12 Sales Interview Questions: How to Answer Them and Tips

Sample Answer: “I choose sales as my career for several reasons. First, my passion lies in building relationships with others. Building trust and connections take effort and time, but it’s also at the center of a sales’ job. I believe a career in sales would be fulfilling both personally and professionally.”

Sample Answer: “My most successful sale happened just recently. I helped close deals with companies close to the gym where I work as a sales representative by conducting detailed research. I examined the work hours and commute routes of employees of nearby companies and suggested that the gym provide customized packages for them. I then followed up on those who signed up for the customized packages and offered discounts for them to invite their families and friends to join the gym. The research I did and the strategies I developed helped our company tremendously and I was promoted to a sales representative.” 

Sample Answer: “In one task, I had to research and give an exhaustive presentation to the sales team. The presentation was about five new market competitors. The manager’s requirements were rather simple, and I had to research their products, prices, and other sales-related information. I saw an opportunity to go beyond and decided to use effective data visualization to explain my research more clearly. Moreover, all of the sales team members were well-informed by my presentation. The presentation helped us define our next sales goals more precisely.”

Sample Answer: “I am skilled in client management, conflict resolution and sales presentation. But among the sales skills I’ve got, I’d like to highlight my interpersonal skills. People, including my friends and colleagues, always say that I’m comfortable to be with and easy to talk to. I attend to conversations and actively listen to people. I make them feel valued and heard. As a result, I easily build long-lasting relationships with clients and they see me as their friend.”

Sample Answer: “My curiosity makes me an exceptional retail sales associate. I want to know everything and thus always thoroughly research all kinds of products and competitors. I firmly believe a good retail sales associate needs to have knowledge of what they’re selling and I strive to be one that has this kind of knowledge. Nevertheless, if customers ask questions I am not acquainted with, I’m always happy to find answers for them and keep their inquiries in mind.”

Sample Answer: “I like to learn new techniques and try new methods. For the previous few listings, I studied the way to better present my client’s houses on different listing platforms. To enhance my listings, I took photography courses and learned from successful house listings. After adjusting the estate posting strategy, I’ve gained 3 thousand more followers and my sales have also increased by 15% in half a year.”

Sample Answer: “I’m also a customer. I do know what it’s like being asked to purchase something we honestly know nothing about. As an insurance agent, my approach to a reluctant customer is to earn their trust first, and that I’m there to offer a dependable plan. To win their trust, I would build connections with their personal lives and remind them how our specific insurance plan could be a helping hand in different times.”

Sample Answer: “I learned useful sales skills during a previous sales assistant part-time job six months ago. At that time, I learned to organize customer data, document sales records, and manage time. I learned to use software to manage sales-related information and look for patterns of different types of customers.”

Sample Answer: “My former colleagues would probably describe me as a responsible, humorous, and versatile salesperson. As a part of the sales team, my colleagues and I had good relationships, and we often helped out each other to close deals. Good humor certainly made our sales work more effective and motivating. In addition, I often helped my colleague respond with quick changes by agilely coming up with win-win terms.”

Sample Answer:  “Three months ago, I met a client who had an extremely limited budget. I first understood their needs and tried to offer solutions to their problems when negotiating with them. With a bottom line in mind, I first made myself firm but gentle. Next, I explained why our product was unrivaled and how this product would solve their problem. To close the deal without sacrificing profits, I helped them come up with better budget plans by recommending better manufacturers for other items.”

Sample Answer: “Sometimes expectations just don’t match. Last year, a client came to us and proposed to buy our products at an incredibly low price in a massive volume. They were unwilling to make any changes or accept other offers. As a result, our team determined it was not feasible or profitable to land a deal at this moment. However, we still remained in a friendly relationship after suggesting solutions for them.”

Sample Answer:  

You: If you don’t mind me asking, how often do you use a pen and what for?

Interviewer: I use it almost every day to take notes and comment on documents. 

You: Seems like your work relies heavily on pens. Would you mind telling me about a time you were upset with a pen?

Interviewer: I once had to sign a big contract. The pen wasn’t working initially, so I had to rewrite it several times and ended up accidentally tearing the sheet. It was horrible.

You: I’m sorry to hear that. I believe that with all the big contracts and documents you have to go through each day, that experience really gave you horror.

Interviewer: Yeah, it did.

You: Here’s what I believe, a busy and capable woman like you shouldn’t let an awfully manufactured pen ruin your tight schedule. This pen is designed with thoughtful details and aims to prevent these horrible situations. It has an anti-leak ink tank and a smooth and shock-proof nib that will never malfunction. Better yet, we are offering new buyers a 50% off deal. Sign your future contracts with this pen. What do you say?