Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this role?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
4. Describe a time you overcame a challenge.
5. How do you handle rejection?
6. Give an example of a time you exceeded expectations.
7. What are your salary expectations?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a powerful tool for answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When answering a question, you should start by describing the Situation, the Task you were given, the Action you took, and the Result of your actions. This structured approach helps you tell a compelling story that demonstrates your skills and abilities.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

Example Answer: “I’m a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a proven track record of success in sales. In my previous role at [Company Name], I was responsible for [briefly describe your responsibilities]. I consistently exceeded my sales targets by [percentage] and was recognized for my [mention specific achievement]. I’m passionate about building relationships with clients and finding creative solutions to meet their needs. I’m also a quick learner and eager to contribute to the success of your team.”

Why this is strong: This answer effectively uses the STAR method by providing a specific example of your past experience. It showcases your skills, achievements, and enthusiasm for sales.

2. Why are you interested in this role?

Example Answer: “I’m excited about this opportunity because I’m passionate about [mention something specific about the company or industry]. I’ve been following [company name] for some time and admire your [mention something specific about the company’s values or mission]. I believe my skills in [mention relevant skills] align perfectly with the requirements of this role, and I’m confident I can contribute to your team’s success. I’m particularly drawn to the opportunity to [mention something specific about the role, like working with a specific product or client base].”

Why this is strong: This answer demonstrates your research and genuine interest in the company and role. It highlights how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs.

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Example Answer: “One of my strengths is my ability to build strong relationships with clients. I’m a natural communicator and I enjoy getting to know people. I’m also highly organized and detail-oriented, which helps me stay on top of my workload and ensure I meet deadlines. As for weaknesses, I’m always working on improving my time management skills. I’m committed to learning new strategies and techniques to prioritize my tasks effectively.”

Why this is strong: This answer provides specific examples of your strengths and weaknesses. It also demonstrates self-awareness and a willingness to improve, which is important for any employer.

4. Describe a time you overcame a challenge.

Example Answer: “In my previous role, I was tasked with exceeding a challenging sales target. I had to identify new leads, develop creative sales strategies, and overcome objections from potential clients. I used my strong communication skills and persistence to build rapport with clients and understand their needs. I also learned to effectively prioritize my time and manage my workload. Through my efforts, I exceeded my target by [percentage], demonstrating my ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success.”

Why this is strong: This answer uses the STAR method to illustrate a specific challenge you faced, the actions you took to overcome it, and the positive result. It showcases your problem-solving skills and resilience.

5. How do you handle rejection?

Example Answer: “Rejection is a natural part of sales. I view it as an opportunity to learn and improve. When I face rejection, I take the time to analyze the situation and identify what I could have done differently. I use this feedback to refine my approach and improve my skills. I also stay positive and focus on my next opportunity. I believe that persistence and a willingness to learn are key to success in sales.”

Why this is strong: This answer demonstrates resilience and a positive attitude towards rejection. It shows that you are willing to learn from your mistakes and improve your approach.

6. Give an example of a time you exceeded expectations.

Example Answer: “In my previous role, I was tasked with closing a large deal with a challenging client. I went above and beyond to understand their needs and developed a customized solution that exceeded their expectations. I worked closely with the client throughout the process, ensuring their satisfaction at every step. My efforts resulted in a successful deal, exceeding my sales target by [percentage]. This experience demonstrated my ability to go the extra mile and deliver exceptional results.”

Why this is strong: This answer uses the STAR method to illustrate a specific situation where you exceeded expectations. It showcases your initiative, problem-solving skills, and commitment to client satisfaction.

7. What are your salary expectations?

Example Answer: “Based on my experience and skills, I’m looking for a salary in the range of [salary range]. I’m open to discussing this further based on the specific details of the role and the company’s compensation structure.”

Why this is strong: This answer provides a clear and concise salary expectation while remaining open to negotiation. It demonstrates your understanding of your worth and your willingness to be flexible.