Preparation, preparation, preparation!!
Preparation is the key to any successful interview. But where do you begin?
Here are our 10 top tips to help you stand out when interviewing for a sales role:
Research the company and the people who will be involved in the interview. Try to find out more than most the other candidates going for the job – and don’t just rely on the company website for information! Hiring managers are always very impressed with someone who has done their homework and always very disappointed by someone who hasn’t.
Read the job description and any other documentation you have been given. Understand what the company are looking for. Spend some time thinking about yourself as a match to the role and consider your strengths and weaknesses in terms of your fit. Consider how you’ll overcome any questions around your perceived weaknesses when comparing your CV to the job description.
Read your own CV. Make sure you are familiar with what you’ve said about your sales career to date and can confidently talk through your career history. You will be asked why you’re leaving your current role and previous roles. Have a good, genuine, answer for each.
Be pleasant to everyone you meet, from the people you might see in the car park and everyone else you come into contact with. Big smile and eye contact. You have no idea who they are or their influence on the process.
Most companies ask a mix of traditional questions and competency based questions. Be aware of these and practice standard questions.
If you have a ‘brag file’ take it with you. Hiring managers love hard evidence that you’re as good/successful as you say you are.
Avoid making claims you can’t substantiate and avoid being ‘woolly’ in your answers.
Some interviewers will deliberately put you under pressure to see how you’ll handle it. Keep your cool and professionalism at all times.
Make it clear that customer service is a passion.
At the end of the interview try to close, even if it’s softly – it’s expected of you!
Part of our role at SWR is to ensure you’re fully prepared for interviews, so you can confidently present your best self. Looking for your next sales role? Get in touch today!