Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that's designed to gauge the candidate's self-awareness. The best way to answer this question is by admitting a weakness and then explaining how you're working to improve it. The candidate should also demonstrate that they're aware of the weakness and that they're actively working to improve it.
Sample Answer: I tend to get too focused on the task at hand and lose sight of the big picture. I'm working on improving my ability to see the big picture so that I can better serve my customers.
Question Overview: This is a broad question that can be answered in a number of ways. The candidate should be prepared to discuss their strengths in terms of their ability to sell products and services. They should also be able to speak to their strengths in terms of their ability to work with others.
Sample Answer: My strengths are my ability to sell products and services as well as my ability to work with others.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's sales process. The outside sales representative needs to be able to sell the product or service in a way that's tailored to the customer's needs. The best way to do this is by asking questions and listening to what the client has to say.
Sample Answer: I would ask questions about the client's business and then tailor my pitch accordingly.
Question Overview: This is a fun question that's intended to gauge the candidate's personality. The answer can reveal a lot about the candidate's outlook on life.
Sample Answer: I would be a lion because they're strong and powerful.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's interest in sales. The best candidates are those who are genuinely interested in sales and have a desire to be a part of the process. The worst candidates are those who are just looking for a job and don't have any real interest in sales.
Sample Answer: I've always had an interest in sales because I enjoy helping people.
Question Overview: The candidate needs to be able to demonstrate that they have the skills and experience to do the job. They should also be able to show that they're a good fit for the organization and that they're interested in the job.
Sample Answer: I have the skills and experience to do this job. I'm also interested in working for a company like yours because of its reputation.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge the candidate's desire to succeed and their drive to achieve their goals. The best outside sales representatives are those who are hungry for success and willing to do what it takes to get there.
Sample Answer: I want to be the best at what I do, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get there.
Question Overview: This question is intended to gauge the candidate's salary expectations. The ideal outside sales representative is one who is willing to work for a fair wage and not one who is seeking to maximize their compensation. The candidate should be able to provide a number that's fair for them and the company.
Sample Answer: I'm looking for a salary that's fair for both the company and myself.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's experience in the outside sales role. It's important that the candidate has experience in selling to consumers as opposed to business-to-business. The best candidates will have experience selling to a variety of customers, not just one type.
Sample Answer: I've sold to a variety of customers, including both businesses and consumers.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at getting a sense of the candidate's personality. The best outside sales representative is one who is friendly, outgoing, and energetic. They should also be able to build rapport with clients and be able to relate to them.
Sample Answer: I would describe myself as friendly, outgoing, and energetic.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at finding out what the candidate has done in the past that would help them succeed in this position. You want to know what they've done that would translate into success in this role.
Sample Answer: I have experience in a similar role and have demonstrated my ability to succeed in it. I have also worked in this industry for several years and know how to navigate it.
Question Overview: Micromanagement is a common problem in many organizations. The outside sales representative needs to be able to work with a manager who is willing to give them the freedom to do their job. A good candidate will be able to work with a manager who is involved in the sales process as well as one who is hands-off.
Sample Answer: I prefer to work with a manager who is hands-off and allows me to do my job, but I also enjoy working with a manager who is involved and gives me feedback on my performance.
Question Overview: The candidate should be able to identify the traits that make a successful outside sales representative. These characteristics include the ability to listen to customers, the willingness to learn from mistakes, and the desire to sell products that are in the customer's best interests.
Sample Answer: A successful outside sales representative is one who listens to customers and learns from their mistakes.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's ability to work with others. The outside sales representative needs to be able to work with a team as well as on their own. They need to be able to communicate effectively and be able to get along with others.
Sample Answer: I was working on a project with a team of people, and we had to come up with a solution that would satisfy all of us.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's time management skills. A good outside sales representative will have a schedule that allows them to focus on the most important tasks and to avoid wasting time on less important ones.
Sample Answer: I always make sure to spend time on the most important tasks first, and then I move on to less important ones.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's interest in the company. A good answer will be one that shows that they've done their research and are aware of what the organization does. They should also be able to explain why they're interested in working for the company.
Sample Answer: I am very interested in working for your organization because I know that you are a leader in your industry.
Question Overview: The best salespeople are those who can sell to people who have no experience with the product. This is because they need to be able to convince the customer that they're getting something of value. The candidate should be able to think on their feet and come up with a way to pitch the product that's tailored to the customer's needs.
Sample Answer: I would ask the customer what their needs are and then explain how a storage container can help them meet those needs.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge the candidate's commitment to customer service. The best outside sales representatives are those who go above and beyond to make sure that the customer is satisfied. This is done by going out of their way to ensure that the client's needs are met.
Sample Answer: I once had a customer who was having trouble with their product. I went out of my way to make sure that they were satisfied with it.
Question Overview: The candidate should be able to describe a process for approaching hiring managers. They should be able to explain how they go about getting their foot in the door and then what they do to close the deal. The best way to do this is by being personable and showing that you're interested in the company's needs.
Sample Answer: I approach hiring managers by introducing myself and then asking them what their needs are.
Question Overview: The best outside sales representative is one who is willing to travel. This is because they are constantly meeting new people and selling to them. The candidate should be able to travel for extended periods of time without being distracted from the task at hand.
Sample Answer: I'm very comfortable with travel because it allows me to meet new people and sell our products.