Common Interview Questions and Answers for a Sales Job

Sales positions are of significant importance and require individuals who are thorough, detailed, and accountable. If you are aspiring to secure a sales job, expect thorough interviews as part of the hiring process to ensure suitability for the job. Rather than feel frustrated that you would be encountering extensive questions, it is better to prepare thoroughly to make the most of the opportunity. We want to help you get that job; so, we have prepared some common interview questions and answers you should look out for as a salesperson. 

How many years of experience do you have as a salesperson?

 The belief is that the sales position is not just any role and it should be taken up by someone who has a rich experience in sales. While this question may come off as too direct, you should provide an honest response and briefly touch on what you've done and where you have worked as a salesperson. 

"I have been in the sales line for 4 years and during this period, I have taken courses that sharpened my skills in the B2B and B2C sales environments. Also, many times, I have met and even exceeded my sales target while maintaining strong customer relationships and working with different teams to drive impressive revenue." 

Have you ever hit it big in this field? 

Interesting question if you ask me but your interviewer simply just wants to know if you have made any exceptional success in sales. They want to see if there's really something different about you. To answer this question, give an instance when you made an incredible sales target or when you were awarded for being really good at what you do. Your answer can be; 

"While I am yet to have a single moment I'll describe as hitting it big, I have achieved great successes throughout my sales career. In my previous role at (? Company), I consistently exceeded my target quarter after quarter and was recognized for it. Also, I leveraged my networking and good negotiation skills to close profitable deals that raised the revenue of the company. Furthermore, for two consecutive years, I was recognized as a top salesperson."

Have you ever had a tough time making a sale? 

While the interviewer wants to know if you've had a hard time doing your thing, they also need a glimpse into how you handled it. So, you can not just say yes without giving a backstory such as how to adapt to the situation and how you moved on from it. To answer the question (if yes), simply say; 

"Yes, I have. I mean, I put so much effort into getting this particular sale, and along the line, the requirements changed and there were competing priorities within the client's organization. But, I didn't cut off the project; instead, I continually reached out to the client to see what the new needs were and worked with my team to ensure that we come up with solutions that fit into the client's time frame and agenda. 

Read Also: Salesmanship 101 - How to meet your sales target effortlessly

What do you think about our company? 

This is the question that justifies the part where you should research the company. If you are a salesperson, you should have checked out what the company does, why your role is important, and why you should take on the job. Based on your research, talk about the culture and aspects that resonate with you; it could be their product, market presence, or good reputation. Your response can be: 

"From my research, I see how passionate the company is about innovation and providing excellent customer service. The quality of your products and how much intentionality you put into marketing is incredible! I also love how you embrace new technologies and deliver solutions that pointedly address the needs of your target market. All of these are why I really look forward to joining the team." 

What does losing a deal feel like to you?

Regardless of how good you are with sales, there can be a time when things do not go as planned. So, if you are asked this question, reveal a healthy perspective on losing a deal. You can say: 

"Disappointing, at first. But afterward, I invest my energy into learning from my experience and refining my strategies. I take this step to ensure that I am focused on something new and bigger and also to remind myself that sales are just a number game and a minus is part of the process." 

Read Also: Job Description and Average Salary of a Sales Representative in Nigeria

What Sales Software/App are you familiar with?

If you know about some sales applications or software and have experience using them, talk about them and their relevance to your role. You can also go ahead to give a brief explanation of what you use the apps for. You can say: 

"I am familiar with customer relationship management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce and Hubspot which help me to manage and organize customer data, track leads, and monitor sales activities. Also, I use these CRM tools to generate reports, trace sales pipelines and ensure follow-up processes."

What do you enjoy most about working in sales?

Productivity is achieved when you enjoy what you do. Having a good time at your job as a salesperson should motivate you and drive satisfaction. Your interviewer is probably looking to see the aspect of sales that energizes you and makes you thrive in the environment. So, you can say: 

" I really enjoy building meaningful relationships with clients and helping them understand their needs. Also, I like the part about negotiating and closing deals, as well as the satisfaction that comes with meeting and exceeding my sales target. All of this fuel my motivation and drive me to even do more."