Cornerstone Search Assoc | Leaders in software sales & executive recruiting | VC | Early stage

Hiring for startups means knowing that not all sales talent is built for the same battlefield. Enterprise sales reps might crush it at a tech giant, but drop them into a scrappy startup, and they’re often lost. Why? Selling at a startup isn’t about following a playbook—it’s about writing the playbook in real-time while dodging chaos. There’s no safety net of endless leads, hand-holding BDRs, or established systems. Startup sales require grit, curiosity, and the instinct to pave a road where none exists. But when you find the right startup seller, it’s a game-changer. They won’t just hit quota—they’ll build a pipeline so solid it becomes the backbone of your growth. Choose carefully. A great startup seller isn’t just closing deals; they’re laying the foundation for your future.

Proud to share that for the fifth consecutive year, we’ve landed in the Forbes list of top 50 recruiting firms in America—out of 38,000! What’s more, we’re still the highest-ranked solo firm on the list. 🏆 🏆 Our commitment to bringing in leadership talent — and being the best at it — is reflected by our placement once again on Best Executive Recruiting Firms. 🏆 Also, we’re considered one of the Best Professional Recruiting Firms because of our knack for pairing top candidates with exceptional employers. This dual win couldn’t have happened without the support and collaboration of our clients and candidates. We’re grateful you’ve joined us on this journey. Here’s to many more years setting the bar higher in staffing! #RecruitmentExcellence #ForbesTop50 #SoloSuccess

Pumped to announce I'm kicking off a new chapter with Moore eSSentials, bringing you both group and one-on-one coaching sessions starting next week! With a journey marked by a seat at the Pinnacle Society’s table (and on its board), landing on Forbes' best recruiters list (sitting pretty at #16 in the nation, and top of the charts as a solo recruiter), plus hitting the 7-figure mark in annual billings—let’s just say, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. I’m all geared up to share what I’ve learned in the trenches of our industry. Whether you’re looking to refine your strategies or shake things up, I’m here to lend my insights. Catch me for Group Coaching bright and early on Thursday mornings at 8:45 AM EASTERN, kicking off this April 11th. Ready to elevate your game? Join me: https://lnkd.in/eKsVwPvA

Ever wonder why some teams seem to always hit their numbers, while others struggle to find their rhythm? The secret isn't just in the strategy; it's in the people, and behind those people is a recruiter who knows the difference between a good fit and a perfect fit. I've personally placed nearly 1100 top performers, and trust me, the right person doesn't just fill a role – they elevate the entire team. 📈 At Cornerstone, we're not just filling positions; we're building legacies. Ready to build yours? #SalesExcellence #TeamBuilding #LegacyMakers

In the world of software sales, settling for 'good enough' talent is like saying you're okay with 'good enough' revenue. We're not, and you shouldn't be either. At Cornerstone, we don't just find salespeople; we find YOUR future sales leaders – the ones who understand the grind, breathe your mission, and sell not because they can, but because they believe. Don't settle. Choose the path that leads to growth, not just filling a gap. #NoToMediocrity #SalesLeaders #GrowthMindset

Sales Recruitment 101: Essential Tips for Building a Winning Team Are you ready to assemble a sales dream team that drives results and exceeds expectations? Building a winning sales team requires more than just finding candidates with impressive resumes—it's about identifying individuals who possess the right blend of skills, traits, and motivation to succeed in today's competitive landscape. Here are some essential tips to help you recruit and build a winning sales team: 🎯 1. Define Your Ideal Candidate Profile: Start by clearly defining the characteristics, skills, and experience that are essential for success in your sales role. Consider factors such as industry knowledge, sales experience, communication skills, and cultural fit within your organization. 🔍 2. Utilize Multiple Sourcing Channels: Cast a wide net by leveraging a variety of sourcing channels to attract top sales talent. This includes job boards, social media platforms, professional networking sites like LinkedIn, industry events, referrals, and recruitment agencies like Cornerstone Search. 🌟 3. Prioritize Cultural Fit: Look beyond just skills and experience—prioritize candidates who align with your company culture and values. A strong cultural fit leads to better teamwork, higher job satisfaction, and increased retention rates among your sales team. 💬 4. Conduct Behavioral Interviews: Use behavioral interview techniques to assess candidates' past experiences, actions, and problem-solving abilities. Ask situational questions that prompt candidates to provide specific examples of how they've overcome challenges or achieved success in previous sales roles. 📈 5. Assess for Sales Aptitude: Look for candidates who demonstrate a natural aptitude for sales, including strong interpersonal skills, resilience, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset. Consider using sales assessment tests or role-playing exercises to evaluate candidates' sales skills and instincts. 🚀 6. Offer Competitive Compensation Packages: Incentivize top talent by offering competitive base salaries, commission structures, bonuses, and other perks such as flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and recognition programs. By following these essential tips, you can attract, recruit, and retain top sales talent to build a winning team that drives growth, fosters innovation, and achieves remarkable success. Ready to take your sales recruitment to the next level? Contact Rich@cornerstonesearch.com to learn how we can help you build a high-performing sales team that delivers results. Let's make your sales recruitment strategy a game-changer for your organization. #BusinessGrowth #CornerstoneSearch #RichRosen #SalesTalent #VC #Venturecapital #SaaS #Software #VpSales #COO, #CRO #Talentacquisition #HR

