Sales Executive Interview Questions & Answers: Are you gearing up for a sales interview? Congratulations! You have completed a long journey of learning and acquiring sales skills.
Now, it is time to appear for the test. However, good preparation will increase the probability of your success.
This post will help you to learn about the common sales interview questions & answers. Go through it and you will get an idea of how to answer sales-related questions.
So, without any further delay, let us start the discussion.
Sales Interview Questions & Answers
Introduce Yourself.
The main goal of this question is to know about how well you can communicate.
Selling is about convincing people. Hence, the recruiter will judge your confidence as well as body language.
Therefore, you must prepare a good answer for this question.
Remember, the first impression matters a lot, both in interviews and in the real world.
Do not forget to add your experiences in successful sales (if any). Telling recruiters about your success stories will help you to stand out from others.
In short, speak about only your true achievements. Keep an enthusiastic body language and make your answer interesting. Maintain a confident body language as well.
Question#1: Can You Make Cold Calls?
Answer:
Have you already worked as a sales executive in some other company?
Then, say “yes.” Tell them about your experiences. Take the following as a sample but do not forget to customize it.
The results of cold calls can be unpredictable. However, I always research the company and the prospect before calling. And it increases the success rate of closing the deal.
Moreover, my sales approaches are rather convincing and compelling. That is how I made a successful journey in sales in my previous job.
On the contrary, if you are just a beginner, you must say no to this question. Do not forget to tell them you hold rich knowledge of cold calling.
This is a sample answer. Customize it in your own way.
I do not have practical experience in cold calling. But, I am well familiar with this concept. Moreover, I have created many strategies to make the deal successful.
I will be explaining the product benefits complying with prospects’ pain-points.
Thus, they will think about our products and show interest to know more.
Then, I will request them for a preferred date & time to schedule a telephonic meeting.
I have some excellent convincing strategies to close the sales thereafter.
(Note that recruiters will judge your personality with this question. They will check whether you can initiate a conversation. Of course, the straightforward answer to this question is either a yes or no. Nonetheless, it is better to add some more explanations to support your answer.)
Question#2: How Did You Achieve The Most Successful Sales In Your Career?
Answer:
Tell your recruiters about your biggest success in your career. Explain your strategies in short.
A sample answer (customize it as per your case):
I hold the biggest success in my career in selling ABC software to many people. I started my journey with cold emails and cold calls.
I made target customers familiar with the software. Also, let them know how this product can solve their specific problem.
My main goal was to explain the product benefits that comply with their problems. I also tried my best to resolve all their queries.
Thus, they realized the need for that product in their lives. And that is how I could manage to close many sales for that software.
(Here, interviewers want to know about your approach in closing sales. Tell them your success story in a short yet step-by-step process. Remember, your answer will display your work strategies and ideas. Thus, they will judge whether you would be capable of handling their sales department.
On the other hand, if you do not have any experience so far, speak about your strategies. Let them know how you are going to convince and persuade prospects. Tell them that you have the confidence to close sales with your tactics.)
Question#3: Do You Have Any Long-Term Career Goals?
Answer:
Yes! I want to work in the team of a prestigious sales team like yours. I always keep on improving my skills and updating my knowledge. And I would keep on doing the same in the future as well. Moreover, I would like to boost my leadership skills to perform my tasks with the ace.
(Recruiters want to know about your ambitions and goals with this question. Thus, they will judge your willingness to improve your skill and knowledge. As a result, the recruiters will find out whether you are a dynamic candidate or not.)
Question#4: Do You Have Any Experience To Close A Hard-To-Achieve Deal?
Answer:
Speak about your achievement how you have cracked a difficult deal.
If you are a newcomer, let the recruiters know about your strategies. Tell them how you will convince the prospects.
A sample answer (customize according to your answer):
I joined the sales team of a startup and it was tough for me to sell its software to customers. So, I designed strategies to persuade prospects. I sent cold emails and placed cold calls. I request them for a date and time, as per their schedules.
And then, upon calling, I have explained the software benefits to them that will solve their particular problems. Thus, I managed to convert many prospects into customers.
Question#5: Why Do You Want To Work As A Sales Executive?
