Sales Job Interview Guide

Applicant A came into the interview, answered the routine questions, and then left.

Applicant B came into the interview, answered all the questions, but gave a few actual examples of how he could help the company.

Guess who got hired?

The key in a sales interview is doing your research. A couple of hours’ worth of research about the company will show you what kind company it is and how you feel you can contribute to it. In the job interview, introduce an problem you see in the company and more importantly, show how you can help fix it. Employers appreciate the extra effort you put in and will be more amenable to hiring you, because you not just already know what the company needs, but also how you can actually contribute to the company.

Sales is a field that deals with humans and their opinions on whether you can convince them enough to fall for your pitch. Much in the same way you are doing in your interview except the fact you are selling or offering yourself as the product. There is no such a diverse product as yourself and you should best know how to present it. Not a good speaker and also not good in the convincing part? What about layout’s and presentation? There are more careers in sales than just being a sales person for people who setup store displays and ads are also in sales. They come up with the best possible way to sell a product without a single word and may have as much effect as a well thought of pitch. Be sure to keep an open mind and to look at yourself from all angles so you can adapt to any situation. Thinking out of the box allows you to think and conceptualize visual displays befor you even have the chance to build it.

Ever wonder why you’re not getting hired for that job in sales or marketing you’ve always been wanting or applying for. Maybe you need to re-learn the basics of the craft. i call it a craft for it is mostly an art, the ability to convince people to feel positive about a product even if they are undecided or skeptical. Ask any successful person and they’ll say the same thing, you have to be a people person to succeed.
Body language, speech and overall demeanor gives clues as to the amount of convincing or towards which path you should lean to convince them otherwise and buy your product. Learn from experts and always keep an open mind to learn from others and from your mistakes. Learn to recognize the signs of a lost cause and offer some other product which may not be good for your particular brand but it’s still a sale(success in another sense).

Image Source: threewaycalling.mybrighthouse.com

So you think that by submitting resumes to the hundreds and hundreds of job sites and companies will ensure on your getting a job? Definitely not, while it is good that you pass several resumes to so many companies, it is not good to just sit down afterwards and relax and wait for the telephone to ring. Job hunting is more than that. It really takes your patience to be able to make it even to the smallest or lowest position. Others are lucky to have the luxury of being referred by somebody that’s why they get to be interviewed. Others are backed up a well placed call that’s why they get their chance. It is still best to follow up on your resume after you have submitted them, in this way you set an image that you are interested with the job that you are applying in.

Image Source: content3.videojug.com

Almost always, the unavoidable job interview question will pop up. Why did you leave your last job? It is actually an inquiry of why you are available now. It is crucial to answer this right because it will set the tone for the entire duration of the interview. An interviewer could quickly be concerned if you indicate that you were burned out or plain bored with the last job you’ve had. It is quite a tricky question most specially if the conditions regarding your leaving with the previous employer is less than favorable. Thats why it is important to be prepared to face and answer this particular question, regardless of the instances that have urged you to leave the previous position.

Some examples of answers to this critical question are;

The company recently reorganized and your department was eliminated. The work began to decrease so it was not a much of asurprise. I liked my job and the people I was working with but unfortunately, we were all let go. I would like to find a job much the same to the one I had.

I am looking for a new challenge. I have been with my company for a couple of years now and personally, i don’t find the work as interesting as I once did. I am looking for a company where I can take new challenges and grow. My current job is a dead-end for me.

Image Source:buzzle.com

An interview offers you the chance to sell your qualifications to an employer. So it is always wise to be well prepared.

The following information provides some helpful hints. Luckily, i was able to gather helpful tips from the internet, to make that interview.

Preparation:

• Research about the organization.
• Have a specific job that you want.
• Review your qualifications.
• Prepare answers to questions about yourself.
• Review your resume.
• Practice an interview with a friend or relative.
• Arrive before the scheduled time of your interview.

Personal appearance:

• Be well groomed.
• Dress appropriately.
• Do not chew gum or smoke.

The interview:

• Relax and answer each question quick and straight to the point.
• Respond promptly.
• Observe good manners.
• Know the name of your interviewer.
• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
• Use body language to show interest.
• Ask questions about the position and the organization.
• Thank the interviewer when you leave and, as a follow-up, in writing.

Image source:www.pathchoices.com

In order to land a good job you need to undergo series of application process at first. You need to submit your resume through email, jobsite, mail or you can also drop by their office. Most of the person who drop by their resume in the office will most likely be interviewed immediately but in some companies they give examination to test the applicant’s knowledge and capability. In most sales job the following interview questions are being asked:

1) What do you know about selling? Because the interviewer is assessing how far do you know about your job? And with these you must answer all the things you know about selling, the norms or the policies you know but always remember to keep your answer short and simple so that it will not sound boring.

2) What can you do to our company? Because with this question the interviewer can assess you’re working skills. And the right answer for this is your plan if in case you will be accepted. Remember to make it specific, measurable, time bound, and reasonable.

When looking for a job, don’t be caught with your pants down when asked the questions “What do you know about our company?” and “Why do you want to work here? Before going to an interview for a sales job, conduct some research. Know the company’s background, their vision statement, what they’re planning for the future and the things that they have accomplished in the past. This will be able to make the interview a more interactive one, and will show them that you are seriously interested in working for their company. Do your research, and gain the upper hand from less prepared applicants.

As in all things, there are certain things that should and shouldn’t be done in certain situations, most especially in a life-changing event such as this.

Here are a few helpful reminders that could go a long way, or could help you get that dream job you’ve always hoped for.

1. Do not accept any beverage, even water, even if offered.

Drinking or eating during an interview will only be a distraction and could cause you embarrassment, which you really don’t need at the moment.

2. Do listen to every question being asked and every word being said.

Think carefully about every question you answer and make sure you heard the question right. Be direct and straightforward. The less you say, the less mistakes you make.

3. Do not fidget around or look at your watch throughout the whole interview.

Do not give the impression that you’re rushing, or you’d rather be somewhere else rather than where you are at the moment. The interviewer might think you are not serious about the job.

One common mistake that applicants make is that they don’t specify which position or what job they are particularly interested in. Companies want the right candidate for the right job. They want to get people who will be focused on the job. In your resumes, you should clarify and specify your objectives based on what position you are applying for. Your rich experience in different areas might help you land the job you specifically want.  But some applicants don’t even know what the job descriptions in a sales job are. In the next entries, we will know some of the job titles and their descriptions.