Decoding Success: Strategies to Attract Top Tech Talent in a Competitive Market In today's hyper-competitive tech landscape, recruiting top talent is both an art and a science. To stay ahead of the curve, companies must employ innovative strategies that resonate with skilled professionals and set themselves apart from the competition. Here's how you can crack the code and attract the best tech talent to your team: 🌟 1. Craft Compelling Job Descriptions: Start by creating job descriptions that are not only informative but also engaging. Highlight the unique opportunities and challenges of the role, and emphasize the impact that the candidate can make within your organization. Use language that speaks to tech professionals' aspirations and desires for growth and innovation. 💼 2. Showcase Your Culture: Tech talent is not just looking for a job; they're seeking a workplace culture that aligns with their values and fosters creativity and collaboration. Showcase your company culture through authentic storytelling, employee testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into your work environment. Demonstrate your commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee development initiatives. 🚀 3. Leverage Employer Branding: Invest in building a strong employer brand that resonates with tech talent. Utilize social media platforms, company blogs, and industry events to showcase your company's values, achievements, and thought leadership. Engage with potential candidates on platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub, and cultivate a reputation as an employer of choice within the tech community. 🎯 4. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits: In a competitive market, attractive compensation packages are essential for attracting top talent. Research industry benchmarks and adjust your salary and benefits offerings accordingly. Consider additional perks such as flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and wellness programs to sweeten the deal. 🔍 5. Tap into Passive Talent Pools: Don't limit your search to active job seekers; tap into passive talent pools to uncover hidden gems. Utilize tools like LinkedIn Recruiter and GitHub to identify and engage with tech professionals who may not be actively looking for new opportunities. Build relationships over time, and position your company as an employer of choice when they're ready to make a move. By implementing these strategies, you can position your company as an employer of choice for top tech talent and gain a competitive edge in the market. Ready to crack the code and build a world-class tech team? Contact Rich@cornerstonesearch.com to learn how we can help you attract, recruit, and retain the best talent in the industry. Let's unlock your company's full potential together. #BusinessGrowth #CornerstoneSearch #RichRosen #SalesTalent #VC #Venturecapital #SaaS #Software #VpSales #COO, #CRO #Talentacquisition #HR

Tech Recruitment 2.0: 8 Game-Changing Tools to Revolutionize Your Hiring Process Are you ready to transform your tech recruitment game? In today's fast-paced digital landscape, staying ahead requires leveraging cutting-edge tools that streamline processes and elevate results. Here are 10 innovative tools every tech recruiter should have in their toolkit: 🔍 1. Crelate: Simplify your recruitment workflow with Crelate, an intuitive applicant tracking system (ATS) designed for recruiters. From candidate sourcing to interview scheduling, Crelate offers seamless tools to manage the entire hiring process efficiently. 🚀 2. Swordfish: Harness the power of AI-driven candidate sourcing with Swordfish. This innovative tool scours the web to identify and analyze potential candidates, providing valuable insights to help you pinpoint the best-fit talent for your tech roles. 🌐 3. LinkedIn Sales Navigator: Tap into LinkedIn's extensive professional network with Sales Navigator. This tool offers advanced search capabilities, real-time insights, and personalized recommendations to help you connect with top tech talent and build meaningful relationships. 📈 4. Outplay: Elevate your candidate engagement strategy with Outplay, a dynamic sales engagement platform. With features like email sequencing, call automation, and LinkedIn integration, Outplay empowers recruiters to nurture relationships and close candidates effectively. 📅 5. Calendly: Simplify interview scheduling with Calendly, a user-friendly tool that eliminates the hassle of back-and-forth emails. Integrate Calendly with your calendar to allow candidates to book interviews seamlessly, saving time and streamlining the scheduling process. 🛠️ 6. Codility: Assess technical skills efficiently with Codility's platform for automated code assessments. By administering customized coding tests, Codility helps you objectively evaluate candidates' coding proficiency and make data-driven hiring decisions. 💬 7. Slack: Foster collaboration and communication within your recruitment team with Slack. Create dedicated channels for candidate discussions, share updates on open positions, and coordinate interview logistics—all within one centralized platform. 🌟 8. Cornerstone Search: Partner with a specialized recruitment agency like Cornerstone Search to access a curated network of top-tier tech talent. With industry expertise and personalized service, Cornerstone Search helps tech companies attract and hire the best-fit candidates for their unique needs. Ready to revolutionize your tech recruitment strategy with these game-changing tools? Contact Rich@cornerstonesearch.com to learn more about how we can help you leverage technology to attract, engage, and hire top tech talent. Let's embark on this journey together and redefine the way you recruit in the digital age. #BusinessGrowth #CornerstoneSearch #RichRosen #SalesTalent #VC #Venturecapital #SaaS #Software #VpSales #COO, #CRO #Talentacquisition #HR