Sales Representatives have been some of the hardest jobs to fill. The staffing firm Manpower Group does an annual survey of jobs difficult to put people in. The job of sales representative has consistently been near the top of the list the past few years.

There are several reasons why this field creates a challenge for recruiters. To be successful in sales requires a certain personality and a thick skin. Sales personnel must be persistent in generating leads and following through with them.  Many times they have to face rejection with several potential customers declining what is being offered before a solid sale is made. A certain commitment of time is required where sales personnel do presentations of products and services with no guarantee of  a sale coming through.

What turns many people off is income generated on a commission basis. Most people want the guarantee of a weekly paycheck for their time and effort. Commission work can be a gamble with little or no income return on the work being done. Many college graduates may not be prepared for the pressure of being on the line to generate revenue for the company they work for.  If an organization requires quotas to be filled,  some turnover can take place if sales people are let go for not making goals. The combination of pressure for results with no guarantee of income can turn people off.