Don't Rush Your Next Sales Job (Do This Instead)
It's tempting to jump at the first sales opportunity that comes your way.
But due diligence is the key to long-term success in your sales career.
Here’s how it can save you time, energy, and potential career setbacks:
The High Stakes of Hasty Decisions
Meet Sarah.
A top-performing sales rep who accepted a lucrative offer without doing homework.
Six weeks in, she discovered the product was subpar.
The sales cycle was triple what they told her during the interviews.
And the company culture was toxic.
Sarah's story is a powerful reminder that in sales, due diligence isn't just important.
It's vital.
Your Career GPS: The Due Diligence Checklist
Don't gamble with your career—invest in it.
Here's your roadmap to making informed decisions:
Essential Steps for Your Sales Job Due Diligence
Experience the Product Firsthand
Schedule a comprehensive demo
If possible, use the product yourself
Ask yourself: "Would I recommend this to my network?"
Gather Authentic User Feedback
Reach out to current customers for their honest opinions
Connect with former clients to understand why they left
Analyze: Does the product solve user pain points?
Look For More Employee Insights
Interview team members you'd work with at the new job
Seek out former employees for raw and honest perspectives
Investigate: What's the real story behind the company culture?
Analyze Market Perception
Search online review platforms for customer sentiments
Pay attention to common complaints and praises
Check: How does the product stack up against competitors?
Assess Sales Viability
Examine the sales process and typical cycle length
Understand the average deal size and commission structure
Question: Being realistic, can you achieve success selling this product?
"The best investment you can make is in yourself." - Warren Buffett
Why Most Salespeople Fall Short
Many sales professionals focus on the compensation plan only.
They neglect to go deeper.
This short-term view often leads to rude wake-up weeks into the new role.
Are you asking the right questions?
For insights on how to excel in sales, even with seemingly boring products, check out my article on B2B Sales Success with Boring Products.
The True Value of Due Diligence
Think of your job search as a high-stakes investment—because it is.
Your time, energy, and future are on the line.
How much research would you do before investing your life savings?
Apply that same rigor to your career moves.
💡Call-to-action: Take a moment now to jot down three key questions you'll ask in your next interview that go beyond compensation.
Don't Rely on Luck - Rely on Research
Some may get lucky and land in a great position without homework.
But do you want to bet your career on chance?
Treat your job hunt with the same seriousness as a savvy investor evaluating a potential opportunity.
For more on how to approach your job search strategically, read my guide on Remote Sales Jobs: Six Figure Guide.
Digging Deeper: Essential Areas to Investigate
Operational Plan Analysis:
How are quotas determined?
What's the team's current attainment?
How are territories designed?
Industry Presence:
Does the company appear in top Google searches for its use cases?
Are they active in industry events?
What's the buzz in online communities?
Trust Your Gut:
Does something feel off during the interview process?
Do they sell you a dream or show reality?
"If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is." - Sales veteran John Smith
Real-Life Success Story
Meet Tom, who spent two weeks researching his potential employer.
He uncovered a pending merger.
Then spoke with five current employees, and tested the product.
Result?
He negotiated a better package and entered the role with eyes wide open.
As a result, he exceeded his targets in the first quarter.
For more inspiring stories, check out Layoff to Unicorn: Sales Success.
💡Call-to-action: What's one step from Tom's approach you can put in place in your next job search?
The Bottom Line
Your ability to make smart career moves depends on the quality of your due diligence.
You're not just finding a job.
You're crafting your future as you invest time in a thorough investigation.
My Call to Action To You
Don't leave your sales career to chance.
Invest in due diligence and reap the rewards of informed decision-making.
Start by creating your personalized checklist today.
For more tips and exclusive job listings, check out our Remote Sales Jobs page for the latest opportunities every week.
I hope that helps,
Hakan.