Sales jobs are still quite popular, as can be ascertained from the many candidates opting for these roles worldwide. In the US itself, more than 13 million people are engaged in sales and related occupations at present (according to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics).
A career in sales may seem quite promising, but be aware – these positions often have the most challenging interview procedures to judge your overall capability. This is obvious because the recruiter or hiring manager must ensure that they select a candidate with the right skills to boost their business sales value.
And if you can’t convince the hiring manager about your skills, there’s no way that they would think that you’ll be able to persuade their clients! Therefore, you need to prepare yourself to meet up to their expectations actively.
Have you been shortlisted for a sales job interview? Here are some tips to help you put forward a good impression and (hopefully) get hired!
Tips To Prepare For A Sales Job Interview
1. Doing Your Research Is Important
Spend some time researching the company you’re applying to. Having a solid idea about the products or services they offer, their long and short-term business goals, and the company culture will ensure that you can respond well to any related question asked by the interviewer.
The interviewer may ask you for a demo about how you would try to sell their product or services to a prospective client. And if you don’t have a fair idea of the company, you’ll not be able to make a convincing sales pitch, resulting in a sure rejection.
2. Highlight Your Skills
To thrive in a sales role, one needs to be well-versed in cold calling, negotiation, marketing, team management, and other skills. Make the most of your interview by highlighting all the role-specific abilities you possess. Talking about any experience or achievement is an excellent way of putting forward your skills without seeming too deliberate.
Soft skills like adaptability, leadership, positive attitude and communication are also crucial for sales jobs. In fact, as per a survey, soft skills are very much in demand for employers, with more than 69% of the surveyees considering effective communication to be an essential skill while hiring candidates.
3. Try Making A Positive First Impression
For a sales representative, making a positive impression on a customer can significantly increase the chances of making a sale. The same is applicable during your interview, too – if you can’t impress your prospective employer, you are even more unlikely to have any lasting impression on a customer.
Be on time for the interview, dress appropriately, and speak in a clear and confident tone – these little things can go a long way in building a favourable impression.
4. Be Ready With Your Questions
At the end of the interview, the employer will probably ask if you have any questions for them. Instead of answering in the negative, try having a set of questions ready in advance.
Asking thoughtful questions can show that you’re interested in the role and are taking the interview seriously. This can increase your chances of getting hired.
Summing Up
Due to the massive competition for sales jobs, you can quickly be overshadowed by another candidate unless you prepare well for the interview. Try following the above tips to stay a step ahead of others!
About the Author
Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Prior to joining BCJobs.ca, Simon was an advisor for several global blockchain projects including Litecoin, NEM, and Ripple. In the past, he also worked with Fortune 500 companies in the healthcare space through SM Digital—a global marketing agency.
