Top 20 sales Interview Questions and Answers
Sales department is considered to be the most important part of any organisation as they directly influence the revenue generation and company growth. As a career in sales offers diverse opportunities, cracking the sales interview is not an easy task. Sales professionals must be excellent communicators, problem solvers, and relationship builders, combining these skills to turn prospects into loyal customers.
Sales role cover from retail and corporate sales to B2B sales and account management. When hiring for sales roles, interviewers look for candidates who can demonstrate not only sales skills but also resilience, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. Sales interviews often focus on how well a candidate understand sales processes, ability to build relationships, and how you handle rejection or difficult situations. In this article, Careers360 has curated explore the top 20 sales interview questions you might face and how to answer them effectively.
Top Sales Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself
This may be the starting point of your sales and marketing interview questions. Do not talk about your entire life. Stick to the point and answer in context to your sales career and aspiration.
Example - I am looking to build on my skills as a business development officer and extend the benefits of my experience. At my previous employment, I was able to convert 3 times the lead compared to the previous year.
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2. Can you share more about your past sales experience?
This is one of the sales representative interview questions that tests your level of honesty. Talk about your accomplishments, and be honest about your past experience with other companies. Be clear about your experiences and share your positive takeaways from them.
3. What is the best memory of a deal you made?
This is one of the top salesperson interview questions to determine your potential. Salespersons who have the best memory of closing that comes from a hard sell are preferred over the other kind. So master these sales interview questions. Talk about an experience where you converted a tough lead into a good client.
4. Why go for sales?
This is one of the top sales interview questions and answers for freshers to judge your ambitions and your real drive to provide solid value to the company. If you state that money is the sole reason to get into sales, then it might backfire on your case.
Example - I am quite driven by the importance of business development and sales in an organisation. Sales happens to be one of those professions where you can see your hard work and resilience turning into tangible results.
5. What keeps you motivated?
You can state your personal monetary motivations in these types of sales and marketing interview questions. Saying things only to impress the interviewer may also go against you. Try to keep a balance and tell them about your real-life desires to keep working at the top of your game. Sales is a field that requires you to be relentless and self-motivation is the biggest asset.
Example - My home loan keeps me motivated. Or something on similar lines that drives you to work every day.
6. When did you realise that you were meant for sales?
Honesty is the best policy. This is one of those simple yet testing sales and marketing questions for an interview. Tell them about the time or the event which made you realize that sales and business development was something that you could do and win at. This could be a story from high school or a college event where you made real sponsorship deals.
7. What are the moments of your life that you are proud of?
The interviewer will ask you these types of sales interview questions to know more about your outlook from the past experiences of your life. They want to know what you value the most in your life and will try to connect the dots between you as a person and you as a salesperson. This is a good place to talk about your accomplishments and how people benefitted from your actions. You can talk about the revenue you drove in for your previous employer or about the time you took up family responsibilities in these types of sales interview questions and answers.
8. What do you think is more important for hunting new clients or nurturing customer relationships?
Now, this could be one of those really tricky sales manager interview questions, as both actions are important for businesses to grow and sustain. In order to land the right answer, do your research about the company and the position you are applying for and answer accordingly. It is advised to be good at both skills but have mastery over one.
9. How do you perform research on prospects?
Do not come across as someone who is averse to technology and social media. Learn to use it for your benefit in researching for your prospects and finding personal level commonalities with the prospect. Answer these sales manager interview questions in a way that you are going after the prospect with a genuine conversation and common talking points between you both. Also, take note that this can fall into the category of sales interview questions and answers for freshers as well.
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10. How are you a team player?
Sales is a very competitive domain to work in, which may lead professionals to have a toxic attitude towards team playing. Recruiters are looking for those individuals who can work as a team but also have a competitive streak to be at the top. In this kind of sales position interview questions and answers session, explain how your competitive nature is healthy for individual goals but also that you love to collaborate with your peers for the greater and collective benefit of the firm.
