Interview performance is especially critical in landing sales jobs--especially if you don't have a strong

background in sales. You may be a great salesman, with a lot of potential, but if you can't sell yourself
during the sales interview, you'll never get the chance to prove yourself in the field. If you can sell
yourself during the interview, the interviewer will believe you'll be able to sell yourself to prospective
customers and close deals.

Sales interviews usually rely heavily on behavioral interview questions. The interviewer will ask several
questions about your sales experience and accomplishments, but the majority of the interview will focus
on testing your sales ability and finding out if you have the key competencies required of a successful
sales person. Interview questions will be designed to see if you communicate effectively, are motivated,
persistent, and persuasive.

The following are some of the most common questions you can expect to see in a sales interview. While
the exact questions may vary, you can be sure that the themes will appear in some form or another.
Develop answers for the questions below and you'll be prepared for your next sales interview.

Why are you interested in this position?

The first thing hiring managers and interviewers want to know is that you're really interested in a
position in sales. While this isn't the hardest question to answer, it's important you can provide a
compelling answer that demonstrates you're interested in the position and good at selling.

Not only do you want to demonstrate to the interviewer that you're interested in selling, you also want
to let the interviewer know that that you're very interested in selling the company's specific products
and/or services. Communicating that you like selling tells an interviewer you may be a good fit for the
position. Demonstrating to the interviewer that you'reinterested in selling the company's products, and
that you've done your research, tells the interviewer that you're ready to hit the ground running if
you're hired. Make sure you come to the interview having thoroughly researched the company's
products, services, and sales strategies. Explain how your sales ability and past experience make you the
best candidate for the position.

Example Answer
For the last five years I've worked as a sales engineer for XYZ company. For the last three years I been the
top producing sales engineer in my division. Notwithstanding the success I've achieved, one of the
challenges I've faced time and again is trying to convince prospective clients that they should swith from
your company's platform to XYZ's platform. Your company has a stellar reputation for quality and
customer service, and you're unquestionably the leader in this industry. XYZ knows it, I know it and the
industry knows it. I'm confident, if given the opportunity to sell your products, I could be one of the very
top producers for your company.

What motivates you?

Salesman are motivated people. Highly successful salesman are highly motivated. Interviewers want to
see that you're highly motivated, that you're passionate about sales, and that have what it takes to be
successul in sales.

There isn't a correct answer to this question. You just need to convince that interviewer that sales is
your career path of choice and that you're driven to achieve. When answering this question, be honest.
Share with the interviewer what it is that makes you tick. What is it about sales that drives you to reach
new heights.

One of the most effective ways to answer this questions is with an example. If you're a seasoned sales
professional dig into your past and find a work related example that demonstrates where you
motivation comes from and what you can accomplish. If you're new to sales, share an example of a time
(work, school, extra-curricular, etc.) when you were motivated to go the extra mile and achieve great
things.

Example Answer
I'm driven by competition--competition with others and competition with myself. Not only am I
motivated to be the best at what I do, but I'm motivated to out do myself whenever I get the chance. I'm
also motivated by the thrill of the chase, challenge of the hunt and satisfaction of the kill. I enjoy
prospecting for new clients, learning everything I can about a prospective client, developing the perfect
pitch, and then closing the deal.

How do you deal with rejection?

Even the best salesmen face rejection. In fact, many of the best salesmen face a lot of rejection. The
difference between an excellent salesmen, an okay salesman, and someone who can't deal with sales, is
how well they're able to perservere while facing rejection.

Interviewers recognize that sales is demanding. They want to know, no, they must know, if you can put
yourself out there again and again in the face of ongoing rejection. If you have a strong sales record,
answering this questions shouldn't be too hard. If you've never been involved in sales before, you're
going to have to persuade the interviewer that you can deal with rejection.

The reality is that no one enjoys rejection. So don't tell the interviewer that it doesn't bother you--
especially if you've never had a real sales job. You'll come across as disingenous, rehearsed, or even
worse, naive.

Answer this question by talking about how rejection motivates you to learn and improve your ability to
sell. Explain that while you don't enjoy reject, you don't take it personal or let it affect your mental
attitude.

Example Answer
I worked for four years as a door-to-door salemen selling pest control contracts in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rejection was the name of the game in that industry. Salesmen that let the rejection get to them were
ineffective, and often quit. Successful door-to-door salesmen recognized that rejection was just the
nature of the job--it was nothing personal. Loosing a sale isn't fun. But I look at rejection as an
opportunity to learn and improve my sales technique.

Do you consistently meet sales quotas?

This is an obvious one. The interviewer is basically asking how successful you've been at sales in the
past. Sales is a demanding business and there's no substitute for experience. If you want the job, you'll
need to demonstrate--preferrably through your work history--that you have a track record of meeting
sales quotas and achieving goals.

To answer this question, indentify your greatest sales achievement. Think about what you accomplished
and everything it required in terms of preparation, education, learning curve, dedication and ability. Be
prepared to demonstrate to the interviewer, using this example, that you been successful at sales in the
past AND that you'll be successful in the future.

Example Answer
Over my career I've not only met all minimum quotas but I've set several sales records. Between 2007
and 2008, when many sales professionals in my industry were seeking non-sales related jobs due to the
recession, I was able to increase my production by 10% over the previous year. Even though market
conditions weren't ideal, I was able to find new sales strategies and techniques to help me maintain my
momentum.

Sell me this pencil.

So, you say you can sell? Prove it! If you say you can sell, then you better be prepared to prove it. That's
what this question is all about--and it's a popular one.

One of the best ways an interviewer can get a feel for your selling strengths and style is to see you in
action. This question is also designed to put you on the spot, see if you can think on your feet, and test
your ability to perform under pressure.

So what's the key to answering this question? Sell the benefits of the pencil, not the pencil itself. And
before you start selling the benefits of the pencil, find out what the buyer (the interviewer in this case) is
looking for. If the interviewer want's a something that doesn't smear, focus on how the pencil uses a
new and improve type of lead that is smear proof. What ever you do, make sure to help the interviewer
feel that the product you're selling is a necessity for their situation and make them feel special.

Example Sales Approach/Answer

Interviewee: "Do you mind if I first ask you a few questions about your writing habits and preferences?"

Interviewer: "That would be fine."

Interviewee: "How often do you use pencils?"

Interviewer: "Not very often."

Interviewee: "Why is that?"

Interviewer: "Pencils are a pain. The lead jams and they smear. I prefer pens."

Interviewee: "I noticed you're using one today. Why is that?"

Interviewer: "It just happened to be what was available."

Interviewee: "I see. That's not uncommon. Many businesses supply their employees with pencils for
various reasons, not least of which is that they're much less expensive than pens. Unfortunately, in their
cost savings attempts, businesses neglect to recognize that not all pencils are the same. The cheapest
pencils do smear and jam. There are however several varieties of inexpensive pencils on the market
today, including this one, that employ an updated design to inhibit jamming, as well a composite
replacement for traditional lead that doesn't smear. The result is a product that rivals any pen every
made. Best of all this pencil doesn't ever leak. It's one thing to deal with a smear. Getting ink on your
hand, or shirt, is an entirely different story. This is what I can do for you..." etc.

If you're a seasoned sales professional, applying for a serious sales position, be prepared to sell one of
the company's own products or services to the interviewer. Do your due diligence and research before
arriving at the interview. Make sure you're familiar with all the company's products and services and the
benefits, costs and value propositions of each.