18 Sales Person Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various sales person interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common Sales Person Interview Questions
- What motivates you to sell?
- What is your experience in sales?
- How would you describe your selling style?
- What do you believe is the key to success in sales?
- How do you assess a potential customer's needs?
- How do you handle objections from customers?
- How do you know when you have successfully closed a sale?
- What do you do after a sale is closed?
- How do you keep track of your sales pipeline?
- How do you measure your success in sales?
- What are your goals for your career in sales?
- How do you stay up-to-date with changes in your industry?
- What is your experience with using technology in sales?
- How do you prospect for new customers?
- How do you build relationships with customers?
- How do you create a sales pitch?
- What do you do if a customer is not interested in buying?
- What are some common objections that customers give and how do you overcome them?
What motivates you to sell?
Sales people are typically motivated by commission or quotas. This is important to the interviewer because it allows them to gauge how hard the sales person will work and how much they will sell.
Example: “I am motivated to sell because I enjoy the challenge of finding new customers and helping them to find the products or services that they need. I also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that I have helped my customers to save money or to improve their businesses.”
What is your experience in sales?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the candidate's experience in sales and whether they would be a good fit for the organization. It is important to ask this question because sales is a critical function in most organizations and it is important to hire someone who has the necessary skills and experience to be successful.
Example: “I have been working in sales for the past 5 years and have gained a lot of experience during this time. I have worked in various industries and have closed deals with clients from all walks of life. I have also worked as a sales trainer for new employees, which has given me a lot of insight into different sales strategies.”
How would you describe your selling style?
The interviewer is trying to get a sense of how the sales person works and what their approach is. This is important because it can give the interviewer an idea of how the sales person would interact with customers and clients, and how they would go about trying to sell products or services.
Example: “My selling style can be best described as consultative. I take the time to understand my customer's needs and then work with them to find the best solution for their situation. I'm not pushy or sales-y, but I am very knowledgeable about my products and services and I'm confident in my ability to help my customers find what they're looking for.”
What do you believe is the key to success in sales?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the sales person's understanding of what it takes to be successful in sales. It is important to know what the key to success is in any given field because it can help guide one's actions and priorities. If the sales person does not believe that there is a key to success in sales, or does not know what it is, that could be indicative of a lack of understanding of the sales process and what it takes to be successful.
Example: “There is no one answer to this question as success in sales depends on a variety of factors. However, some key elements that are important for success in sales include:
-Product Knowledge: It is important for salespeople to have a good understanding of the products or services they are selling. This allows them to effectively communicate the features and benefits of the product to potential customers.
-Industry Knowledge: In addition to product knowledge, salespeople should also have a good understanding of the industry they are selling to. This allows them to identify trends and understand the needs of their customers.
-Relationship Building: Successful salespeople know how to build relationships with their customers. They understand the importance of developing trust and rapport with their clients.
-Communication Skills: Communication is a key skill for salespeople. They need to be able to clearly articulate their ideas and present information in a way that is easy for customers to understand.
-Persistence: Sales can be a challenging career, and successful salespeople are those who are willing to put in the hard work and effort required to succeed. They are persistent in the face of rejection and always continue to strive towards their goals.”
How do you assess a potential customer's needs?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a sales person. The first reason is to get an understanding of the sales person's process for assessing potential customer needs. This is important because the sales person needs to be able to identify the potential customer's needs in order to sell them the product or service. The second reason is to see if the sales person is able to identify potential objections that the customer may have. This is important because the sales person needs to be able to overcome objections in order to make the sale. The third reason is to see if the sales person is able to assess the potential customer's budget. This is important because the sales person needs to be able to sell the product or service within the customer's budget.
Example: “The best way to assess a potential customer's needs is to ask them directly. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or even casual conversations. It's important to get as much information as possible about their needs, wants, and expectations in order to better match them with the products or services that you offer. Once you have a good understanding of their needs, you can then begin to tailor your sales pitch and approach accordingly.”
How do you handle objections from customers?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the sales person's ability to handle objections from customers. It is important because it shows whether the sales person is able to overcome objections and close the sale.
Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to handle objections from customers will vary depending on the specific objection and the customer's individual personality. However, some tips on how to handle objections from customers in a sales setting include:
- Thank the customer for bringing up the objection. This shows that you are taking their concerns seriously.
