Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this Account Executive role?
3. What is your sales experience?
4. How do you handle objections from potential clients?
5. Describe a time you exceeded a sales target.
6. How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends?
7. What are your salary expectations?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a structured way to answer behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This method helps you provide concrete examples of your skills and experiences, making your answers more compelling and memorable.

* Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context of the story.
* Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you faced.
* Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation or task.
* Result: Share the outcome of your actions and highlight the positive results you achieved.

Using STAR will help you provide specific, relevant, and impactful answers that showcase your skills and experience to the interviewer.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

Example Answer: “I’m a highly motivated and results-driven sales professional with [Number] years of experience in [Industry]. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I consistently exceeded sales targets by [Percentage] and developed strong relationships with key clients. I’m passionate about [Your Sales Passion], and I’m eager to apply my skills and knowledge to help [Company Name] achieve its business goals.”

Explanation: This answer uses the STAR method to highlight the candidate’s relevant skills and experience. It starts with a brief overview of their background, then focuses on a specific accomplishment (exceeding sales targets) and the positive impact it had. It also demonstrates the candidate’s passion for sales and their desire to contribute to the company’s success.

2. Why are you interested in this Account Executive role?

Example Answer: “I’m excited about this Account Executive role at [Company Name] because I’m impressed by [Company’s Mission or Values]. I’ve been following [Company’s Industry] for some time, and I believe [Company’s Product/Service] is a game-changer in the market. I’m confident that my skills in [Relevant Skill 1] and [Relevant Skill 2] would be valuable assets to your team.”

Explanation: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s research and understanding of the company and its industry. It highlights their alignment with the company’s values and their belief in the product/service. It also connects their skills to the specific requirements of the role, showing their genuine interest and suitability for the position.

3. What is your sales experience?

Example Answer: “I have [Number] years of experience in sales, working in [Previous Industry] at [Previous Company]. In my previous role, I was responsible for [Previous Responsibilities]. I consistently exceeded my sales targets by [Percentage], and I have a proven track record of building strong relationships with clients. I’m skilled in [Sales Skills 1], [Sales Skills 2], and [Sales Skills 3].”

Explanation: This answer provides a concise overview of the candidate’s sales experience, including their specific responsibilities, achievements, and relevant skills. It highlights their ability to meet and exceed sales goals and their expertise in various sales techniques.

4. How do you handle objections from potential clients?

Example Answer: “I believe that objections are opportunities to understand a client’s needs better. When a client raises an objection, I first listen carefully to their concerns and try to understand their perspective. Then, I address their concerns directly and provide them with relevant information or solutions. I recently faced an objection from a client regarding [Specific Objection]. I responded by [Your Action], which ultimately led to [Positive Outcome].”

Explanation: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle objections effectively. It highlights their active listening skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to provide solutions. The example provides a specific instance of how they overcame an objection, showcasing their skills in action.

5. Describe a time you exceeded a sales target.

Example Answer: “In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was tasked with [Specific Sales Goal]. I developed a strategy that involved [Your Action 1] and [Your Action 2]. This strategy resulted in [Positive Outcome 1] and [Positive Outcome 2], ultimately exceeding my sales target by [Percentage]. This experience taught me the importance of [Key Takeaway].”

Explanation: This answer uses the STAR method to showcase the candidate’s ability to exceed expectations. It provides a specific example of a sales target they exceeded, highlighting the actions they took and the positive results achieved. The answer also demonstrates their ability to learn from their experiences and apply that knowledge to future endeavors.

6. How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends?

Example Answer: “I’m passionate about staying informed about the latest trends in [Industry]. I regularly attend industry conferences and webinars, read industry publications like [Specific Publications], and follow thought leaders on social media platforms like [Specific Platforms]. I also actively engage in online forums and discussion groups to stay connected with industry professionals and learn from their insights.”

Explanation: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to continuous learning and their proactive approach to staying informed about industry trends. It highlights their use of various resources, including conferences, publications, and social media, to stay ahead of the curve.

7. What are your salary expectations?

Example Answer: “Based on my experience and skills, and after researching the market rate for similar positions in this area, I’m looking for a salary in the range of [Salary Range]. I’m also open to discussing other compensation components, such as [Other Benefits].”

Explanation: This answer provides a clear and concise response to the salary question. It demonstrates the candidate’s research and understanding of market rates for their skills and experience. It also shows their willingness to negotiate and consider other compensation elements.