A sales interview is no doubt an integral part of any sales recruitment process. You would hardly find any company which would hire for a sales role without an elaborate and probing interview.
As much as an interview is a way for the company to evaluate the candidate on various parameters, it is also a great opportunity for the candidate to clear the doubts about the job role. You need to ask questions.
But what are the questions that should be asked by the candidate in a sales interview? In this post, we share with you some really important questions that can truly impact your sales interview performance and impress the interviewer.
Can You Elaborate On the Culture of the Company?
The first question that you can ask actually serves a dual purpose. When you ask this kind of question, firstly, you can display that you have done your homework by researching the company.
Believe us, companies are looking for this! Secondly, you get a fair insight into the company culture, work values, internal processes, and more. That way you can also decide whether the company is for you.
Your needs are just as important as the employers. If you can come to an agreement, it is a win-win for everyone.
How Does a Typical Day of a Sales Representative Look Like in the Organization?
Sales roles are known to be work-intensive. Therefore, it is important to understand the company’s expectations from you in the role, from the very beginning itself.
While it would be distasteful to ask about it directly, a good and subtle way of doing that is to ask about the workday of a sales representative!
Will I Be Provided Any Training on the Products/Services I’m Supposed to Sell?
This one again is a clever question! Most companies, you know, would have product-specific training programs for their employees. But by asking this question, you express your eagerness to learn, something that the companies very much desire.
Therefore, consider asking about the training programs of the company whenever you get an opportunity during the interview.
What Are the Various Measures of Success in the Sales Role?
Measuring success in sales is a multidimensional exercise. Number of leads generated, number of converts, cross-selling targets, and more – there can be many measures of success.
Asking about the ones applicable to your role will help you understand your job better, and orient you in the right direction from the beginning itself.
How is Performance Rewarded in the Organization?
In a typical interview for any other profile, asking about, rewards, hikes, and promotional aspects, etc. Is a big no. However, it works the opposite way for a sales interview.
Sales is a highly target-oriented and rewards-driven field. So if you inquire about rewards and commissions, it shows that you are willing to perform from day 1 itself.
Are You Able to Identify Any Concerns Over My Fit For This Role?
Is There Anything I Can Do to Prepare Myself Better For It?
Now, this is a question that can literally close the deal for you! Sales is a field that requires one to possess certain specific skill sets, in order to excel.
Asking this question will put you across as someone who is not only humble but willing to take others’ inputs and improve. On a personal level, it will be good to have quick feedback.
Takeaway
Asking questions in a sales interview is a big advantage. However, it is important that you ask only the right and relevant questions. We have provided a few that you can ask right away. Doing your due diligence will land you that job.