There are some questions that interviewers will ask because it is written on an interview worksheet, some outdated and some not related to sales jobs. Regardless, it is smart to be prepared to answer any of these questions. The alternative is to remind the interviewer that the question he or she just asked his dumb. The obvious consequence would be a reduction on the chart of potential candidates even though you enjoy the satisfaction of correcting the interviewer. The employer wants to hire a top candidate and a true sales professional is ready for anything. Sometimes there is a hidden reason to ask some questions to see how the sales professional would react. Remember how you conduct yourself at an interview is a signal of how you will conduct yourself in the employers customer’s office.

What are your weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: “I am always working on my communication skills to become a better presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful.”

Why should we hire you?
Summarize your experiences: “With five years’ experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I am confident that I would be a great addition to your team.”

Why do you want to work here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you’ve given some serious thought to your opportunities with the company. For example: “I’ve selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable companies.”

What are your goals?
Sometimes it’s better to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example: “My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility.”

Why did you leave (are you leaving) your job?
If you are unemployed state your reason for leaving in a positive context: “I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a twenty percent reduction in the workforce, which included me.”
If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: “After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience.”

When were you most satisfied in your job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. “I was very satisfied in my last job because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me.”

What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: “I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly.”

What are three positive things that your boss would say about you?
It’s time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss’s quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else’s words: “My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me and he likes my sense of humor.”

What salary are you seeking?
It is to your advantage if the employer tells you a range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: “I am sure that when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?”

If you were an animal, which one would you be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer “a bunny,” you will make a soft passive impression. If you answer “a lion,” you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make.

Source: Internet Research

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Interview Questions

Interview Questions