ventox35 profile picture
ventox35 profile picture

ventox35

Sales Leader

Politicker
Catalyst
Valued Contributor
+7

MUST have industry experience!

So tired of getting this response from hiring managers/recruiters.


When I hire, i prefer outside experience. They come in unbiased with a new perspective.


usually, its for one of the following reasons:

-too lazy to train

-need a day 1 contributor

-have another candidate in mind who checks the right box


What are some of your go-to responses to this bullcrap excuse from hiring managers?

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18 comments

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Pachacuti
Politicker
5
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Keenan has a great quote on this - "Experience doesn't matter, Expertise matters"

Great interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdb031AF9j4

You need to sell them on your expertise rather than experience.
TheDude
Politicker
2
Partnerships Lead
Thanks for sharing... going through this myself and was looking for this exact video!
FoodForSales
Politicker
1
AE
this is REALLY good!
Sunbunny31
Politicker
5
Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
Outside of asking why it's a requirement? Try asking questions in cases like these. If they can answer, then you have a chance to explain why your experience is relevant and exceeds expectations.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
๐ŸฆŠ
This is the most professional way to handle it.
starson
Good Citizen
4
Senior Sales Manager
Great prep might help. If you can research the industry before and then align your knowledge with those specific requirements.
Should be at least a good possibility
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
4
Sales Rep
I always assume they prefer a candidate over me when I get the response. And this is just a vanilla rejection reason
HVACexpert
Politicker
3
sales engineer
Is this for an entry level position? Then it shouldnโ€™t matter. If itโ€™s for something higher up the chain industry experience, although maybe not required, can help a lot!
Maximas
Tycoon
3
Senior Sales Executive
What I'm doing in this case if I were you, is to offer them back a low payout within the probation period at a condition of meeting xyz agreed targets with em , only after tasks are met, then ask for the highest fair payout you deserve.๐Ÿคž
Diablo
Politicker
3
Sr. AE
Do they really expect someone to contribute from day 1? If yes then itโ€™s a crap.

if someone doesnโ€™t hire me, I know they got someone who they feel is better - may be skill sets or low ask or anything else. I like to clarify about the diversity inclusion before my 1st interaction so there is no bull crap auto response like this
detectivegibbles
Politicker
3
Sales Director
Company I work for prefers outside experience for SDR/BDR and AE roles.

There's no expectation to contribute first 3-6 months. Just be a sponge.
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
2
โ˜•๏ธ
Wait. Which is the excuse? That they want external hires?
GDO
Politicker
2
BDM
I understand thet industry experience also comes with a network in that specific industry. However, you are right that your skills are more important compared to the experience in the market
RandyLahey
Politicker
2
Account Executive
I've always found that ridiculous. You limit the talent pool artificially.
ChickenDinner
Politicker
1
Account Executive
I've heard it a lot too and so done with it!
GingerBarbarian
Opinionated
1
Lead Sales
Hiring managers want someone to walk in with a book of business. The fact that taking these customers from a previous employer is a big ethical red flag for me.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
so i have changed my mind a bit on this.

i have always been of the "industry experience doesn't matter sales skills matter"

BUT

buyers want to work with ppl who know THEM. who have credibility, who they view as an equal.

(thats one reason why SDRs roles have become more challenging)

I think hiring with industry experience is huge when it comes to relating to your buyer.
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
MUST

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when companies require specific industry experience is it:
29% hiring managers who dont want to/dont know how to train
26% lazy recruiting
31% both
14% something else, ill comment
85 people voted
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