During sales interviews employers want to see if you have the skills and personality to succeed in sales. They’ll ask about your experience, your goals, and how you handle tough situations.
Knowing what to expect can make a big difference. We’ll look at questions about sales style, handling rejection, career plans, and more. By the end, you’ll have some good ideas for your own answers. Let’s get started!
Sample Sales Job Interview Questions and Answers: General Sales Interview Questions
- Why did you choose a career in sales?
Example: I chose sales because I love interacting with people and thrive on meeting goals. I’m excited about the chance to help customers find solutions to their problems.
- How do you handle rejection?
Example: I see rejection as a learning opportunity. It motivates me to refine my approach and find new ways to connect with potential customers.
- What’s your strategy for building customer relationships?
Example: I focus on active listening, following up regularly, and providing personalized solutions to build strong customer relationships.
- How do you stay motivated in a competitive sales environment?
Example: I stay motivated by setting personal goals, celebrating small wins, and learning from top performers in the company.
- Describe a time you turned a challenging sale into a success.
Template: I faced [challenge] with [client/product]. I [action taken], which resulted in [positive outcome].
Example: I faced resistance from a skeptical client about our new software. I arranged a free trial, which resulted in them becoming one of our biggest accounts.
- How do you keep up with industry trends and competitors?
Example: I stay informed by reading industry publications, attending webinars, and networking with other sales professionals.
- What’s your approach to meeting sales targets?
Template: I [action 1], [action 2], and [action 3] to consistently meet and exceed my targets.
Example: I break down my targets into daily goals, prioritize high-value leads, and always follow up with potential customers to consistently meet and exceed my targets.
- How do you handle difficult customers?
Example: When dealing with difficult customers, I stay calm, listen to their concerns without interrupting, and focus on finding a solution that works for both parties.
- What’s your greatest strength as a salesperson?
Template: My greatest strength is my ability to [skill]. This helps me [benefit to sales performance].
Example: My greatest strength is my ability to build rapport quickly. This helps me establish trust with potential customers, leading to more successful sales.
- How do you balance acquiring new customers with maintaining existing ones?
Template: I allocate my time by [strategy], focusing on [priority 1] while ensuring [priority 2].
Example: I allocate my time by dedicating mornings to reaching out to new leads, focusing on expanding our customer base while ensuring I check in with existing clients in the afternoons.
Sample Sales Job Interview Questions and Answers: Situational Sales Representative Interview Questions
- “How would you handle a customer who’s unhappy with our product?”
Example: I would listen to their concerns, apologize sincerely, and offer a solution that meets their needs.
- “What would you do if a client asked for a discount we can’t provide?”
Example: First, I’d empathize with their budget concerns. Next, I’d highlight the product’s value. Lastly, I’d suggest alternative options within their price range.
- “How would you approach a lead who’s gone cold?”
Example: My approach would be to send a friendly check-in email, followed by sharing relevant industry news, and then offering a no-pressure catch-up call.
- “What if a competitor offers a lower price for a similar product?”
Example: I would acknowledge the price difference, then highlight our unique features, and finish by emphasizing our superior customer service.
- “How would you handle missing your sales target?”
Example: I’d start by analyzing my performance data. Then, I’d identify areas for improvement. Finally, I’d create an action plan to boost my results.
- “What would you do if a client wants a feature we don’t offer?”
Example: My strategy would be to understand their specific needs, then explore workarounds with our current features, and end with forwarding their request to our product team.
- “How would you deal with a rude customer?”
Example: I would remain calm and professional, followed by addressing their concerns patiently, and conclude by finding a mutually beneficial solution.
- “What if a potential client is hesitant to make a decision?”
Example: My approach would involve uncovering their specific concerns, then providing relevant information to address those concerns, and finally offering a risk-free trial period.
- “How would you handle a situation where you promised a delivery date but can’t meet it?”
Example: I’d start by informing the client immediately. Next, I’d explain the reason for the delay. To wrap up, I’d offer a solution or compensation for the inconvenience.
- “What would you do if you notice a coworker using unethical sales tactics?”
Example: First, I would talk to my coworker privately about my concerns. Then, I’d remind them of our company’s ethical standards. Lastly, I’d report the issue to my supervisor if the behavior continues.
Other Sample Sales Job Interview Questions and Answers
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“What motivates you in sales?”
Template: “I’m motivated by [specific aspect of sales], because [reason].”
Example: “I’m motivated by helping customers solve problems, because it’s rewarding to see them succeed with our product.” -
“How do you handle rejection?”
Template: “I view rejection as [positive perspective] and [action you take].”
Example: “I view rejection as a learning opportunity and use it to improve my approach for future prospects.” -
“Describe your sales process.”
Template: “My sales process involves [key steps], focusing on [important aspect].”
Example: “My sales process involves researching prospects, building rapport, identifying needs, and presenting tailored solutions, focusing on creating value for the customer.” -
“How do you stay updated on industry trends?”
Template: “I stay updated by [methods], which helps me [benefit].”
Example: “I stay updated by reading industry publications and attending webinars, which helps me provide informed advice to clients.” -
“What’s your approach to building customer relationships?”
Template: “I build relationships by [strategies], which leads to [positive outcome].”
Example: “I build relationships by actively listening and following up regularly, which leads to trust and repeat business.” -
“How do you handle difficult customers?”
Template: “With difficult customers, I [approach] and [desired result].”
Example: “With difficult customers, I stay calm and try to understand their concerns, aiming to find a solution that satisfies both parties.” -
“What’s your biggest sales achievement?”
Template: “My biggest achievement was [specific accomplishment], which resulted in [positive impact].”
Example: “My biggest achievement was landing a major account that increased our annual revenue by 20%, which opened doors to a new market segment.” -
“How do you prioritize your sales leads?”
Template: “I prioritize leads by [criteria], which helps me [benefit].”
Example: “I prioritize leads by their potential value and readiness to buy, which helps me focus my efforts on the most promising opportunities.” -
“What’s your strategy for hitting sales targets?”
Template: “My strategy involves [key actions] and [important factor].”
Example: “My strategy involves setting daily goals, maintaining a full pipeline, and staying persistent, even when facing challenges.” -
“How do you handle objections during a sale?”
Template: “I handle objections by [approach] and [desired outcome].”
Example: “I handle objections by listening carefully, addressing concerns directly, and turning them into opportunities to highlight our product’s benefits.”
Closing the Interview with the Right Questions
At the end of a sales job interview, you’ll often get a chance to ask your own questions. This is your opportunity to show interest and learn more about the role.
Some good questions you can ask the interviewer include:
- What does success look like in this role?
- How would you describe the company culture?
- What’s the biggest challenge facing the sales team right now?
- Can you tell me about the training process for new hires?
- What’s your favorite part about working here?
- How do you measure performance for this position?
- What’s the typical career path for someone in this role?
- Who would I be working with most closely?
- What’s the most important thing I should accomplish in my first 90 days?
- How does the company support ongoing learning and development?
- What’s the sales cycle like for your products or services?
- How does the company handle customer feedback?
- What tools or software does the sales team use?
- Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?
- How does the team celebrate wins?
- What sets your top performers apart?
- How often does the sales team meet?
- What’s the biggest opportunity for growth in the market right now?
- How does the company approach work-life balance?
- What’s the next step in the hiring process?
You might think of follow-up questions based on what you hear. Asking thoughtful questions shows you’re engaged and serious about the job.