Why Recruiting is the Toughest Sales Job

I've been a professional salesperson for about 20 years.
In that time people have asked me what I think is the toughest sales job.
Selling cars? Selling radio or newspaper ads?
My answer has always been that being a recruiter is the toughest sales job.
A lot of people look at me a little confused, especially other recruiters, when I say that.

Think about it.
1. As a recruiter you are always calling candidates and convincing them, really selling them, on the idea to first come and apply at your company.
2. If you work at a staffing company you have to also stand out from your many competitors.
3. After the candidate comes in you have to sell them on the idea of working with your agency as exclusively as possible, or if you don't work for a staffing company then you have to get the candidate to work for your company.
4. Then you have to sell them on working for your client. Client? Yes, you have to sell companies too in order to get them to use your company.
5. Then you have to sell your client that your candidate is the person for them.

For every placement you make you have to sell a number of people to get that one "final sale." 
Being a recruiter is the toughest sales job.

Thanks for reading!
Everet"A Heck of A Nice Guy"