Any job interview is going to be stressful, but finding a good sales job and landing the gig can be even more tough. Sales is a notoriously tough industry to work in; the turnover for a sales team is 40% per year, so hiring managers know that they have to make careful decisions when choosing from candidates. Here are a few key tips to help you nail your sales interview.
Do some research.
Nailing an interview for a sales career starts long before you’re actually in the hot seat. If you do get called for an interview, you need to start doing research about the company you want to work for as soon as possible. Look up the history of the company, what the leadership is like, what business they’re in, and especially what they’re selling. If you don’t come in with any knowledge of their product or service, you’re going to be at a major disadvantage.
Ask questions.
When it comes time to do the actual interview, make sure that you ask questions as well. You’ll want to make sure that the work environment is somewhere you’re going to be comfortable and somewhere you think you’re going to be able to be successful. The sales recruiter will likely ask you if you have any questions, so make sure you know exactly which questions you’re going to ask.
Follow up.
Two of the most important qualities sales people can have are persistence and patience. Not everyone is cut out for a career in sales, but if you have these two qualities, it might be a right fit for you. Use them. Many sales people (44%) will give up after hearing just one “no.” Follow up after your interview and thank the interviewer for his or her time and check back on the progress they make in hiring.
Do you have any tips for finding a career in sales? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section below!
