Sales [UN]Training

3 Reasons Why Sales Managers Struggle in the Hiring Process

September 28, 2026·34 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Why do so many sales managers struggle to identify and hire truly effective salespeople? In this episode of Sales [UN]Training, Kelly Riggs examines the hiring mistakes that can lead to costly turnover, poor performance and disappointing new hires. Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly begins by exploring why salespeople can look like "can't miss" candidates during an interview only to become a completely different story months later. He discusses the role of hiring bias, gut instinct and inconsistent processes, and explains why relying on resumes and surface-level impressions can create serious problems. The conversation also examines the importance of having a repeatable hiring process. Instead of simply asking candidates about their experience, sales managers need to understand how candidates actually sell. Kelly shares specific questions designed to uncover a salesperson's approach to managing opportunities, prospecting and developing new business. One key theme is curiosity. The same curiosity that makes someone effective in sales can also help a manager become a better interviewer. Finally, Kelly introduces a powerful question every sales candidate should be prepared to answer: "Why should I buy from you?" The question reveals whether a salesperson can articulate meaningful differentiation rather than relying on generic claims about quality, service or experience. For sales leaders, this episode offers practical ways to improve interviews and make hiring decisions based on better evidence. Mike Weinberg podcast: https://mikeweinberg.com/podcast/episode113/ Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.  Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.  Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.  Music and Editing by Pod About It Productions @dougbranson

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