- Acknowledge the validity of the objection. This shows that you understand where the customer is coming from.
- Offer a solution to the problem that the objection presents. This shows that you are prepared and have a plan to address the customer's concerns.
- Follow up with the customer after they have had a chance to try your solution. This shows that you are interested in their satisfaction and willing to continue working with them to address their needs.”
How do you know when you have successfully closed a sale?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the salesperson's understanding of the sales process and what it takes to successfully close a sale. This is important because it shows whether the salesperson is able to identify the key milestones in a sale and knows how to achieve them. A good answer would discuss the various stages of a sale, such as building rapport and establishing trust with the customer, determining their needs and pain points, presenting a solution that meets their needs, and handling objections. The salesperson should also be able to explain how they know when a sale is successful, such as when the customer expresses interest in the product or service, agrees to a meeting, or signs a contract.
Example: “There are a few things that you can look for when trying to determine if you have successfully closed a sale. First, you should ask the customer if they are satisfied with the product or service. If they are happy with what they have purchased, then you have likely closed the sale. Secondly, you can ask the customer if they would like to purchase any additional products or services. If they decline, then you have probably closed the sale. Finally, you can ask the customer for a testimonial or review. If they provide one, then you have likely closed the sale.”
What do you do after a sale is closed?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the sales person's follow-through and commitment to customer service. It is important to know how the sales person will handle the customer after the sale is closed in order to ensure that the customer is satisfied and that the company's reputation is maintained.
Example: “After a sale is closed, the salesperson will typically follow up with the customer to ensure that they are satisfied with the product or service. They may also check in to see if the customer needs any additional assistance. Additionally, the salesperson may reach out to other potential customers to generate new leads.”
How do you keep track of your sales pipeline?
The interviewer is likely trying to gauge the sales person's organizational skills and ability to keep track of important data. This is important because the sales pipeline is often used to measure a sales person's performance and productivity. If the sales person cannot keep track of their pipeline, it could impact their ability to accurately report on their sales numbers and close deals.
Example: “There are a few different ways to keep track of a sales pipeline. One way is to use a CRM (customer relationship management) system. This can help you keep track of your contacts, their information, and the status of your interactions with them. Another way is to use a spreadsheet or other type of tracking system. This can help you keep track of your leads and their contact information, as well as the status of your interactions with them.”
How do you measure your success in sales?
The interviewer is trying to determine if the salesperson has a good understanding of what it takes to be successful in sales. It is important for the interviewer to know if the salesperson has a good understanding of what it takes to be successful in sales because it will help them determine if the salesperson is likely to be successful in the position.
Example: “There are a few different ways that I measure my success in sales. The first way is by looking at my sales numbers and seeing how many products or services I have sold. I also look at the average sale amount and compare it to my goals. Another way I measure success is by the number of new clients I bring in or the number of repeat clients I have. I also look at the feedback I receive from clients to see if they are happy with my service.”
What are your goals for your career in sales?
The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the sales person is committed to the career and whether they have long-term goals. It is important because it shows whether the sales person is in it for the long haul and is willing to put in the work to meet their goals.
Example: “My goal is to be successful in sales and to have a long and prosperous career. I want to be able to sell anything to anyone, and to always be closing deals. I also want to be able to work my way up the ladder and eventually become a sales manager or even a director.”
How do you stay up-to-date with changes in your industry?
An interviewer might ask "How do you stay up-to-date with changes in your industry?" to a sales person to get a sense of how the sales person keeps abreast of changes that might impact their ability to sell products or services. It is important for sales people to stay up-to-date with changes in their industry so that they can adapt their sales strategies as needed and be able to answer questions from potential customers about how the changes might impact them.
Example: “There are a few different ways that I stay up-to-date with changes in my industry. First, I read industry-specific news sources on a regular basis. This helps me to keep abreast of new developments and trends. Additionally, I network with other professionals in my field, which gives me a chance to hear about new products, services, and ideas firsthand. Finally, I attend trade shows and conferences whenever possible. These events provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest industry advancements.”
What is your experience with using technology in sales?
The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the sales person's comfort level with using technology in sales. This is important because many sales jobs now require the use of technology, such as CRM software, to track customer interactions and manage sales pipelines. If the sales person is not comfortable using technology, they may not be able to perform their job effectively.
