The 3 Most Common Sales Hiring Mistakes Founders Make

Hiring your first SDR or Account Executive can set the tone for your company’s growth.

But many founders unknowingly make critical mistakes that slow them down and lead to costly mis-hires.

Here are the three most common:

Hiring the wrong role for the stage - Bringing in a senior AE or VP too early can backfire. Early-stage companies often need SDRs or full-cycle sellers who can build pipeline and close deals, not leaders managing empty teams.

Relying on job boards - Job boards usually attract active job seekers, not the proven talent you actually want. Strategic headhunting is far more effective.

Rushing the process - Sales hires made under time pressure often lead to poor fits. Taking time to define your goals, role scope, and stage fit prevents mismatches that cost time and revenue later.

Avoiding these mistakes means better alignment, faster ramp times, and stronger sales results.

Hiring strategically isn’t slower - it’s smarter.