The first step in identifying the type of individual to be recruited is an analysis of the sales job. This analysis must review the activities and tasks to be performed and their relative importance. From this perspective, a company can determine what traits are helpful in choosing the type of candidate to be recruited. Often it is valuable to analyze the characteristics of the existing sales force and those persons who have either left their positions or were terminated for unsatisfactory performance. Studies have been unable to demonstrate that specific personality traits are useful predictors of successful salespeople, although there is some evidence that the following indicators have been found frequently among salespeople who fail: