Should the founder still be involved in interviewing a VP Sales candidate?

Yes, at least in a later round. A VP Sales represents the founder’s own credibility with the board.

How many finalists should make it to a final round?

Two or three, so red flags are visible by comparison.

Is a recruiter worth it for this hire?

Often, yes, specifically for sourcing candidates who are not actively looking.

Most VP of Sales Hires Fail. Usually Before the Interview Even Starts.

The company that cannot answer basic questions about its own GTM motion is the company that hires a VP of Sales expecting them to fix it by force of personality alone.

What you need to be able to answer before the first interview

What is the realistic ARR goal, and is it built off actual data or pulled from the sky?
What are the sales rules of engagement already, even informally?
What does the current tech stack and rep headcount actually look like?
What is the honest state of Marketing and CS support this person would inherit?

Questions that separate operators from storytellers

Walk me through a deal you lost. What did you learn?
How would you diagnose what is working and what is not in our current sales process?
What is your 30/60/90 day plan?
Tell me about a time you had to make an unpopular call.
How do you handle an underperforming rep?

Structuring an offer serious candidates will accept

Base vs. variable split: decide the philosophy before a candidate asks.
Accelerators: whether commission scales up past 100% of quota, and at what rate.
Equity mechanics: exercise window, vesting cliff, and acceleration triggers.
Severance and clawback terms.