Sales interview questions (and how to answer them)

Sales interviews test one thing above all: can you sell? Treat the interview as your first sale.

"Tell me about yourself."

Give a 60-second pitch: where you've been, a result you're proud of, and why this role is next. End with a question back.

"Sell me this pen."

Don't list features. Ask questions first: what do they use now, when do they write, what matters to them? Then tie the product to their answer and ask for the close.

"How do you handle rejection?"

Show a system: you track activity, learn from each "no", and keep volume up. A real example beats a slogan.

"What's your best sales result?"

Use numbers: quota, percentage over goal, deals closed, ranking on the team. No sales history? Use any result where you persuaded people: fundraising, recruiting, a side business.

"Why commission?"

Say you want your pay tied to your effort and you're confident in your work ethic. Then ask how top reps on the team ramp up.

Questions you should ask

• How is commission calculated and when is it paid?
• Are leads provided, or do I generate my own?
• What does training look like in the first 30 days?
• What separates your top reps from the rest?

Close the interview

Ask: "Is there anything that would stop you from moving me forward?" Then handle it. That is selling.

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