Sales Job Interview Guide

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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In interviews, the interviewer would give the interviewee an opportunity to ask questions. It is fine to ask questions but you must be reminded not to ask any questions regarding salary or anything related to it. This is unethical for a job interview. Just wait for the interviewee to mention about money thing.

Sample questions you can ask:
- What are the position’s objectives and responsibility?
- What led to the position’s vacancy?
- What skills and qualities someone should have for this position?
- What are the company’s plans in the future? Expansion?
- What is the next stage in the application process?

Visit these sites for more and detailed interviewee questions: braincorp.com.au, samford.edu, and rcjobs.com

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One of the ways you can stand out in a sales interview is to show some spunk and a familiarity with the company you are applying for. A good two and a half hours of research will be more than enough. For example, you can look at what the company is currently doing – call a couple of their customers and ask how they’d like the company’s services to be improved. When you’re in the interview, mention this problem and offer a solution you thought up. Don’t be afraid to tell the person you’re talking to that you did some research – it shows you have initiative. Lastly, close the interview by saying you really want the job, and give your reasons why – like saying that you feel that you’ll be challenged in working at a vibrant company like that, and have a number of ideas you want to use.

Sales being a personal career tends to have you dealing with other people whom you have to face day by day as you go on your job. Seeking improvement in your job should be your primary concern and that can be done by keeping up to date with the latest trends in the sales business. Like most careers, the job market in sales has been greatly affected by the current crisis that has resulted in mass lay-offs that have resulted in many jobs that have been lost.
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