11. How do you differentiate short-cycle sales and long-cycle sales?
In these sales interview questions and answers, take care to describe your unique approach to both short-cycle sales and long-cycle sales. Where you look for a quick close in short cycle sale and have a much more careful and curated approach for the long cycle sale.
12. When do you stop pursuing a prospect?
This is one of those tricky sales executive interview questions. Being resilient will work in your favour but there is a fine line where you have to stop chasing a dead lead. Trying to contact a lead 7 to 8 times can be considered a good number.
13. How do you react to losing out on a prospect?
This one is a favourite b2b sales interview questions for interviewers. If you are a fresher, then it might be tough as you have no prior experience. But be it sales manager interview questions or otherwise, you can translate any kind of experience or knowledge you have into an answer for this question. Tell them how you will follow up with the prospect to know about your mistakes during the deal. And explain to them how will fix it to ensure that your future strategies are bulletproof.
14. What is the best way to build a relationship with a prospect or lead?
The best way to build a relationship with a prospect is to ask questions that matter to the prospect and not just pitch. These types of sales questions asked in interviews are meant to test your pitching skills. Constant pitching skills are the perfect recipe for disaster, whereas showing the prospect that you genuinely care for their relevant problems will build a solid foundation.
15. How do you deal with low days?
This may not exactly look those sales interview questions that are sale-specific, but it is an important one because sales see more lows than highs on average. Telling the interviewer that you don’t get bogged down may come across as a little pretentious; rather, tell them how you deal with low moments in general, like going for a run.
16. What makes you sure that you can sell?
This is one of those interview questions for a salesman that can just shake you up. Do not lose your confidence or train of thought on this.
Example - I am sure because the numbers add up to tell the story. There is past experience and word from my mentors.
17. What is your strategy during the slump phase?
Don’t tell them that you will never face a slump if you are faced with these kinds of sales job interview questions. Say something real about how you will navigate through the slump like being organized and tuning up the daily goals of meetings, callings, and research.
18. Tell me about your previous boss.
Never answer this type of sales executive interview questions with an emotional angle. No matter what your relationship with your boss or manager, do not go on a rant. Even if you had a great rapport, hold back your appreciation within formal reach. Answer with a point of view that talks more about their work ethic and professional capacity.
Example - We had a great connection. But it was the same with each member of the team. That was how he took the game to the next level by elevating the whole team.
19. Do you have any questions for me?
Always say yes, and put your queries ahead. Saying NO would mean that you are disinterested.
20. Sell me this pen
Last but not least. This may come across as a cliche but there is an approach to dealing with these types of doing it. Do not start with reciting the features of the pen.
Example - What sort of pen you prefer to write with? Describe your favourite type of pen to me.
Scope of Sales Careers
THe job profile and responsibilities of sales roles vary depending on the industry, target market, and company size. Candidates can check some of the sales job profiles below.
- Sales Representative
- Account Executive
- Sales Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Inside Sales Executive
- Field Sales Executive
- Customer Success Manager
Each of these roles demands specific skill sets but all require strong sales techniques, negotiation prowess, and customer relationship management abilities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Sales Interviews
- Lack of preparation
- Failure to ask questions
- Overemphasizing personal success
- Being vague
- Overconfidence or arrogance
Online Sales Courses One Can Opt
Below are a few sales certification courses and training programmes that can help you elevate your technical skills as well as help you prepare for these sales job interview questions.
1. MBA in Sales and Marketing - A mastery in sales and marketing would provide you with the necessary knowledge and training in sales and all of its related aspects. An MBA in this field would add a lot of value to your CV and put you in the leagues of big sales-related jobs. It will also aid you with preparing for sales interview questions for freshers as well as professionals.
2. Post Graduate Diploma in Sales - A PGDM or sales certificate course after your graduation can provide you with a lot of hands-on experience and the necessary skills to excel in the job market as a sales professional. Selling is all about making smart strategies and meticulously executing them and this trait comes only from experience. A PGDM can vastly help you in acquiring that skill of selling as well as answering sales job interview questions.