Answer:
I always wanted to help people with specific solutions. So, I think this field is a great opportunity to do that. Here, I can solve specific problems of customers with products or services. And at the same time, I can also ensure my growth.
Moreover, I have convincing skills that will make people think about my offer. I want to work in a setup, where I can directly communicate with customers. So, I think “sales” is the most appropriate field for me.
Question#6: Why Do You Think You Are The Most Deserving Candidate For This Job?
Answer:
A sample answer (customize it accordingly):
I have designed great strategies to convince prospects and close deals. Moreover, I always organize my work and set reminders for emails and follow-ups. I am patient enough to listen to the questions of prospects. I can tackle unpleasant situations with ease.
I leave no stone unturned to resolve queries of prospects. I provide fast response and clear information. Furthermore, I always stay updated with the new trends and tactics of sales. That is how I keep on changing my tactics, according to the situation.
Thus, I can create a positive impression in the customers’ minds. I think I can work on both easy and challenging situations. Hence, I think I am the most suitable candidate for this post.
(Here, interviewers want to know the best sales qualities that you have. Remember, your qualities must match with the requirements and expectations of the job role. At least, you need to ensure the same before applying.)
Question#7: How Do You Handle Disappointments?
Answer:
Disappointment is a part of the journey of a sales executive. Many times, clients do not show any interest in our offer. However, I take this as a learning experience to find out the gaps.
I devote some time to figure out the flaws and update my strategies accordingly. And then, I do some meditation and move on in my next work.
Question#8: Sell Me A Center Table.
Answer:
It is a beautiful center table to improve the appeal of your living room. Not only it is attractive but also it is durable and sturdy. Even if you have a small space, it can still adjust to your space. And all these features come at a budget-friendly price. I think it is a great deal that you should not miss.
Question#9: What Kind Of Work Ambiance Do You Prefer The Most?
Answer:
You should analyze the work environment of the office before applying. Thus, you will have an idea about how to answer this question. You can also ask the recruiter regarding the work ambiance in their organization.
Thus, you can customize your answer. Add which aspects of their work environment you prefer the most. Ask yourself which environment you prefer the most. Is it the phone teleselling or an independent sales work?
(It is an important question for you as well as the recruiter. You need to work in an ambiance that suits you the best. On the other hand, it is essential for the recruiters as well to select the best candidate for their business.)
Question#10: Are You Confident About Your Sales Strategies?
Answer:
Yes! I am confident enough to leave a positive impression on the prospects’ minds. I keep on learning and updating my knowledge. Thus, I change my strategies accordingly.
I hope you got some insights into the types of questions. Customize the answers according to your situation.
(Here, the interviewer wants to ensure whether you are the right fit for the job. They want to judge if you are confident about your strategies).
Question#11: What Is Your Source Of Motivation?
Answer:
I would like to help people to solve their problems by useful products or services. Moreover, I want to connect with prospects and customers directly to resolve their queries. These are two key motivations in my career.
Question#12: How Will You Handle A Team If You Are Given An Opportunity?
Answer:
I always believe in team-playing and I am eager to play the role of a team leader. I will always open to the suggestions of other team players.
Moreover, I will try my best to keep their motivation intact in case of any disappointment. I will also ensure each and every member helps each other to reach the goal.
I will give my team players flexibility to come up with their ideas. I will design sales strategies by taking the views of members into consideration. I will leave no stone unturned to keep harmony in my team.
Question#13: Which Three Factors Do You Think Important To Connect With Prospects?
Answer:
The first factor is patience. It is essential to listen to what the prospects have to ask. The second factor is questing prospects. I need to question them to know about their interests. And the third factor is asking for questions. I will request prospects to ask me questions if they have any regarding the offer.
Question#14: How Do You Confident About Your Selling?
Answer:
I have already closed many sales in my career. So, I am confident enough.
If you are a newcomer, then tell them, “I am confident about my strategies. I devote a lot of time in learning new tactics. I know how to make a positive impression and the art of convincing.”
(Remember, some interviewers can test your confidence with such questions. Prepare these questions in advance so that you can face them instantly).
Have confidence in your tone and body language. Hope for the best and good luck!
