How to Land a Sales Job with a Cardboard Cutout: Liam Mulcahy’s Unconventional Path into Tech Sales

In a world where hiring managers receive hundreds of generic CVs for every sales role, how do you actually stand out? Liam Mulcahy found the answer — and it involved a cardboard cutout.

In this episode of the Hunters and Unicorns podcast, Liam shares the audacious story of how he broke into enterprise software sales with a move so creative it became legendary. This isn’t just a fun anecdote — it’s a masterclass in what separates elite sales talent from the rest of the pack.

Why a Cardboard Cutout Is Actually a Brilliant Sales Strategy

Most candidates approach job applications the same way bad salespeople approach prospecting: spray and pray. They blast out the same CV to fifty companies and wait for a callback that never comes. Liam did the opposite. He identified his target, crafted a personalized and unforgettable approach, and executed with the kind of boldness that would make any sales leader take notice.

The cardboard cutout wasn’t a gimmick — it was a proof of concept. It demonstrated every quality a hiring manager looks for in a sales candidate: creativity, initiative, fearlessness, and the ability to generate attention in a noisy market. The stunt itself was the interview.

“Your job application is your first sales pitch. If you can’t sell yourself into the room, how are you going to sell enterprise software to a CRO?”

Creative Job Application Strategies That Actually Work in Tech Sales

Liam’s story highlights a broader truth about breaking into software sales: the traditional playbook is broken. Hiring managers in enterprise tech don’t want another polished CV with bullet points about “exceeding quota.” They want evidence that you can do the hardest part of the job — get someone’s attention and earn a conversation.

Here’s what candidates can learn from Liam’s approach:

• Treat the job search like a sales cycle. Identify your target accounts (companies), map your champions (hiring managers, team members on LinkedIn), and build a personalized outreach strategy.
• Do something your competition won’t. The bar for creativity in job applications is shockingly low. A short personalized video, a mock business plan, or a creative direct mail piece will put you in a different category entirely.
• Show, don’t tell. Anyone can write “self-starter” on a CV. Liam showed it by doing something no other candidate would even consider.
• Be willing to look foolish. The fear of rejection kills more sales careers before they start than any lack of skill. Liam bet on himself and it paid off.

Why This Matters for Sales Candidates

If you’re trying to break into enterprise software sales — or move up from an SDR role to an AE position — this episode is essential listening. The market is competitive, and the candidates who win are the ones who treat the job search as their first quota. Liam’s story proves that hunger, creativity, and bold execution will always beat a safe, traditional approach.

The lesson is simple: your job search should look like your best sales campaign. If it doesn’t, you’re leaving opportunities on the table.

Why This Matters for Hiring Leaders

For VP Sales, CROs, and talent leaders — this episode is a wake-up call about what to look for in candidates. If your hiring process only rewards polished CVs and safe interview answers, you’re filtering out the exact kind of bold, resourceful sellers who will outperform in the field. The candidates who go above and beyond to get in the door are the same ones who will go above and beyond to close deals.

Ask yourself: does your hiring process reward initiative, or does it reward conformity? Liam’s story is a case study in why the answer matters.

Listen to the Full Episode

Liam Mulcahy’s full story — including the details of the cardboard cutout stunt and the career it launched — is available now on the Hunters and Unicorns podcast. With over 1 million downloads and 200+ episodes featuring the top minds in enterprise software sales, this is the podcast for anyone serious about winning in B2B tech.

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