3. The Art Of Sales: Mastering the Selling Process - In case you do not have the time or luxury to pursue a full-time course of 2 years, you can always opt for online sales courses. This course offered by Northwestern University will teach you how to become more efficient as a sales professional in a completely online course. The course covers all the aspects of the sales world in a precise yet effective manner and allows you to learn the best techniques, and sales executive interview questions at your own pace and schedule.
4. Business Development & B2B Sales for Startups - To succeed as a salesperson, you must be aware of all the dimensions of business development. B2B sales are the business-to-business selling of products and services and require a high level of persuasion skills along with product knowledge for a salesperson to succeed. This online b2b sales training course will make you understand the essentials of winning the sales game in the startup ecosystem as well as prepare you for these sales job interview questions.
Conclusion
Online sales courses will definitely make you eligible for a lot of jobs in the domain. In fact, good sales certification courses and relevant experience will make your CV a solid case for consideration. The above-listed sales and marketing interview questions are what a recruiter, more often than not, asks a candidate. Being prepared and speaking honestly would help a lot. The same can be learned from online sales courses in much more depth. A positive approach with wit is the key to getting a job in the field of sales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, anyone with perseverance and a knack of learning can become a sales professional. These top certifications and sales interview questions and answers for freshers covered here would help you prepared for that.
Doing sales and marketing courses will give your sales career a solid boost in terms of skill and learning. You will also find that these courses helping you with these sales and marketing interview questions.
Yes, the list mentioned above will help freshers as well as experienced professionals.
These sales and marketing interview questions can teach you about the possibilities in an interview. Your your skills, answers, and your CV are the factors that guarantee the job.
Most recruiters have a minimum requirement of a Bachelor's degree. Take an MBA and along with it take Sales certification courses. Prepare with these sales interview questions and answers, you are good to go.
An MBA puts you in the league for opportunities with huge corporations with lucrative salaries and massive learning opportunities. You will find that your skill level from MBA aiding you in these sales and marketing interview questions.
India is a growing economy and all the businesses, old and new, rely on good sales and marketing plans and talent to drive revenue. With skills, qualifications and topping it off with these sales interview questions and answers, the sales career landscape is yours.
Yes you can work in a startup after that. In fact, startups value b2b sales people a lot and reward them accordingly. Along with your credentials, go through these sales interview questions and answers to ace your interview.
Yes you can. You can land top roles as well as run your own businesses after taking top certifications and going through these sales and marketing interview questions.
Sales Engineer, Sales Manager, Sales Representative, Digital Marketing Manager, Marketing Executive are some of the top careers you can pursue after taking these sales and marketing interview questions.
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Questions related to Sales
1. How to Construct a Sales Profile:
A sales profile is the expression of overall skills of the salesperson in regard to experience and goals. Normally, the client or potential partners get attracted through it.
Find your USP: What so unique about your products or services? How do you solve problems for your customers?
Targeted Market: To whom do you sell? Identify your dream customer.
Sales Experience: This should give information about past sales performance, abilities, and know-how.
Sales Process: Outline the standard process your sale follows, from prospecting to closing deals.
Contact Information: Name, contact information, and any social media profiles that will help prospects get in touch with you.
Portfolio: Examples of previous work or case studies
Tools to Make a Sales Profile:.
Salesforce: Use this CRM software in your sales process to monitor your activities and success.
2. Company Registration
While legal procedures for company registration differ by location, you can have an overview as follows:
Choosing Business Form: Choose a form such as sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation
Choosing Name: Choose the name in such a way that it does not already exist in the vicinity and not disallowed by the local authority, etc.
Filing with State/Government: You are supposed to file a set of documents and a fixed fee with the state or government.
Secure Licenses and Permits: Depending on your industry, a license or permit might be required.
