Q: When you’re recruiting and hiring salespeople, what are some of the top qualities you look for?

Renee: I look for excellent communication, outstanding prospecting and closing skills, follow-up skills, professionalism and confidence…and more. I also look for someone with a positive attitude and who is a team player. 

Megan: I look for someone who has the ability to build rapport; someone who’s outgoing and a “people person.” I also look for someone who demonstrates drive, who is goal-oriented and a continual learner. 

Eric: I look for enthusiasm and energy – a “go-getter attitude.” Coachability and a willingness to seize the day are also important. I recruit B2B sales reps, and those are roles where you control your own destiny and your own book of business. Showcasing a drive to help clients find solutions for their business is something that really helps candidates stand out. 

Q. On the flip side, what should salespeople look for in a company?

Renee: All sales professionals should look for an organization with good sales management, great products and services, open-door management policies, ethical standards, work-life balance, client-focused culture, diversity and inclusion and a place where they can grow professionally. Cox has a good culture where sales professionals will get great training and development, the opportunity for career growth, product and sales training, uncapped commissions, Winner’s Circle (Cox offers an annual company-paid trip for all the top sales performers within the company), diversity and inclusion, good sales management and a team environment.  

Megan: Look for the opportunity to grow and succeed; for rewards and success through commission plans, awards, sales incentives trips and so on. And look for strong sales support teams to minimize churn. 

Eric: Look for leadership that supports you and helps remove roadblocks. Look for servant leaders who want you to succeed and will empower you to do so. We have a lot of great sales leaders here who want to see you reach that next level in your career and score a big win, and they’ll do everything in their power for you to do that and meet your own individual goals, in and outside of work. 

Q. In your opinion, what sets Cox apart as a great place for sales professionals?

Renee: Cox provides an excellent place for sales professionals to grow, develop, train, and thrive. Cox employees love working here because Cox genuinely cares about helping our clients’ businesses grow and succeed, as well as their employees. 

Megan: We recognize our top performers in a big way. We’re invested in employees’ growth and development, not just their quote attainment capabilities. Cox prioritizes employees and customers, not just the bottom line. Everyone works together to service the customer, maximizing the efforts made to close – from sales to project management to engineering and more. 

Eric: It’s all about the culture. As a B2B sales rep, you’ll find that many organizations are cutthroat – not Cox. They care about you inside and outside of work. Beyond you achieving success, the culture here really empowers people to strive and reach their full potential. Additionally, our benefits are world-class. Low healthcare premiums, 6% match on first 100% for 401k (traditional or Roth), 8% once you hit your third year, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, paid-volunteer time off for you to give back to your local communities…I could go on all day. I like to consider Cox a big company with a small-town feel and that really shows. 

Explore sales jobs at Cox here!