When the economy slows down, many companies instinctively take a conservative approach—cutting costs, freezing hiring, and riding out the storm. But history shows that the most strategic companies do the opposite, especially when it comes to hiring sales talent. During a recession or economic downturn, hiring salespeople isn’t just a bold move, it’s a smart one.
Great Sales Talent Is More Accessible in a Down Market
Recessions tend to shake the tree. Talented salespeople who were once stable in their roles often become open to new opportunities due to:
- Layoffs or downsizing
- Leadership changes
- Organizational restructures
This creates a rare window for forward-thinking companies to attract top talent that may have been previously out of reach. “A slowdown in hiring across industries opens the door for savvy companies to scoop up top-tier talent that might otherwise be unattainable” (Forbes).
Hire Now, Train While It’s Quiet
Slower seasons give you the luxury of time, something many sales teams don’t have during busy cycles. “In a strong economy, companies often tolerate low productivity levels, but in a downturn, every rep needs to be sharp” says Christopher Lynch, CMO of Mindtickle (Forbes). Build now, so your team is ready to move when the market does. Bringing in new salespeople during a downturn allows for:
- Focused onboarding and product training
- Sales process development
- Relationship-building without pressure for immediate results
Relationships Take Time—Start Building Them Now
Sales is a long game. Deals don’t close overnight, and trust isn’t built in one call. The earlier your team starts engaging with prospects, the more traction they’ll gain over time. “Sales success coming out of a downturn is often tied directly to the seeds planted during the slowdown” (Staffing Industry Analysts). The reps you hire now will be the ones closing deals when others are still trying to get ramped up. Start planting seeds through:
- Value-driven outreach
- Consistent follow-ups
- Insightful, helpful conversations
Position Yourself Ahead of the Recovery Curve
While others wait, you can prepare. Historically, the Federal Reserve has noted that recoveries often bring sharp increases in both demand and hiring. But by the time the recovery is clear, the race for talent is already underway. Hiring now means your team is already trained, aligned, and selling when everyone else is just starting the interview process. According to Indeed.com’s Hiring Lab:
- Job postings surge quickly after downturns
- Competition for qualified candidates skyrockets
The Bottom Line: Recessions Reward the Bold
There’s no denying that downturns bring uncertainty. But they also reward companies that play offense instead of defense. The best time to hire isn’t when everyone else is doing it, it’s when no one is.
- The reps you hire today become your top performers tomorrow
- You’ll be positioned to move faster, close earlier, and grow quicker when the economy rebounds
- You’ll have the relationships, infrastructure, and momentum that others are scrambling to build
Ready to Outpace the Competition? Let’s Talk.
At Amplify Recruiting, we specialize in placing certified, high-performing sales professionals who are built to thrive in any market. If you’re ready to use this slower economy to build your bench, we’re ready to help you find the right people to do it—before the market turns and everyone else is playing catch-up.
Let’s start the conversation. Connect with us today at 844-874-7253 x4 or [email protected] to unlock the true potential of your hiring process.
