How to Win a Sales Rep Interview, Business English

How to Win a Sales Rep Interview

Business English

by Sue Gench

key words: sales rep, active listening, soft sell, hard sell, well-spoken, personable, quick witted, detailed oriented

There are people born to sell in this world, which I believe it is true for all professions: Do what you are good at, because we possess a natural stamina, guts and abilities needed to succeed in that particular profession. So, a born Sales Rep is endowed with the following traits:

If you have these traits, then you must ask yourself this question: "Why do I want to sell?" What's your answer? I would think that you want to sell products because you find a value in it, such as you want to serve people this way: help people make a good decision to buy a product. For me, I cannot sell products but can sell ideas. In other words, we all need to sell, whether be an idea, service or product. A doctor needs to persuade his/her patient for an appropriate treatment, a teacher needs be persuasive to sell his/her teachings to students. By the same token, a sales rep is no different than a doctor or teacher in terms of helping others through their service to deliver a need. Whether you will utilize soft sell or hard sell, the bottom line is you need the above traits. Having said that, you will prepare for the interview to sell yourself. Below are some basic tips to consider for the interview.

Make sure you understand general guidelines for interview.
You are relaxed, personable, keep eye contact, actively listen.
Do your homework: review concepts and terminology for the product(s) you will be interviewed to sell (study the key words). Even though you may have no previous experience in the same product, you will impress the interviewer that you have done your homework.
Have professional looks and demeanor, be an active listener and well-spoken.
Be honest about your experience, but do not short sell yourself! You can do the job because of the fundamental traits (listed above) you possess. You are self-confident; a go getter. You have the right instincts to understand the customer's needs for the product and able to help the customer make a right decision.
You abide by ethical guidelines for sales professionals. That is to say that although you will be expected to meet sales quotes on your job, you will comply with ethics of sales profession. You sell a product you believe in.
They will ask you why they should hire you instead of somebody else. You must come up with something that gives you an advantage over other applicants. Talk about your best qualities when this question is asked. For example, you are a problem solver or an excellent listener or can work well under pressure; you are hard working, creative, and a born sales person. Be truthful. Do not make up any asset you don't possess.

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