Steps of the Process
Research: Identify which laws and regulations apply by which jurisdiction regarding business registration.
Name: Choose a name for your business to find that it's available and meets name requirements.
Documents: Create articles of incorporation, articles of organization, partnership agreement, or other relevant documents.
File: File the documents with the secretary of state or equivalent state office.
Obtain an EIN: the tax authority assigned number
Register Taxes: that business registers with the tax authorities.
Further Consideration:
Business plan: a detailed outline that shows your goals, strategies, and financial projections of your company
Legal Advice: You will need to consult with an attorney to make sure you are meeting all requirements on the law
Accounting: Establishing a method for recording your revenues and expenses.
Useful Resources
Small Business Administration (SBA): Information and assistance for small businesses.
Your Local Government: Contact local government agencies for specific forms and procedures.
Online Legal Services: Companies like LegalZoom will help you form a business.
Hello there,
With your background in physiotherapy and pharmaceutical sales management, transitioning into a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) role is a viable path, and there are additional career options you might explore as well. Here are a few suggestions:
1.
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)
-
To enhance your qualifications, consider obtaining certifications in clinical research, like CCRA (Certified Clinical Research Associate) or CCRP (Certified Clinical Research Professional). Many programs, including those offered by organizations like ACRP or SOCRA, provide targeted training for CRC roles.
-
Focus on developing skills in study coordination, patient management, regulatory compliance, and data management, as these are crucial in clinical research roles.
2. Pharmacovigilance
-
Your pharmaceutical management diploma can support a transition into pharmacovigilance, which involves drug safety monitoring and adverse event reporting.
-
Certifications in pharmacovigilance could add value and enhance employability in this field.
3. Medical Writing and Regulatory Affairs
-
Both fields require detailed knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical subjects. Regulatory Affairs, in particular, often requires collaboration with clinical research, while medical writing involves preparing research reports, study protocols, and publications.
-
Certification in medical writing or regulatory affairs can be an advantage.
4. Healthcare Project Management
- Leveraging both your clinical knowledge and management skills, you could consider healthcare project management roles, where you'll oversee healthcare or pharmaceutical projects and ensure they meet compliance and research goals.
With these areas of focus, you’ll be able to build a versatile career that taps into both your technical and management expertise.
For more details you can check out an article by Careers360 whose link is given below:
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
To calculate the arithmetic mean, you can add up all the values and divide them by the number of items.for the calculation you need the value of sales everyday add them and then divide it by 7 if sunday is included in it or the working days of the week in which sales are done.
Generally average or arithmetic mean Is based on all the observations which is easy and simple to comprehend and calculation
Hello aspirant,
The Executive MBA, abbreviated as EMBA, is a postgraduate program concentrating on business administration and management. The course, known as Executive Master of Business Administration, typically spans one to eighteen months, fostering the enhancement of skills like business acumen and leadership. EMBA encompasses diverse subjects including finance, marketing, human resource management, operations management, and business analytics.
To know the best colleges, you can visit the following link:
https://www.careers360.com/courses/executive-mba
Thank you
Hope it helps you
Hi!
Executive MBA (EMBA) is generally a one-year programme pursued by working professionals who have a work experience of more than 5 years (duration of work experience may vary depending upon the college offering the programme). As you have stated that you have 6 years of experience in the field of Sales and Marketing, executive MBA is a best option for you.
However, you must meet the minimum eligibility requirement as stated by the college such as you must at least have a Bachelor's degree , minimum work experience , and a valid entrance test score . Most of the colleges such as IIMs accept the GMAT/ GRE scores. However, some of the colleges do not accept any entrance exam scores and give admission based on Personal Interview. You are required to check the official website of the respective colleges for the detailed admission process. Given below is the list of some of the top colleges offering the Executive MBA programme:
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- SIBM Pune (Two-year weekend programme)
- FMS Delhi (Two-year evening programme)
- SPJIMR Mumbai (21-month programme)
Read more about executive management education in India here .