Sales Interview Competency Questions

Sales

What targets/KPI’s/Objectives do you work to now?
When have you exceeded targets? How often and by how much?
How would you approach business development?
What do you do when you are given a new target?
Describe a time when you have gone beyond the call of duty to achieve a target?
Provide an example of when you have overcome an objection and achieved a sale?

Relationship Building

Provide an example of a successful client relationship that you have nurtured from cold?
Explain how you build a client/candidate relationship, what approach do you take?
When have you turned a difficult working relationship around?
What is a positive working relationship to you?
How do you maintain a positive working relationship?

Communication

When have you had to communicate something difficult to a client or candidate?
How do you adjust your communication when speaking at different levels?

Team Work

What do you expect from you team?
Provide an example to show you are a good team player.
How would you approach fitting in with your new work colleagues?

Negotiation

Describe the most challenging negotiation you have conducted. What was so challenging about it? Which of your negotiating techniques was most effective? What were the results?
Trust is an important factor in negotiating. Share a situation in which your ability to gain the trust of the other person(s) was key to your success in negotiating

Multi Tasking

Provide examples of when you have successfully multi tasked.
Provide an example of when you have thought on your feet to resolve a difficult situation.

Cold Calling

How would you approach cold calling new clients?
How would you organise a cold calling task if you a) have been given a number or clients and candidates to call? b) Given an objective that you have to break down and develop.

Personal

What motivates you to be successful?
What are your aspirations?
What do you like about your current employer?
What would you change about your current employer and why?
How would you describe yourself?
How would your manager describe you?
What are your strengths and where do you need development?
Why do you want this job?
Why should we employ you?
What can you bring to this organisation?