Example: “I have experience using technology in sales in a few different ways. First, I am very familiar with using customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage customer data and sales opportunities. I have also used various types of sales automation software to help me with tasks such as prospecting and lead generation. Additionally, I am comfortable using presentation software such as PowerPoint to create sales presentations.”
How do you prospect for new customers?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask "How do you prospect for new customers?" to a Sales Person. Firstly, it is important to know how a sales person finds new customers as this directly impacts their ability to sell products or services. Secondly, it allows the interviewer to gauge the sales person's level of experience and expertise. Finally, it helps the interviewer understand the sales person's sales process and how they go about finding new customers.
Example: “There are a number of ways to prospect for new customers. Some common methods include attending trade shows and networking events, conducting market research, and using lead generation services.”
How do you build relationships with customers?
An interviewer would ask a sales person how they build relationships with customers in order to gauge the sales person's ability to establish rapport, build trust, and create loyalty. It is important for sales people to be able to build strong relationships with customers because it is the foundation upon which successful sales are built. If a sales person cannot establish a good relationship with a customer, it will be difficult to sell them anything.
Example: “There are a few key things that you can do to build strong relationships with your customers:
1. Get to know them on a personal level. Take the time to learn about their interests, their families, and their businesses. The more you know about them, the better you will be able to serve them.
2. Be responsive to their needs. If they need something, do your best to get it for them as quickly as possible.
3. Be honest with them. They will appreciate your candor and it will build trust between you and them.
4. Keep your promises. If you say you're going to do something, make sure you follow through.
5. Show them that you care about them as people, not just as customers. Thank them for their business, but also let them know that you appreciate them as individuals.”
How do you create a sales pitch?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the sales person's ability to create an effective sales pitch. A good sales pitch can be the difference between making a sale and losing a sale, so it is important for sales people to be able to craft an effective pitch.
Example: “The first step is to understand your audience. What are their needs and wants? What are their pain points? Once you understand your audience, you can craft a sales pitch that addresses their needs and speaks to their pain points.
Next, you need to grab their attention. This can be done with a strong opening statement or a compelling story. You want to make sure your sales pitch is interesting and engaging from the very beginning.
Once you have their attention, it's time to present your solution. Explain how your product or service can help solve their problem. Be clear and concise in your explanation, and use data and statistics to back up your claims.
Finally, close with a call to action. Tell your audience what you want them to do next, whether it's buying your product or signing up for your service. Make it easy for them to take that next step by providing a link or a contact form.”
What do you do if a customer is not interested in buying?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a sales person. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the sales person's ability to handle rejection. Second, it allows the interviewer to see how the sales person might try to overcome objections from a customer. Finally, it allows the interviewer to get a sense of the sales person's overall sales strategy.
It is important for a sales person to be able to handle rejection because it is a natural part of the sales process. A good sales person will be able to take rejection in stride and not let it discourage them from making future sales. Additionally, a good sales person will be able to use rejection as a learning opportunity to improve their sales strategy.
Example: “If a customer is not interested in buying, the sales person should first try to understand the reasons why. Is there a specific product or service that the customer is not interested in? Or is the customer simply not ready to make a purchase? Once the sales person understands the reason for the lack of interest, they can then try to address the issue. For example, if the customer is not interested in a particular product, the sales person could try to suggest a similar product that might be of interest. If the customer is simply not ready to make a purchase, the sales person could try to provide more information about the products or services in question, or offer a discount or other incentive to encourage the customer to buy.”
What are some common objections that customers give and how do you overcome them?
The interviewer is asking this question to gain insight into the sales person's ability to handle objections from customers. It is important for the sales person to be able to overcome objections in order to make a sale.
Example: “Some common objections that customers give include:
1. The price is too high.
To overcome this objection, you could try to negotiate a lower price with the customer or offer them a discount. You could also try to explain the value of the product or service and how it will benefit them in order to justify the price.
2. I'm not interested.
To overcome this objection, you could try to find out what the customer's needs and interests are and then explain how your product or service can meet those needs. You could also try to show them how your product or service is better than the competition.
3. I don't have time.
To overcome this objection, you could try to schedule a convenient time for the customer or offer them a faster or easier way to use your product or service. You could also try to show them how your product or service will save them time in the long run.”