New York, NY., Jan 1, 2024 – The Sciolytix B2B Sales Hiring Index (SSHI-B2B) declined from 98.5 in December to 86.9 in January 2024. The SSHI-B2B measures relative demand for full-time B2B sales talent in the US over the last 30 days through new sales job postings on LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
Up Month-over-Month but Down Year-over-Year
The decrease of 11.6 points from December to January suggests demand for B2B salespeople decreased over the past 30 days. The index was down 10 points from January 2023 to January 2024. The trend from December and January of 2023 compared with 2024 demonstrates seasonal influence as hiring cools briefly during the holiday season only to accelerate in the first quarter.
Several factors are influencing the hiring demand for B2B sales representatives. The recent phenomenon known as the “great resignation” has led to many sales managers finding it challenging to recruit qualified sales talent, necessitating a renewed focus on effective recruitment strategies. In addition, there’s a sense of caution due to a perceived downturn in market conditions, making some companies wary of expanding their sales teams. Moreover, the shift in the hiring market has prompted B2B organizations to re-evaluate their sales roles, considering the evolving market dynamics, technological advancements, and changing customer preferences.
The Changing Mix of Sales Jobs
According to Dario Priolo, Sciolytix’s Chief Marketing Officer and the B2B Sales Hiring Index creator, “The 11.6 point decrease from December to January reflects a significant shift in the market, and while this does align with the seasonal trends we’ve historically seen, it’s clear that we’re also navigating through the larger waves of change.”
Priolo notes, “As we look ahead, it’s crucial to adapt hiring strategies, not only to fill roles but to find sales professionals who can thrive amidst the evolving landscape of B2B sales, shaped by new technology and customer expectations.”
About Sciolytix
Sciolytix specializes in developing predictive simulations and learning management technology that enhances hiring, onboarding, and employee development. By leveraging their software, organizations can tap into the full potential of every employee and align their skills and abilities with the organization’s specific needs. This enables companies to make informed hiring decisions, effectively onboard new employees, and foster their growth within the organization.
To learn more, visit www.sciolytix.com.
Author: Dario Priolo
Dario brings over 20 years of experience in the sales enablement and talent development industry. He has led marketing and strategy as CMO for leading companies like the Hay Group, Miller Heiman and Profiles International and has been part of 4 successful exits, including his own start-up.