OK, you have two candidates that you really like. One knows the products, customers and the industry. The other candidate is passionate, driven and eager to prove themselves. The easy answer for a busy manager is to hire the sales rep that comes with all the experience. But have you thought about what else they bring to the table? Have you considered the infamous industry baggage? The experienced rep may be easier on the manager for the first 6 months whereas the driven rep will have a slower start, but in 6 months he/she will likely have achieved better sales. Hire attitude over aptitude!