Recruiting
top-tier sales executives begins with an effective job description that
attracts, informs and engages potential candidates. The right job description
not only presents an overview of the role, but also provides a vivid picture of
your company’s culture, vision and values.

Continue
reading to understand how to write a sales executive jobdescription that captures attention and
draws in the best talent. This article takes you through a step-by-step guide,
top tips for success – and also the pitfalls you should try to avoid in the
process.

A step-by-step guide to writing a standout sales executive
job description

Step 1: Begin with a compelling job title

Your
job title is the initial hook for potential candidates. It needs to be concise,
yet accurately represent the nature and level of the job.

For
example, instead of just “Sales Executive,” a more descriptive title might be
“Senior B2B Sales Executive for the Tech Sector.” This title tells candidates
that the job is a senior-level role, focused on B2B sales in the tech industry.
Potential candidates know immediately whether they might be suitable for the
role or not, and in turn you make a start on eliminating those who might not
fit the position.

Step 2: Craft a compelling job summary

Your
job summary gives potential candidates a snapshot of the role, company and your
expectations. Be sure to outline what the sales executive will do, who they
will work with and what they can expect to achieve. For example, a compelling
job summary might read:

“As
our Senior B2B Sales Executive, you’ll drive the expansion of our tech
portfolio in the North American market. You’ll get to collaborate with a
dynamic, goal-oriented sales team, and report directly to the VP of Sales. This
role requires a passion for technology, a customer-centric approach and a
proven track record in B2B sales.”

Step 3: List key responsibilities

When
outlining how to write a sales executive job description, it’s crucial to list
the key responsibilities. Clearly describe what the sales executive will be
doing on a daily basis, who they will be reporting to and how their success
will be measured. Make it detailed but concise. For example:

“The
Sales Executive will be responsible for developing new business opportunities,
building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, creating and
presenting sales proposals, meeting or exceeding sales targets and providing
detailed reports on sales metrics.”

Step 4: Detail the required skills and
qualifications

Specify
the skills, qualifications and experience necessary for the role. These can
include communication skills, problem-solving abilities, experience in a
particular industry and educational qualifications. For instance:

“Our
ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field, at
least 5 years of experience in B2B sales within the tech sector, a strong
understanding of CRM software and outstanding negotiation and presentation
skills.”

Being
precise at this stage also means candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate
how they meet your exact requirements.

Step 5: Showcase your company culture

Use
this section to describe your company’s culture, values and mission. This will
help candidates determine if they will be a good fit and resonate with your
organization’s goals and culture. For example:

“We
are a fast-paced tech startup with a vibrant, collaborative culture. Our
mission is to provide innovative technology solutions that disrupt traditional
markets. We value transparency and continuous learning, and strive to create a
supportive work environment where every team member’s contribution is recognized.”

Remember,
the aim of writing a standout sales executive job description is to attract and
engage the best candidates for your company. With careful crafting, your job
description can serve as an effective tool in your recruiting toolkit.

Top 7 tips for writing a sales executive job
description

1. Use clear, concise language

Keep
your language simple and direct. Avoid jargon that might confuse candidates or
discourage them from applying.

2. Highlight the benefits and perks

Attractive
benefits and perks can be a major draw for top talent. Highlight these to
capture candidates’ interest.

3. List the
compensation

Sales professionals tend to be money motivated.
They have drive, tenacity and perseverance – but ultimately, they want to be
rewarded for their sales successes. At Hanover, we find that we get much higher
response rates to job descriptions when compensation is listed.  

Sales people don’t want to waste their time in
conversations and interviews only to find out the position will not pay them
what they are currently making. Listing your salary and OTE ranges will attract
more qualified candidates.

4. Showcase opportunities for
growth

High-level
executives are often career-oriented. Showing potential for growth and
advancement within your organization can make the role more appealing.

5. Showcase
your product

It’s imperative to a sales professional that the
product they’re selling is top-tier in the market or has a distinctive point of
differentiation. Make these known in your job description. Since many sales
professionals work from referrals and relationships, if they’re selling a sub-par
product or the company can’t deliver on what they are selling, this could
potentially harm their credibility as well as any future commissions or
compensation.

6. Include the location of the job

Whether
it’s a remote position, onsite or a mixture of both, be sure to include this
information.

7. Proofread and review

Before
posting the job description, proofread it for errors, clarity and completeness.

What not to include in a sales executive job description

In
understanding how to write a sales executive job description, it’s just as
important to know what to leave out as it is to know what to include.

Try
to avoid overly long descriptions as they can be off-putting, and don’t include
irrelevant responsibilities or qualifications. Also, steer clear of
discriminatory language that may deter a diverse
pool of candidates.

Need help recruiting outstanding sales executives
to your firm? Contact us today to find out how our executive
search experts can help you.