Sales Job Interview Guide

If you want to get a job in sales, might be for a pharmaceutical company, furnitures or any product for that matter, you must first need to become the product. You need to learn how to “sell” yourself. But mind you, don’t overdo it.

In order to effectively present yourself, here are some tips that might be useful. First of all, arrive early. Be there 15 minutes before the interview but not more than that. Also, you must pay attention and closely listen to the company’s needs. It is also very mportant to make a connection with your interviewer. You can start off with an ice breaker such as commenting on a picture. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the company, it’s products and whom they sell it to. It’ll give you a greater understanding of the company. Be reayd to present a plan of action on how you will sell the product if asked. Lastly, close the sale and one way to do it is by asking for it.

In corporate sales position interviews, the goal of the interviewer is to assess whether you are suitable in the sales environment in addition to reviewing background and skill. When you’re in this kind of interview, you have to be prepared in answering tricky questions such as “Do you prepare to work alone or with a group?”

You have to be careful when answering these kinds of questions. For instance, when asked about your preference about working alone or with a group, you have to think, think, think very carefully. If you answer that a solo environment is definitely better, they might not see you as a team player. On one hand, if prefer a group scenario then you might not get accepted since most sales rep are out in the field working alone. Hence, the safest way is to convey that you can be effective in both environments.

Preparation for a job interview is very crucial if you want to leave a good impression. It’s either you are prepared or you don’t get the job. In job interviews, first impression will always be important. You will get hired if you can rise above the rest iand that will happen f you do your homework.

Here are four common job interview questions that you can practice on.

1. What are your strengths and weakness?
2. What is your ideal work environment?
3. How do you handle mistakes?
4. What is your most notable accomplishments?

Before going to any job interviews, try to answer the above questions at home. It is never wrong to come prepared.

In a job interview, first impressions do matter. Usually, you’re meeting the recruiter for the first time, so you must make the best impression possible. Politeness is the key here. When going inside the room, greet the interviewer and smile. You can even greet her with a “How do you do?” and then introduce yourself and your purpose for being there. Ask questions during the interview to show them that you really are interested in the job that they are offering. When it’s over, thank the interviewer for her time and excuse yourself to go. A polite thank-you note would also be nice.

The dress codes for various types of job differ depending on the work environment. But in a conservative business environment appearances do matter. According to image consultants, 55% of other people’s perception on you is based on how you look. So in any interview regardless of the type of job you are applying for always wear your best. It is better to overdressed than to be underdressed or to be undressed at all. Here are some basics from Kim Zoller’s Dressing for Success (jobsearch.about.com).
Women’s Interview Attire

• Solid color, conservative suit

• Coordinated blouse

• Moderate shoes

• Limited jewelry

• Neat, professional hairstyle

• Tan or light hosiery

• Sparse make-up & perfume

• Manicured nails

• Portfolio or briefcase

Men’s Interview Attire

• Solid color, conservative suit

• White long sleeve shirt

• Conservative tie

• Dark socks, professional shoes

• Very limited jewelry

• Neat, professional hairstyle

• Go easy on the aftershave

• Neatly trimmed nails

• Portfolio or briefcase

Have you ever enjoyed or liked a movie that every time you see a friend or meet someone you would always share and invite that person to watch that movie? This is the same idea of pre-selling. In a career in sales referrals are important and how you prepare the customers in buying your product or availing your service is important. That is why in the field of sales, relational skills are important. Teena Rose, a resume writer writes that, “Successful sales representatives are individuals who take an aggressive approach to expanding their client base and sales.”

One ability to network will demonstrate one skill in relationship building. After all, this is what business is all about. Learn more at quintcareers.com.

When handling a job interview, it is always better to have your list of Dos and Don’ts. I classify Do’s and Don’ts depending on their values. Some Dos and Don’ts value are based on the external actions and physical appearances. Stuff like not chewing gum, not inquiring about salary, about looking good and etc. However, there are Dos and Don’ts that are of more value and deals with attitude. I guess one of the main characteristics that employers are looking for is the attitude. The right attitude is important in sales. Good appearance may land you the job, but the right attitude will keep you there.

The goal is to have a successful career in sales not just to land a job. Ones thinking and belief largely contributes to ones career. This is the reason why it is important to even choose the company you will be working for. When it comes to products or services, look for a company which offers products and services that you are passionate about. Seek out employers who will invest in your professional growth by having a solid and structured program that would help you launch your sales career. Take every opportunity to learn about sales and network to help you advance.

It is better that you have already a brief background of the questions that are to be asked. This may help you not to be so nervous during the interview. Here are some probable questions that the interviewer might ask:
- Why and when did you decide that sales is the right career for you?
- How long have you been seeking employment in sales industry?
- How would you describe “selling”?
- Name 5 reasons why you would be a good sales representative.
- Why should we hire you over the other applicants?
Visit these sites for more unexpected interview questions: justsell.com, job-interview.net, and quintcareers.com

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An interviewee who goes to a job interview not fully prepared is like a soldier going to a battle without his weapons. Like the battles victory, we can also achieve our victory in job interviews by having the essentials.

Personally, if I have an interview and I am still not prepared, I would rather choose not to because I know that it would be just a disaster. I experienced several interviews already, but there is no interview that I didn’t get nervous or even scared. But this didn’t hinder me from being secured with my answers. You know what is my greatest weapon? Prayers! It’s absolutely effective for me. I hope for you too!

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