In addition to being able to showcase both their personality and ability to deliver results, in order to truly nail the sales interview, candidates must be prepared. But what’s the best way to make that happen?
Industry experts all cite the following: research the role, company and product; brainstorm possible questions and practice the answers; be clear about your work history and make a list of examples of successes; and write out specific questions to ask the interviewer.
Below, a local sales manager puts his spin on such tried and true strategies. The key takeaways? Honesty and teachability.
Common Sales Interview Questions, According to HubSpot
- What do you know about our company?
- What are your short to mid-term career goals?
- How do you generate, develop and close sales opportunities?
- How do you keep up with the latest sales industry trends?
- Tell me about the toughest sale you’ve ever made.
As an interviewer, I prepare my mind to look for, appreciate and highlight the individuality of each candidate. At the end of the day, I am looking for team members who bring a unique approach to their sales style. Connection throughout our market hinges on diversity.
Here are the main ways I’d encourage any sales candidate to prepare to stand out in the interview:
Research the company and the interviewers
People love to hear about themselves. Being appreciated is in our DNA. Know who you are talking to, what matters most to them and why. This is a skill that translates to sustained sales success.
Be honest about your background
Most of the time we understand some experience requirements aren’t there. We are looking for you to exhibit the aptitude and interpersonal skills you have to accomplish various tasks rather than just the resume bullet points.
Drive and a thirst for knowledge will always win the day
Being teachable is a lost art. So the professionals who grasp hold of it will produce great results and shine through the interview. Teachability is the secret sauce, especially when paired with a healthy drive.
David Hamilton is a sales manager at Subsplash, a church engagement technology platform
