18 Sales 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 interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common Sales Interview Questions
- What drew you to sales?
- What are some of the most challenging sales environments you've been in?
- What motivates you to sell?
- Why do you like sales?
- What do you see as the biggest benefits of selling?
- What do you think are the key skills necessary for success in sales?
- What do you believe is the most important factor in achieving success in sales?
- What do you see as the biggest challenges facing salespeople today?
- What motivates you to stay in sales?
- What do you think are the biggest benefits of selling?
- Why do you like sales?
- What do you see as the biggest advantages of selling?
- What motivates you to keep selling?
- What do you think are the key skills necessary for success in sales?
- What do you believe is the most important factor in achieving success in sales?
- What motivates you to stay in sales?
- Why do you like sales?
- What motivates you to keep selling?
What drew you to sales?
Sales is a people-oriented profession, and so the interviewer is likely looking to see if the candidate has the necessary people skills for the job. It's important for salespeople to be able to build rapport with potential customers, understand their needs, and then pitch them products or services that meet those needs. The interviewer wants to know if the candidate has the necessary interpersonal skills to be successful in sales.
Example: “Sales is a field that has always interested me because it requires a high level of skill and strategy. I like the challenge of finding new ways to persuade people to buy products or services, and I enjoy the fast-paced, competitive environment of sales. Additionally, I have always been good at building relationships and working in teams, which are both essential skills in sales.”
What are some of the most challenging sales environments you've been in?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the candidate's experience in sales and to identify any areas where the candidate may need improvement. By asking about the most challenging sales environments, the interviewer can get a sense of how the candidate has handled difficult situations in the past and what kinds of strategies the candidate uses to overcome challenges. This information can be used to help the interviewer determine if the candidate is a good fit for the position.
Example: “Some of the most challenging sales environments I've been in include selling high-end products to affluent customers and selling complex products to businesses. In both cases, it can be difficult to establish rapport and trust with potential customers, and there is often a lot of competition. To be successful in these environments, it's important to be very knowledgeable about your product, be able to articulate its value clearly, and be persistent in following up with potential customers.”
What motivates you to sell?
The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the salesperson is primarily motivated by money, commissions, or whether they are driven to sell and help customers. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine whether the salesperson is likely to be successful in their role. If the salesperson is motivated by helping customers and solving problems, they are more likely to be successful than someone who is only motivated by money.
Example: “The challenge and the opportunity to close a deal motivates me to sell. I also enjoy the process of building relationships with potential customers and helping them find the right product or service to meet their needs. Additionally, I am motivated by the commission structure in sales, which provides an incentive to sell more and earn more income.”
Why do you like sales?
The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the candidate's interest in and understanding of sales. It is important to know why someone enjoys sales in order to better understand how they may approach their work and what motivates them. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer determine if the candidate is likely to be successful in sales and whether they would be a good fit for the company.
Example: “Sales is a great career choice for me because I love working with people and helping them find the products or services they need. I'm also very competitive, so I enjoy the challenge of trying to beat my sales goals. And finally, I like the feeling of being rewarded for my hard work with a commission or bonus.”
What do you see as the biggest benefits of selling?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the candidate's understanding of the role of a salesperson. It is important for the candidate to be able to articulate the benefits of selling in order to be successful in the role.
Example: “The biggest benefits of selling are that it allows you to earn income, build relationships, and learn new skills. Selling also provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives by providing them with products or services that improve their quality of life.”
What do you think are the key skills necessary for success in sales?
The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the salesperson has the necessary skills for success in sales. It is important to have the key skills necessary for success in sales in order to be successful in sales.
Example: “The ability to build rapport, establish trust and credibility, and create value for the customer are key skills necessary for success in sales. In addition, being able to effectively communicate, negotiate, and close deals are also essential skills for sales success.”
What do you believe is the most important factor in achieving success in sales?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the salesperson's motivation and what they believe is important in order to be successful. This question allows the interviewer to see if the salesperson is internally or externally motivated and how they prioritize their time and efforts.
Example: “The most important factor in achieving success in sales is building relationships with customers. It’s important to understand customer needs and wants, and then craft a solution that meets those needs. But even the best product or service won’t sell itself – it takes a great salesperson to build relationships, overcome objections, and close deals.”
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing salespeople today?
The interviewer is trying to assess the candidate's knowledge of the sales industry and their ability to identify and articulate challenges faced by salespeople. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the candidate's understanding of the sales landscape and their ability to think critically about the challenges salespeople face. It also allows the interviewer to see how the candidate views the role of salespeople in the current market.
Example: “Salespeople today face a number of challenges, including increased competition, shorter sales cycles, and more demanding customers. In addition, they must contend with the ever-changing landscape of technology and the ways that it can be used to facilitate or hinder sales efforts. As such, the ability to adapt and change strategies on the fly has become increasingly important for salespeople.”
What motivates you to stay in sales?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the salesperson's level of commitment and motivation. It is important to know what motivates a salesperson to stay in sales because it can give insight into how likely they are to stick with a company, how much they enjoy their work, and how driven they are to succeed.
Example: “Sales is a challenging and demanding profession, and it takes a certain type of person to be successful in it. For me, what motivates me to stay in sales is the opportunity to constantly learn and grow. I love the feeling of being in an ever-changing environment where I'm constantly learning new things and developing my skills. Additionally, I'm motivated by the challenge of trying to win over new customers and clients. I find the process of selling to be both exhilarating and rewarding, and I enjoy the satisfaction that comes with successfully closing a deal.”
