What are Common Sales Interview Questions?

Many of the sales interview questions a job candidate is likely to be asked during an interview will be the same as any other job interview, though many of the questions will be sales-specific. Common questions in all job interviews include what the candidate has done to prepare for the position, such as education and experience; why he or she has chosen this particular company; and what goals the candidate has set for himself. Sales interview questions specific to sales will focus on the candidate's selling methods, knowledge of the product, and other aspects of the sales process in relation to the product being sold.

One of the more common sales interview questions is a common question in all interviews. Employers may want to know about a time the candidate failed or made a mistake. What the employer really wants to know is how the candidate failed and what he or she did to become a stronger salesperson as a result. This is a good opportunity for the candidate to showcase his or her talents and ability to adapt to adversity. Other sales interview questions in this same category may include discussing a time when the candidate was under pressure, a time when the candidate disagreed with the company or with the boss, or when the candidate had a conflict with a coworker. All of these questions are opportunities for the candidate to discuss how he or she came out better on the other end of the conflict.

Sales interview questions that focus more on the specific job of sales may include anything from discussing what makes a good sales call to the candidate's ability to adapt to heavy sales loads. The employer may even ask the candidate to participate in a mock sales call, though this technique is no longer as common. Many questions will focus on effective methods of negotiating and closing a sale, as well as approaching a potential client and developing a strong relationship with them. The employer is likely to ask sales interview questions about how the candidate handles both successes and rejections from potential clients as well.

The employer may ask the candidate about his methods for researching and seeking out new clients, and how often he or she has been successful at doing so. The employer basically wants to know how the candidate will help the company boost sales and develop relationships with new and existing clients, so the candidate should be prepared to discuss specific strategies as well as broader goals.