Interviewing isn’t easy. But it’s particularly difficult for sales jobs where the stakes are higher than most other careers. That’s why knowing how to answer sales job interview questions can help you stand out from your peers.
Reviewing practice questions and taking the time to respond, whether to yourself or with someone else, can help you prepare to show off your skills. You want to make sure you sound confident, knowledgeable, and show off what you’ve accomplished in the past, especially when it comes to your sales experience.
Take a look at the most common sales job interview questions below!
Have you ever made cold calls?
There’s no doubt that cold calling is a big aspect of many sales jobs. Interviewers want to understand your experience and how you handle cold calling. It’s insight into your personality as a salesperson and what drives you.
Give them an example of how you usually go about cold calling potential leads. How do you do your research? What type of conversation do you have? Walk them through the process, so they understand.
What motivates you to sell?
Everyone is motivated by something. This question is to get a sense of what that is for you. Are you driven to hit goals due to a bonus? Special trips? Or other incentives. Whatever it is, now is the time to explain why it’s important for you to meet your sales goal.
While being driven by finances is common, you want to add a little more than that. For instance, if you like beating sales records or competing with your coworkers, throw that in there.
If I asked your last supervisor to describe you, what would they say?
A supervisor is someone you work closely with. They get to know you and what makes you meet your goals or what trips you up. Think about your relationship with your last supervisor. What conversations have they had around your performance, and what would they say to someone about you. If they were essential in helping you become a better salesperson, this might be a good time to bring up how they did that.
Of course, you want this to be positive. But if you can identify growth areas and how you succeeded in meeting those growth goals, that’s great, too.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Most salespeople make it their career. Their goal is to climb up the ladder and get better and better at their job over time. That might not be you, but either way, focus on what your goals are. Better yet, focus on how this job will help you get there.
Hiring managers want to see that you are driven towards a bigger picture. Even if you don’t know what that is, give them an idea of how you hope this position will drive you to figure it out.
What do you think makes a good sales representative?
Lastly, this question will allow a hiring manager to see what traits you believe will help you succeed in this position. Whether you’re pulling them from traits you have, or someone you look up to, don’t hesitate to share what impresses you.
Interviewing for a sales position is a huge career step. With the answers to these questions in mind, you’ll be well on your way to success!
