Question Overview: Look for a candidate who is open to learning from both experiences. See if they can explain how they learned from each experience and what they would do differently if they could.
Sample Answer: My best boss was very supportive. He was always there when I needed him and was always willing to help me learn. My worst boss was very negative and critical. He didn't like to help me learn and I felt like he didn't have my back.
Question Overview: Look for a candidate who is excited about the job and the company. You want someone who is motivated to work hard and is willing to learn. You want someone who is willing to take on the challenge of a new role.
Sample Answer: I think this job is a great opportunity for me. I am really excited about the challenge of this role and I am looking forward to learning more about your company.
Question Overview: Look for a candidate who is able to show how they have increased market share in their previous role. They should be able to provide specific examples of how they were able to achieve this. If they are able to show a history of success, then you can feel confident that they will be able to do the same for your company.
Sample Answer: I like to use a consultative approach where I meet with my clients and ask them what they need. I then work with them to create a solution that will help them achieve their goals.
Question Overview: Listen for the candidate's genuine interest in the company. Look for someone who is excited about the company's products or services. See if they have done their research and can speak to the company's history and future. A candidate who is interested in the company will be more likely to be successful in the role.
Sample Answer: I have always been a fan of your products. I love that you are a family-run business and that you are committed to your customers.
Question Overview: Look for an answer that shows the candidate is willing to work with others and is flexible. You want to hire a regional sales manager who can work with different personalities and styles. You want someone who can be persuasive and influence others.
Sample Answer: I would sit down with the contractor and discuss the direction I am asking them to go. I would explain why it is important for the company and their role. I would also ask them what they think about the direction.
Question Overview: Look for a candidate who has a history of learning new skills and taking on new challenges. See if they have a history of taking on leadership roles and responsibilities. You want to hire someone who is willing to learn and grow with the company.
Sample Answer: I have always been a fast learner and have taken on new challenges throughout my career. I have also grown as a leader by taking on new responsibilities.
Question Overview: Look for a candidate who is confident in their ability to bring in new clients. You want someone who can bring in new business, but you also want someone who is realistic. If they are too confident, they could be over-promising and under-delivering. If they are too modest, they may not be able to meet their quota.
Sample Answer: I have always been able to bring in new clients and I am confident that I can do the same for your company.
Question Overview: Listen for the applicant's definition of a good salesperson. Are they willing to work hard? Are they motivated? Do they have a good attitude? Do they have a strong work ethic? Do they have a positive outlook? Are they coachable? Do they have the ability to learn new skills and adapt to new situations?
Sample Answer: A good salesperson is someone who is motivated, coachable, and has a strong work ethic.
Question Overview: This is a great question to ask to see if the candidate is being genuine. It is also a good way to see if they are really interested in the job. If they are, they will be able to tell you about how they can help your company grow. If they are not, they will probably not be able to answer this question.
Sample Answer: I am very interested in learning more about your sales process and how I can help your company grow.
Question Overview: Look for a candidate who is willing to work with you to develop a plan that works for your company. You want someone who is willing to listen to your ideas and then incorporate them into their plan. You want someone who is willing to take your suggestions and make them their own.
Sample Answer: I would love to work with you on developing a plan that works for our company.
Question Overview: Listen for the candidate's ability to manage a large team. Look for an answer that includes the ability to delegate effectively. A good answer should also include an ability to motivate and coach others, as well as a willingness to train new hires.
Sample Answer: I would break down the sales process into smaller steps and assign each step to a different sales rep. I would then hold each rep accountable for their individual results.
Question Overview: Look for a candidate who has experience managing a team of sales reps. If they have managed a team of more than 10 people, then they should be able to handle the responsibilities of a regional sales manager. If they have managed a team of less than 10 people, then they may not have the experience to manage a team of sales reps.
Sample Answer: I manage three people.
Question Overview: Listen for specifics. Look for how the candidate quantifies their achievements. Did they increase sales? Did they exceed quota? Did they improve the team's performance? Did they win any awards or recognition? Did they get promoted? See if they can give you a good reason why you should hire them.
Sample Answer: I have been able to increase sales every year since I started in this industry. I have won several awards for my performance and have been promoted twice.
Question Overview: Listen for how the candidate explains their career path. See if they talk about their successes and failures. Look for examples of how they have learned from their past experiences and how they have grown as a result. You want to hire someone who is open to learning and growing.
Sample Answer: I have always been a people person. I love helping others and making a difference in their lives. I am also very goal-oriented and love to achieve my goals.
Question Overview: Listen for how the candidate transitioned from their previous role to this one. If they were a sales rep, you want to hear about how they managed their territory and how they grew their business. If they were a sales manager, you want to hear about how they managed their team and what they did to improve their performance.
Sample Answer: I was a sales rep for five years and then I was promoted to sales manager. I have been managing sales reps for the past five years.
Question Overview: Look for a candidate who has done some research on your company, its products and services. They should be able to discuss some of the company's history, the products and services it offers, and the company's mission. If they can't answer these questions, then they don't have enough knowledge about your company to be a good fit.
Sample Answer: I have read up on your company's history and mission. I am very interested in learning more about your products and services.
Question Overview: Look for a candidate who is flexible and can adapt to different situations. See if they have experience with a low period of leads and how they handled it. You want a regional sales manager who can adapt to different situations and scenarios without disrupting the company's or team's objectives. Quotas, products and services can change at any time. Not to mention, as the role evolves, it is advantageous to hire someone who is also willing to learn and change.
Sample Answer: I would look at our sales processes and see where we could improve. I would also look at our marketing campaigns and see if we could get more leads.
Question Overview: Listen for how the candidate handled the situation. Did they take responsibility for their actions? Did they learn from their mistakes? Did they grow from the experience? You want to hire someone who learns from their mistakes and is willing to take responsibility for their actions.
Sample Answer: I failed to meet my quota one month and it was a wake-up call. I realized that I needed to work harder and smarter.