What is the hiring manager looking for?

Hiring managers want to know if you can handle multiple accounts and meet sales goals in a high-pressure environment. They are looking for candidates who can manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and build strong relationships with clients.

How to structure your answer

To answer this question well, use the STAR method:

* Situation: Describe a specific situation in which you had to manage multiple accounts and priorities.
* Task: Explain the specific tasks and responsibilities you had to fulfill within those various accounts.
* Action: Provide details about your approach to managing your time and meeting the needs of each account.
* Result: Highlight the positive outcomes resulting from your efforts, such as increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, or successful project completion.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:

* Be specific and provide concrete examples.
* Use numbers and data to quantify your results.
* Show how you prioritized and managed your time effectively.
* Highlight your communication and collaboration skills.
* Practice your answer out loud beforehand.

Things to avoid:

* Don’t ramble or go off-topic.
* Don’t focus on negative experiences or challenges.
* Don’t use vague or generic language.

Example interview answers to this question

Strong Sample Answers:

Answer 1:

“In my previous sales role, I was responsible for managing a portfolio of 20 active clients, each with unique needs and goals. To ensure that I met the expectations of every client, I created a detailed schedule and prioritized my tasks based on urgency and importance. I also used a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track my progress and stay organized. As a result, I consistently exceeded sales targets and maintained a high level of customer satisfaction.”

What makes this answer strong:

* The candidate provides a specific example of a situation where they had to manage multiple accounts and priorities.
* They explain their approach to managing their time and meeting the needs of each client in a clear and concise way.
* The candidate uses numbers and data to quantify their results, showing that they were successful in meeting their sales targets and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

Answer 2:

“In my previous role, I was tasked with managing a team of five sales representatives and ensuring that they met their individual sales targets. To do this, I developed a comprehensive training program to help my team members improve their sales skills and product knowledge. I also implemented a system for tracking their progress and providing regular feedback. As a result, my team consistently exceeded their sales targets and became one of the top-performing sales teams in the company.”

What makes this answer strong:

* The candidate provides a specific example of a situation where they had to manage multiple accounts and priorities.
* They explain their approach to managing their team and meeting the sales targets in a clear and concise way.
* The candidate uses numbers and data to quantify their results, showing that they were successful in meeting their sales targets and becoming one of the top-performing sales teams in the company.