance of personalized interactions during the...

In today’s tech-driven world, conversing over digital mediums has undeniably become the norm. With the onslaught of social media apps and...

When it comes to the recruiting process, the pressure to find and hire top talent can seem like a daunting task. Not only is it stressful...

You put a lot of time and effort into making sure you’ve found the best of the best when it comes to technical salespeople. Locking in...

Top-tier sales performers aren’t just in it for the money. Salary is a significant consideration, of course, but salespeople at the top...

When it comes to top-tier sales candidates, they’ve far outgrown the traditional interview process. They don’t need to sit with a...

We tend to think of hiring as a one-way street. The company sources candidates for screening them and conduct interviews and background...

In the world of recruiting, we refer to the big game, top-tier sales performers as “passive” candidates. That means they’re not actively...

You’re on the hunt for those big game sales candidates — the top-tier performers who will knock it out of the park each time. As is the...

A team made up of people who aren’t team players won’t succeed. It’s true of any organization, across all fields and disciplines. Groups,...

We’ve already seen what to look for when considering your big game sales performers. There are different types — lions, elephants, and...

In the African savanna, the lion is king. When it comes to your big game sales performers, it’s inevitable that some will rise to the top...

When picturing a giraffe, one physical feature in particular comes to mind – their long necks. Giraffes use their necks to reach the...