How to Spot a Sales Job That’s Actually Worth Taking
Not all sales jobs are created equal. Some set you up for success, but others can leave you chasing unattainable quotas without proper support. The right job may promise big commissions AND give you the tools to earn them. Before you jump into your next role, take the time and gather the strength to ask the right questions and read between the lines.
What Makes a Sales Team Worth Joining?
SalesFirst has always encouraged its candidates to have real, candid conversations with hiring managers. The goal isn’t to impress—it’s to make sure the company you’re considering is actually a good place to build your career. Here are a few key topics to focus on:
Quota Attainment – If nobody’s hitting quota, there might be a problem. A strong, safe company has a solid percentage of reps who actually meet or exceed their targets.
Real Earnings vs. Hype – That six-figure OTE looks nice, but how many people are actually earning it?
Leadership That Has Your Back – Good leaders coach, guide, and help their team win—not just track numbers on a dashboard.
Reps Who Stick Around – High turnover usually means something’s broken. If the team has staying power, it’s a good sign the role is worth considering.
A company doesn’t need to be perfect to be a great opportunity. Startups may still be finding their footing. Leadership changes can shake things up. What matters is that you take the time to dig into these areas and make an informed decision.
Questions to Consider
Quota & Performance:
"How many people on your team are at quota right now?"
"How many of your reps met their annual quota last year?"
"How often do quotas change, and why?"
Earnings & Transparency:
"Beyond the top performers, what’s the most common income for reps here?"
"How many people actually hit OTE in their first year?"
Leadership & Culture:
"What separates your top reps from the ones who struggle?"
"What kind of coaching and development do you offer?"
"If I asked your team about leadership, what would they say?"
Tenure & Stability:
"What’s the average tenure for a sales rep here?"
"What percentage of your team has been here for more than three years?"
How to Read Between the Lines
A good company won’t dance around these questions. Pay attention to how they answer:
Clear, confident responses = good sign.
Hesitation, vague answers, or dodging the question = red flag.
Consistent responses from different interviewers = solid organization.
Body language and tone = watch for signs they’re trying to sell you a dream.
Push for Clarity Like a Sales Pro
If an answer feels slippery, press for specifics. Try this: “I hear you, and it’s great that everyone has the potential to make $150K. But how many actually do? That’s my specific question.” This approach keeps things direct and shows you know how to ask the tough questions—something any good sales org should respect.
A strong sales team welcomes these conversations. They want reps who take their careers seriously. If a company gets defensive, vague, or dodges the details, trust your gut and move on. The best sales roles go to the reps who know how to vet opportunities just as well as they sell.
