Top Sales Representative Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020]

Question Overview: An ideal candidate should have a reason for looking to change jobs. The reason for looking to change jobs should be related to the position you are hiring for. For example, if you are hiring a sales representative, the candidate should be looking to change jobs because they want to increase their sales and earn more money.

Sample Answer: I am looking to change jobs because I want to increase my sales and earn more money.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Desire to increase their sales and earn more money
• - Desire to work in a new environment
• - Desire to work for a new company

Question Overview: An ideal candidate will know how to ask the right questions to understand a client’s needs. The right questions will help the candidate to make a sale. Look for candidates who will ask questions about the client’s needs, their business, their competitors and their goals.

Sample Answer: I would ask questions about the client’s needs, their business, their competitors and their goals. I would also ask them if they have any problems with their current products or services.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to ask the right questions
• - Confidence in their sales approach
• - Great sales technique developed from previous jobs

Question Overview: An ideal candidate should know about your company's marketing strategies. If you are looking for a sales representative, the ideal candidate should know about your company's marketing strategies. Candidates should be able to talk about your company's marketing strategies and how they will help you sell more products.

Sample Answer: I know that you are currently using a mix of online and offline marketing strategies. I am confident that I can increase sales by using these strategies.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Knowledge of your company's marketing strategies
• - Confidence in their ability to sell
• - Ability to connect with people

Question Overview: An ideal candidate should be available to start work as soon as possible. Look for candidates who are available to start work immediately. If the candidate is not available to start work immediately, ask them when they will be available.

Sample Answer: I am available to start work immediately.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Availability to start work immediately
• - Confidence in their availability

Question Overview: An ideal candidate should have a weakness that is not related to the job. For example, if you are hiring a sales representative, the ideal candidate should have a weakness in their personal life, such as spending too much time on social media. The candidate's weakness should not be related to the job.

Sample Answer: I spend too much time on social media.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A weakness that is not related to the job
• - A weakness that does not affect their performance
• - A weakness that does not affect their ability to sell

Question Overview: An ideal candidate should be able to provide you with a specific answer to this question. If you are hiring someone from out of state, you might want to know if they are willing to relocate. If you are hiring someone from out of the country, you might want to know if they have any visa issues.

Sample Answer: I am originally from New York. I am willing to relocate.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Willingness to relocate
• - Visa issues

Question Overview: An ideal candidate should have a specific salary in mind. Sales representatives should have a salary range in mind, as well as a specific salary. An ideal candidate should be able to provide you with a salary range and a specific salary amount.

Sample Answer: I am looking for a salary of $50,000 to $60,000 per year.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Confidence in their salary range
• - Confidence in their specific salary amount

Question Overview: An ideal candidate should be able to handle problems and overcome them. Look for candidates who have experience with handling problems in their previous jobs. Candidates should be able to provide you with examples of how they handled a problem in their previous job.

Sample Answer: In my previous position as a sales representative, I was in trouble when I lost a client. I handled the situation by identifying the problem and finding a solution.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to overcome problems
• - Confidence in their skills
• - Ability to stay focused

Question Overview: An ideal candidate should be able to handle rejection well. A sales representative needs to be able to handle rejection and move on to the next sale. If a candidate cannot handle rejection, they will not be successful in sales. Look for candidates who can explain how they deal with rejection and how they move on from it.

Sample Answer: I have been rejected many times in my previous jobs. I have learned how to deal with rejection and move on. I am confident that I can make a sale and close the deal.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to move on from rejection
• - Confidence in their ability to make sales
• - Ability to handle rejection

Question Overview: An ideal candidate will have a proven record of success in closing sales. The candidate should be able to provide you with examples of how they closed sales in their previous jobs.

Sample Answer: I close sales by following the steps to make a sale. I ask probing questions, make recommendations and close the deal.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Proven record of success in closing sales
• - Ability to provide examples of closing sales
• - Ability to follow the steps to make a sale