Written By: Andrew Henke Managing Partner

Recruiting top talent for in-home sales roles in the home improvement industry is more competitive than ever. With job boards like Indeed recommending applicants apply to 10-15 positions per week, hiring companies must find ways to rise above the noise and make their opportunities stand out.

Speed Matters: How Fast Are You Responding?

According to Indeed, only 4% of applicants hear back within one day, while 37% receive a response within a week. If your company takes too long to respond, you risk losing top candidates to faster-moving competitors. Evaluate your hiring process:

• How long does it take your team to contact an applicant after they apply?
• What method are you using to reach out?
• Is there a dedicated person who owns the process?
• If that person is out of the office, is there a backup plan or designated person to keep the process moving?

Beyond the Standard Email: Personalize Your Outreach

Most companies reply to job applicants via email, but automated responses can easily end up in a candidate’s spam folder—never to be seen. Instead, consider:

Using a combination of email, text, and phone calls to ensure your message is received.

Making your emails stand out by highlighting what makes your company unique. Instead of a generic message, try adding a personal touch:

Dear [Applicant's Name],
We’re excited about your application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]! What makes us different? At [Company Name], we take pride in [mention a unique aspect of your company culture—fast-growing team, award-winning training, strong career path]. Check out our team in action here: [Link to career page, employee testimonials, or Instagram] Let’s set up a time to connect! What’s your availability for a [phone/video/in-person] interview this week? Looking forward to speaking with you soon!

Showcase Your Company Culture

Applicants often receive multiple responses from employers—so what makes your company more appealing than the rest? Give them a reason to be excited about working for you by providing insight into your company beyond just the job description.

• Link to a career page with employee testimonials, leadership insights, and a company overview.
• Share your company’s Instagram or LinkedIn profile featuring employee events, training programs, and success stories.
• Highlight career growth opportunities within your company.

Make a Lasting Impression

Candidates will compare multiple companies before making a decision. If your outreach is generic or delayed, they may move forward with another employer. Stand out by:

• Responding quickly and through multiple channels.
• Making your outreach engaging and personalized.
• Showcasing your company’s culture, career growth opportunities, and success stories.
• Recruiting the best in-home sales professionals starts with a great first impression. By optimizing your response time and highlighting what makes your company unique, you’ll attract top talent and build a winning sales team.