Interview preparation can mean the difference between success and failure in sales interviews. These interview tips come from an experienced interview and test day manager. They will help you create evidence of your experience and skills that match the position you are applying for. Follow these tips and you'll tailor your answers to the intended interview questions and avoid the common mistakes many candidates make.
Candidates go to a meeting that can dramatically increase their income and give them a better lifestyle. You could reap the benefits of job satisfaction and actually be happy at work. And yet I see so many candidates who obviously haven't prepared. It impacts your chances of success in the first few minutes and shows that you haven't invested in effective interview preparation.
What you don't want to see in an interview is a candidate struggling to answer basic questions that they should have expected and prepared for. They will not know the exact wording of every interview question they are asked. But they can predict 90% of the topics of the interview questions. They can also prepare how to present their interview responses and evidence that they are a good match for the position being offered. A basic interview tip that every applicant should use is to gather as much information as possible about the job, the company, the industry and the market. This information can come from the job description, job posting, internet, people already working there and feel free to contact their ads department.
Once you have all the information, you can make a list of all the questions that can be asked in job interviews. Pay special attention to any information you have about the job. They are looking for someone who can demonstrate their skills and experience to fill this role. So write your list of interview questions that might be asked to find out if the candidates meet the requirements of the position. Once you have your list, you can match your skills and experience to the predicted questions. Start with the areas of the role where you are strongest. These are the easiest to answer. Then work on the weakest spots. Keep in mind that you still need to answer questions about areas where you have little or no evidence. You still need to present your answers confidently and communicate well. Don't just say you didn't or that you don't have any experience in the field. Frame your answer positively and tell them how you could quickly learn any training they give you, and then use a similar learning experience as an example of your ability to learn new skills.
Once you've covered all of the job skills and experience requirements, look for the attitudes and personality traits the interviewer might be looking for. Example: A sales interview at a company that builds on customer service is looking for a different type of person than at a one-off sales and sales goal oriented company. Look for indicators in the job description of where the company falls on the scale between customer service and sales, which is what matters. You can get an idea of how the company operates from the ads. Are they price based with ongoing sales and discounts, or are they focused on quality and service?
Now imagine what kind of person an employer with a high sales focus is looking for compared to a company that advertises quality and service. With these differences in mind, assess the company you're interviewing with and what they'll be looking for in you. Then look at your personal and professional experiences and select the ones you want to present that match your image of the ideal candidate. These should be experiences and examples of how you fit the personality type and attitudes that the employer is looking for.
Remember this important interview tip: you can't give an employer everything. You can't take a shotgun approach and project an image that simultaneously portrays you as a caring, customer service-oriented account manager and an uncompromising, sales-oriented high performer. Only by investing in proper interview preparation and giving yourself the information to be successful can you score in a sales interview.
Reviewed by Linfinity
on
August 12, 2022
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