30 Years in Sales, and These Are the Secrets I Wish I Knew Before My First Job Interview

If you’re preparing for a sales job interview, let me ask you this: Have you ever wondered why some candidates leave a lasting impression while others blend into the crowd? Personally, after more than 30 years of dealing in the sales industry as a candidate, ideal employee, and interviewer, I have cracked the code to winning an interview. Instead of constantly thinking about what one wishes to gain from the role, start asking this:

“How can I be the one who helps them solve their sales problems?”

In this guide, I will deal with questions and issues that candidates often ask me. You will gain skills in proper interaction, which is needed to discover and position yourself in an organization as the best candidate.

Q1: What is the most important aspect to consider when preparing for a sales job interview?

First of all, you should thoroughly understand the company you’re planning to work for. This means that it’s not enough to read the job offer. Get familiarized with the industry, their competitors, and other major issues they face. Build your responses so that you illustrate how your experience coordinates with the company’s priorities and the problems it is grappling with.

For example, when a company plans to penetrate new markets, one should say something about how you successfully entered new markets in the past.

Q2: How can I discuss my successes without appearing boastful?

Tell stories that are outcome-oriented and demonstrate collaboration. Instead of saying, “I’m the best closer in the company,” say, “Working together with my team, we were able to win 20% more than my annual target sales on average, focusing on fulfilling the client’s requirements.”

Offer ways you contributed together with your peers and emphasize quantifiable outcomes without exaggerating your role in the accomplishment.

Q3: How do I answer the question that no one likes, 'What is your greatest weakness'?

Pick a real weakness, one that will not impact the performance in the role, and state what you’re doing to overcome it. Say, for example, “I sometimes over-analyze data before arriving at a decision. In such a case, I have begun imposing tighter deadlines for analyses and more accountability in actions based on key metrics.”

This kind of response indicates that the candidate has self-insight and would work on improvement.

Q4: Is it necessary to ask questions in the interview? Which ones?

Definitely. Engaging the interviewer with relevant questions displays your level of interest and also that you were well prepared for the interview. Try questions like:

"What are the difficulties that the sales department has to deal with at the present time?"

"What is the main thing that you consider is success in this position?"

"How does the team foresee developing in the future?"

These inquiries aren't just about the interview; rather, they showcase your enthusiasm to be part of the organization.

Q5: What would your reaction be if salary is raised as an issue?

Have an acceptable compensation range, as you may need it - but hold flexibility. You may have a range based on market figures for the position, but don’t lead with that. If you are asked where your expectations are, you can say, “I am looking for a competitive package that is in line with my experience and the contribution that I am going to make.”

Q6: What do you think is the secret of being different from your competitors?

Provide real cases showing your unique skills and how you produce results. It could be the way you close deals in a new and innovative way, the way you develop and maintain client accounts, or the way you recruit and manage new salespeople. Storytelling is an important tool in a salesperson's toolbox, so how you tell your story matters, and told skillfully, stories can really set you apart.

Conclusion

Even in sales interviews, the main point is demonstrating how you could assist the company and add to its overarching objectives. Giving practical answers, supporting your words with examples where possible, and seeking answers that will stand out will go a long way to making the case that you are the candidate they have been looking for.