Key Takeaways
- Asking well-crafted questions during a sales job interview demonstrates engagement, interest, and seriousness about the position.
- Questions covering company performance, sales culture, operations, lead generation, training, compensation, and career advancement provide a comprehensive understanding of the role and organization.
- Preparation, enthusiasm, and follow-up are crucial for a successful sales job interview, along with avoiding common mistakes such as lack of research, unpreparedness, and negative demeanor.
You’re a rockstar salesperson, and you’re ready to take your career to the next level. You’ve got the skills, the experience, and the drive. But how do you make sure you nail that all-important job interview?
By asking the right questions, of course!
We’ve compiled a list of 39 questions that will help you get the inside scoop on the company, the sales culture, the sales operations, and the compensation and career advancement opportunities. By asking these questions, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re engaged, interested, and serious about the position.
Company Performance and Market Insights
These questions will help you understand the company’s financial health, market position, and competitive landscape.
- How is business this year?
- Is your sales organization above plan year-to-date?
- Are some divisions performing better than others? Why?
- Do you have a specific competitor with an edge? How often do you win against that company in competitive deals?
Sales Culture and Workforce
These questions will help you get a feel for the company’s sales culture, values, and expectations.
- Describe the sales culture.
- What type of people do you hire?
- What are the top three attributes of successful salespeople?
- What is your annual sales rep turnover? How long is the average salesperson’s tenure?
- What is your marketing and support staff turnover?
- How do you keep employees informed about company updates?
Sales Operations
These questions will help you understand the company’s sales process, tools, and resources.
- What is expected of salespeople?
- Do you have a buddy or mentorship program?
- How are territories assigned and how often do they change?
- What is the percentage of time salespeople spend traveling?
- How are quotas assigned and adjusted?
- Do you have a performance plan for underperformers?
Lead Generation and Marketing Support
These questions will help you understand the company’s lead generation and marketing support capabilities.
- Do you have a lead generation program?
- Do you receive inbound leads?
- Do you have alignment with your marketing organization?
- Do you have BDRs who set appointments?
- How many leads or accounts do top-performing salespeople manage?
- Do you provide playbooks and scripts?
- Does your marketing team provide sales collateral and competitive information?
Sales Training and Development
These questions will help you understand the company’s commitment to sales training and development.
- Do you have a sales training or coaching program?
- Do you have demographic and persona information on target markets?
Compensation and Career Advancement
These questions will help you understand the company’s compensation and career advancement opportunities.
- What is your promotion policy?
- What is the compensation plan and how is it calculated? Has it changed recently?
- Does compensation change annually?
- When do you get paid?
- How many managers were promoted internally last year?
- Do you typically hire managers externally?
Future Outlook and Challenges
These questions will help you understand the company’s future outlook and challenges.
- What are the top three challenges facing your sales team?
- Where do you think the sales organization will be next year?
Bonus:
In addition to the questions above, here are a few more tips for a successful sales job interview:
- Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the company, the industry, and the position. This will help you ask informed questions and show the interviewer that you’re serious about the opportunity.
- Be prepared to talk about your sales experience and skills. Highlight your accomplishments and be able to quantify your results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
- Be enthusiastic and positive. Sales is a tough job, so it’s important to show the interviewer that you’re passionate about it. Be excited about the opportunity and the company.
- Follow up after the interview. Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. Let them know that you’re available for any further questions or discussions.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream sales job!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the most important questions to ask in a sales job interview?
The most important questions to ask in a sales job interview are those that will help you understand the company, the sales culture, the sales operations, and the compensation and career advancement opportunities. By asking these questions, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re engaged, interested, and serious about the position.
How can I prepare for a sales job interview?
The best way to prepare for a sales job interview is to do your research, practice your answers, and be enthusiastic and positive. You should also dress professionally and arrive on time for your interview.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in a sales job interview?
Some common mistakes to avoid in a sales job interview include not doing your research, not being prepared to talk about your sales experience and skills, being negative or unenthusiastic, and not following up after the interview.
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