If the job you’re aiming for is a sales manager role, the best way to get ready is preparation. These sales manager interview questions are the ones most likely to pop up on your journey.
Remember, sales management positions differ from contributor positions in that their role is to train sales representatives. Sometimes, these roles come with a salary bump, but other times, there’s a pay cut. Gone is the opportunity to make a commission. Instead, you’re teaching your direct reports on how to do the job you once did well.
Sales Manager Interview Questions to Remember
So, what do you need to know when you interview for a sales management role? Here are the sales manager interview questions to prepare for.
Tell Me About Yourself
While not necessarily a question, this is one of those interview situations you should come prepared to answer.
Sit down before your interview and write an elevator pitch that outlines who you are, your career path, what you’ve accomplished, and where you want to go.
This short pitch should be under two minutes and let the hiring manager know you’ve already checked several boxes for this role. Your best bet is to write it down and practice saying it aloud.
What is your greatest achievement?
Remember that this answer doesn’t necessarily have to be about sales, but it doesn’t hurt if it is. Before your interview, write down the three things you’re most proud of achieving. It does not have to be work-related. Include everything.
With those three things in mind, head into your interview ready to talk about any of them. Get a feel for what they’re looking for and tailor your answer to the role itself.
Why are you leaving your current position?
Leaving a role is never black and white. There are many reasons we decide to move on in our careers. However, remember not to use this question as a way to talk bad about your current boss or company.
All that does is tell people you have no problem airing your complaints to strangers. Instead, find a diplomatic way to express why your current role is no longer of interest and why the new one seems like a better fit.
This question is also an excellent time to figure out if the company you’re interviewing with will be better than the one you’re leaving.
Why should we hire you?
Now’s the time to pull out all the stops. Show them what you’ve accomplished and why you’re the best one for the job. Don’t worry about being confident at this point. That’s what they want to see when they ask this question.
Have your accomplishments outlined and your checklist of goals ready to present. After all, when you’re coming into a role that requires training other sales representatives, your hiring manager wants to know you have lessons to teach.
Preparing for interview questions is rough. The best way to get ready is to write down your answers and practice saying them aloud. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s work that will pay off.
