What is the hiring manager looking for?

The hiring manager wants to know if you have a track record of exceeding sales targets or quotas. They want to see that you can set ambitious goals, develop a strategy to achieve them, and execute effectively. They also want to know how you handle challenges and obstacles, how you work with customers, and how you celebrate successes.

How to structure your answer

To answer this question well, use a clear and concise structure:
1. Start with a brief overview of your sales role and responsibilities.
2. Describe a specific time when you exceeded sales targets or quotas and how you did it.
3. Quantify your success and provide specific numbers and metrics.
4. Explain the challenges or obstacles you faced and how you overcame them.
5. Describe the impact your success had on the company or team.
6. Conclude by highlighting the skills and qualities that helped you achieve your goals.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:
– Be prepared to share specific examples.
– Emphasize your role and contribution to the team’s success.
– Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to overcome challenges.
– Be confident and enthusiastic about your accomplishments.

Things to avoid:
– Don’t ramble. Keep your answer concise and to the point.
– Don’t be vague. Provide specific details and examples.
– Don’t be negative. Focus on your successes and achievements.
– Don’t exaggerate or lie. Be honest and authentic.

Example interview answers to this question

Sample Answers:

1. Question: Can you share a time when you exceeded sales targets or quotas?

Answer: In my previous role as a Sales Representative for a software company, I exceeded my annual sales target by 20%. I did this by developing a comprehensive sales strategy that focused on building relationships with key clients, understanding their needs, and tailoring my sales pitch accordingly. I also implemented a rigorous follow-up system to ensure that I was staying in touch with potential customers and moving them through the sales funnel.

Why this answer is strong: This answer is strong because it provides specific details and demonstrates the candidate’s sales skills, strategic thinking, and ability to build relationships with clients.

2. Question: Can you describe a specific time when you went above and beyond to meet or exceed a sales goal?

Answer: In my previous role as a Sales Manager, I was responsible for leading a team of five sales representatives. We were tasked with increasing sales by 15% year-over-year. I developed a comprehensive sales plan that focused on training and motivating my team, setting clear goals and expectations, and providing regular feedback. As a result, my team exceeded the sales target by 20%.

Why this answer is strong: This answer is strong because it highlights the candidate’s leadership skills, ability to motivate a team, and ability to develop and execute a successful sales strategy.

3. Question: Can you tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge or obstacle to meet or exceed a sales target?

Answer: In my previous role as a Sales Consultant, I was tasked with selling a new product to a highly competitive market. The product was priced significantly higher than competing products, so I had to find a way to convince potential customers that it was worth the extra cost. I did this by thoroughly researching the product and its benefits, understanding the needs of my customers, and tailoring my sales pitch accordingly. I also offered free demos and trial periods to allow customers to experience the product for themselves. As a result, I was able to exceed my sales target by 10%.

Why this answer is strong: This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s problem-solving skills, ability to overcome challenges, and ability to build relationships with customers.