When is the worst time to search for a sales job? Good question. It’s one sales recruiters hear a lot from sales professionals. If you are planning to make a sales career move, you want to do it at the best time possible.

So, when are the times you should avoid searching for a job? Here are the WORST times to look for a sales job:

1. When you are NOT ready to commit to the search

You need to be 100% committed to the job search process if you want to find the job you want. If you are not ready to sacrifice some time and do everything it takes to position yourself as a top candidate, it may not be the right time for you personally to search for a sales job.

2. After you quit

If you are in a situation where you plan to quit your job or you suspect layoffs may impact you, start searching for a job immediately. Avoid being reactionary. Don’t wait until after you quit or until you are laid off to start looking for a sales job. This will only put more pressure on you to find a job. Many salespeople in this position settle for lesser positions because they need a job.

But, if you are out of a job, you have no choice but to move forward and look for a new sales job.

3. When the economy is down

During a down economy, companies traditionally put on a hiring freeze. They have limited budgets to recruit and hire and only do so if absolutely necessary. This means there are typically fewer positions available and more competition for those sales jobs.

4. When you are in career limbo

There are certain times in your career when it is best to stay put. You don’t have enough experience to take a step up, but you don’t want to make a move to the same position. Most sales professionals make a career move for a reason – more money, a better job title, etc.

5. The summer and the holiday season

These are the times of the year when most companies are focused on other things. In the summer, people are on vacation and hiring is not a priority. During the holiday season at the end of the year, companies are wrapping up their year and tend to hold off on hiring until they get next year’s budget.

More Sales Job Search Advice from Sales Recruiters

4 Resume Optimization Tips to Get Noticed by Sales Headhunters

6 Common Types of Sales Jobs: Which Is the Right One for You?

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Taking That Sales Job

SalesForce Search is a sales recruiting company which specializes in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals. We recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. Find the right salesperson for your organization, start your search here.