{"id":1945,"date":"2026-09-18T09:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T07:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fosfor.nl\/?p=1945"},"modified":"2026-08-31T11:35:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T09:35:23","slug":"finding-good-sales-staff-without-them-having-to-apply-for-the-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fosfor.nl\/en\/goede-verkopers-vinden-zonder-dat-ze-solliciteren\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding good sales staff without them having to apply for the job"},"content":{"rendered":"

Good salespeople are rarely found through job adverts: the best sales professionals are already in good roles, performing well there, and do not browse job boards. You reach them by approaching them proactively and specifically via the channels where they *are* active, with a message about growth and earning potential rather than a list of job responsibilities.<\/p>\n

Does this sound familiar? You post a sales vacancy online, wait two weeks and mainly get replies from candidates you\u2019d rather not interview. The top candidates you really want don\u2019t get in touch. That\u2019s not bad luck, but simply logic: the best salespeople have no reason to apply.<\/p>\n

Why do the best salespeople hardly ever apply for jobs?<\/h2>\n

The best salespeople don\u2019t apply for jobs because they are rarely dissatisfied enough to actively look for work. They meet their targets, earn well through bonuses or commission, and are retained within the company. Looking for a job costs them nothing, so they don\u2019t bother.<\/p>\n

Research shows that the vast majority of workers are \u201cpassive\u201d: open to something better, but not actively looking. LinkedIn estimates this proportion at around 70% of the global workforce (LinkedIn, 2024). Among top performers in sales, this percentage is even higher, as they are the most likely to be tied down.<\/p>\n

Add to this the fact that the labour market remains structurally tight. At the end of 2024, there were around 390,000 unfilled vacancies in the Netherlands (CBS, 2025), meaning that top salespeople often have several options to choose from without even having to submit a single application.<\/p>\n

In short: waiting for an A-player to click your \u2018apply now\u2019 button is like waiting for the wrong candidate. You\u2019ll only reach the right one if you take the initiative yourself.<\/p>\n

Where can you find good salespeople who aren\u2019t actively looking for a job?<\/h2>\n

You\u2019ll find passive sales prospects where they spend their time outside of work: on social media, in professional communities and through searches that aren\u2019t related to job vacancies. You interrupt their day with a relevant message, rather than waiting for them to come to you.<\/p>\n\t\t

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