Sales Job Interview

The Sales Job Interview is essential to the recruitment process as it helps the employer find particular qualities in potential job candidates they are seeking. Preparing for the interview is just as essential and can make a difference between getting a job offer or not.

The interview process can be stressful and uncomfortable for job seekers. But preparing and knowing how you'll handle yourself can go a long way toward calming your nerves and successfully completing the interview. Companies want to hire competent, successful, articulate people so it is crucial to remain calm and professional throughout the interview.

The following are some tips, questions and advice to help you prepare and ace your next sales job Interview. For additional advice and resources, or to ask questions about interviewing you can also post questions at the Sales Careers Online Networking Forum. 

Prepare for the Interview

Do your homework. It is crucial to understand what the company does, products they offer, etc. Research the company beforehand so that you can showcase that knowledge during the interview. This will boost your credibility with the interviewer and will help you to formulate intelligent questions to ask him or her.

Know where you're going. Make sure you have directions and you know how to get there. Make sure you know how long the trip will take and you have the name and phone number of the person you’ll be meeting with just in case there is a problem.

Find and prepare important documents. Always come prepared and bring important documents such as extra copies of your résumé, a passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, or portfolio of writing samples or other professional work. If you are a recent graduate, you should also bring along your college transcripts

Role-play the interview. Prior to your interview, role-play to prepare answers to common questions the interviewer is likely to ask, such as What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work here? Why should we hire you? and the ever popular Tell me about yourself.

Arrive early. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview. Visit the restroom and check your appearance in the mirror. Announce yourself to the receptionist to let him or her know that you have arrived and that you have an appointment. Turn your cell phone off so it doesn’t ring during your job interview.

Interview Tips

Dress for the part. Your clothing should be neat, pressed, and professional looking. It can be difficult to know the culture of the office environment beforehand so it is always better to just plan on dressing professionally.

Make a connection. Establishing a relationship quickly with the interviewer is important. Icebreakers, such as commenting on a picture or relating your hobbies or interests to an obvious interest of the interviewer, can work to your advantage. However, don't walk in ready to recite a rehearsed icebreaker: Every interviewer you encounter will have a different personality.

Ask questions. Before you walk into the interview, know what the company sells, whom they sell to, and the past, present and future growth of the company. Asking questions in the meeting will give you a greater understanding of the company and will show your interest.

Listen carefully. You should be able to interpret the interviewer's description of the position, then explain why your background fits the position. Pay close attention, and understand the company's needs. Doing so will give an interviewer reason to trust you'll do the same when talking to clients.

Close the sale. Sometimes, you make a sale only by asking for it. The same applies in some interviews. Don't be afraid to ask the interviewer if he or she has any questions or doubts about your candidacy. Remember, If you're afraid to ask for a second interview, you'll be afraid to ask for a client's business and the interviewer will recognize that.

Finally, It is almost impossible to know exactly what questions are going to be asked during the interview but you can expect that there are certain areas that will be likely to be explored. If you work in a sales role currently you already understand the importance of preparation prior to meeting a new customer or trying to close a deal and it’s no different when presenting yourself at an interview trying to win a new job. 

salescareersonline.com

 Written By: Rob Halvorsen