What do research studies indicate as the best and worst predictors of future sales
performance? Have companies used these findings?
A meta-analysis indicates composite psychological tests are the best indicators and
personal interviews are the worst indicators. A survey of 121 industrial firms found just the
opposite. Companies are most likely to use personal interviews and least likely to use
psychological tests.
What six dimensions and requirements should a good job description include?
A good job description should include the nature of the products or services to be sold, the
types of customers to be called on, the specific tasks and responsibilities to be carried out,
the relationship between the job occupant and other positions within the organization, the
mental and physical demands. and the environmental pressures and constraints that might
influence performance of the job.
Research by the Klein Institute for Aptitude Testing has identified characteristics of people
who fail in sales. What characteristics have they identified and which can you ask about in
an application or job interview?
The five characteristics are instability of residence; failure in business within the past two
years; unexplained gaps in a person’s employment record; recent divorce or marital
problems; and excessive personal indebtedness. You cannot ask about marital status or
bankruptcy problems.
What is self-selection? How can a good job description encourage self-selection?
Self-selection is the process by which people who are thinking of applying for a position
determine whether they are qualified. The recruiting goal usually is not to attract a large
pool of applicants, just a few good ones. A good job description can encourage self-
selection by pointing out both the attractive and unattractive aspects of a sales job and
spelling out the qualifications and likely compensation.
Your company is about to hire its first salespeople. You have been assigned to develop
selection procedures to evaluate applicants for new sales personnel. What will you likely
do?
First, you will probably need to develop an application form, taking into consideration EEOC
rules regarding information that can be asked. Second, you will need to determine whether
to use structured or unstructured interviews, and, if structured, develop a set of questions
to ask. Third, you will need to decide who will conduct reference checks. Fourth, decisions
will need to be made regarding whether to test applicants and, if so, which tests to use.
What sources do companies typically use to find and attract a pool of sales applicants?
Companies use both internal and external sources. Internal sources include people within
the organization. External sources include advertisements, employment agencies, referrals
from the sales force and educational institutions.