Breaking into Tech Sales: How I Made the Leap from Recruiting

As I celebrate my second anniversary at SeekOut this is a perfect moment to reflect on my journey and how I transitioned from a career in recruiting to the world of HR tech sales. Many of you have privately asked about this transition, so here we go.

In this post, I'll share with you the following:

• Why I left recruiting
• What I learned from TA/HR
• How I switched careers
• Which skills were transferrable
• What I learned
• Tips on moving from recruiting to sales

Why did I leave recruiting after 15+ years?

During the pandemic, I had time for self-reflection and realized the importance of work-life balance, the negative impact of toxic leaders on my well-being, and the significance of enjoying my work. I noticed a recurring pattern within HR teams, regardless of the organization. Would my next experience be any different? Would a more senior position finally bring the passion and joy I sought? After careful consideration, I decided to explore sales roles.

And if I'm really transparent, I became burned out and tired of tens of 1:1's per week, supporting leaders who seemed disingenuous, and dealing with trivial complaints. I also had an urgent desire for more control of my day-to-day schedule.

My career in recruiting and HR has taught me valuable lessons:

1. Never accept the first offer
2. Run towards a great culture and opportunity to learn. Don't chase "the job."
3. Candidates are evaluated by these criteria, in this order: a) do I like them? b) do I want to work with them? c) can they do the job?
4. Uncommon strengths often come with uncommon deficits, and leaders are no exception. Don't assume leaders know everything or see what you see.
5. Avoid HR professionals who behave like robots, and make sure you never become one
6. Always be authentic in your interactions
7. Learn how to inspire commitment rather than mere compliance.
8. Accept that not everyone will be happy, and that's okay
9. Avoid working for a leader who lacks understanding of your job, industry, or company
10. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth

How did I make the switch?

Interestingly, the stars seemed to align in my favor. The job literally knocked on the door. As a loyal customer of SeekOut, they were familiar with my work style and deep affinity for their platform. When they surprised me with an offer to interview, I eagerly seized the opportunity. SeekOut embodied everything I desired—a vibrant team, supportive leadership, and a game-changing product that resonated with me. It turns out that it's quite common in the industry to recruit customers who genuinely advocate for the brand, especially when they possess industry knowledge and understand the target audience. My extensive experience in progressively challenging and consultative roles within recruiting made me an attractive candidate for SeekOut.

Which skills are transferable?

Having made the switch, I found several skills to be highly transferable

1. Contract negotiation

2. Social media savviness

3. A bias for action and tangible results

4. Natural interviewing abilities (similar to sales discovery)

5. Relationship-building finesse

6. Process orientation

7. Resilience

8. Effective networking

9. Natural storytelling

10. Experience spanning various industries.

What have I learned after two years in HR tech sales?

After two years in HR tech sales, I feel immensely fortunate to have landed a role that aligns with my passion. The supportive team, enriching company culture, and leaders who prioritize both business success and employee well-being have transformed this experience into a fulfilling career. My role has provided unexpected creative opportunities, from shaping product design and marketing content to contributing to engineering changes and assisting customers with complex challenges.

Nothing brings me greater satisfaction than seeing my customers succeed. Establishing strong connections with them, I take a personal interest in their career growth and find joy in helping them achieve their goals through our platform.

Tips on moving from recruitment into sales

For those contemplating a similar transition from recruitment to sales, here's a valuable insight: exceptional recruiters often possess the qualities of rock-star salespeople. Their collaborative approach, providing insights to hiring teams and improving hiring practices, translates well into the sales arena.

Don't hesitate to reach out to your favorite vendors for a confidential conversation about their sales roles and what they look for in new hires. As a customer, you'll find they're more than willing to make time for you.

In conclusion, remember to love yourself and find passion in what you do. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me via DM or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to respond.

Take care,

Scott