What do you think are the biggest benefits of selling?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the salesperson's understanding of the role and what motivates them. It is important to know what the benefits of selling are in order to be able to sell effectively. By understanding the benefits of selling, the salesperson can better articulate the value of their product or service to potential customers.
Example: “The benefits of selling are many and varied, but some of the most important include:
1. Earning an income: This is perhaps the most obvious benefit of selling, but it is nonetheless an important one. Selling allows you to earn money which can be used to support yourself and your family.
2. Gaining experience: Selling also provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills. You will learn how to communicate with people, how to negotiate and how to close deals. These skills will be invaluable in your future career.
3. Making new contacts: When you sell, you will meet new people and make new contacts. These contacts can be useful in your personal life as well as in your professional life.
4. Helping others: When you sell, you also have the opportunity to help others by providing them with products or services that they need or want. This can be a very satisfying feeling.”
Why do you like sales?
Sales is an important position in any company as they are responsible for generating revenue. An interviewer may ask this question to get an understanding of what motivates the candidate and what interests them about the position. It is important for the interviewer to understand the candidate's motivation as it will help them determine if the candidate is a good fit for the position.
Example: “Sales is a great career choice for me because I love working with people and helping them find solutions to their problems. I also enjoy the challenge of finding new customers and building relationships with them. In addition, I like the fact that sales is a results-oriented profession, and I enjoy the satisfaction of meeting and exceeding my targets.”
What do you see as the biggest advantages of selling?
The interviewer is likely looking to see if the candidate has a good understanding of the sales process and what it takes to be successful. This question also allows the interviewer to gauge the candidate's enthusiasm for the role and their ability to sell the company's products or services.
Example: “There are many advantages of selling, but the three biggest ones are:
1. Selling gives you the opportunity to earn an income.
2. Selling allows you to help others by providing them with products or services they need or want.
3. Selling gives you the opportunity to build relationships with customers and clients.”
What motivates you to keep selling?
Sales representatives are often motivated by the commission they receive on each sale. In order to keep selling, they need to be motivated to make sales. This question allows the interviewer to gauge how motivated the sales representative is to sell.
Example: “What motivates me to keep selling is the satisfaction I get from helping my clients achieve their goals. I also enjoy the challenge of finding new and innovative ways to increase sales and meet targets. Additionally, I am motivated by the recognition and rewards that come with success.”
What do you think are the key skills necessary for success in sales?
There are a few key reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to get a sense of whether or not you have the necessary skills for success in sales. Second, they want to see if you are able to identify what those skills are. And third, they want to gauge your level of experience and expertise in the field of sales.
The skills necessary for success in sales vary depending on the industry and the type of sales position. However, some of the most important skills include the ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and close deals.
Asking this question allows the interviewer to get a better sense of your qualifications and whether or not you would be a good fit for the position. It also shows that you are knowledgeable about the skills required for success in sales, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
Example: “The key skills necessary for success in sales are:
1. The ability to build rapport and relationships with customers.
2. The ability to listen to customer needs and requirements.
3. The ability to understand customer objections and concerns.
4. The ability to present solutions that meet customer needs.
5. The ability to close sales deals effectively.”
What do you believe is the most important factor in achieving success in sales?
The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the salesperson understands what it takes to be successful in sales. It is important for the salesperson to have a clear understanding of what factors are most important in achieving success in order to be able to sell effectively.
Example: “The most important factor in achieving success in sales is building strong relationships with customers. This involves creating a rapport with customers, understanding their needs and wants, and providing them with the best possible solution. It’s also important to keep in mind that building relationships takes time, so it’s important to be patient and consistent when working with customers.”
What motivates you to stay in sales?
The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the salesperson is in it for the long haul. It's important because if the salesperson is only in it for the short term, they may not be as dedicated to their job and may not be as effective.
Example: “Sales is a challenging and rewarding field that offers many opportunities for personal and professional growth. The most successful salespeople are driven by a strong desire to achieve their goals, and they are constantly looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. They are also motivated by the satisfaction that comes from helping others achieve their goals.”
Why do you like sales?
Sales is an important position in any company because they are responsible for generating revenue. An interviewer would ask this question to get a better understanding of the candidate's motivation for wanting the position, and to see if they have a genuine interest in sales. It is important to be honest in your answer, as the interviewer is likely to be able to tell if you are just saying what you think they want to hear. Talk about what you enjoy about the challenge of sales, the satisfaction of meeting targets, and the opportunity to build relationships with customers.
Example: “Sales is a great way to earn a living. It offers a good income, the opportunity to meet new people, and the chance to learn about new products and services. I enjoy the challenge of trying to persuade people to buy something, and I find it very satisfying when I succeed. I also like the fact that in sales you are usually working as part of a team, so it's a good way to make friends and build relationships.”
What motivates you to keep selling?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to know what drives the salesperson and what keeps them going, even when times are tough. This can give the interviewer some insight into how the salesperson works and how they might be able to motivate them to do even better. Additionally, the interviewer may be looking for any red flags that could indicate that the salesperson is not as motivated as they should be. For example, if the salesperson says that they are motivated by money, the interviewer may be concerned that they are only in it for the commission and not for the good of the company. Finally, the interviewer may simply be trying to get to know the salesperson better and understand what makes them tick.
Example: “The main motivator for me to keep selling is the satisfaction of knowing that I am helping people to improve their lives. This could be in the form of providing them with a product or service that they need or want, or simply by offering them advice and guidance on making important decisions. It is also very rewarding to see the positive impact that my work has on people's lives, and this is something that keeps me going even on the toughest days.”