A common flaw that I see with candidates is that they speak in generalities when they interview for sales jobs:
- “I’m a great people person.”
- “I’m very persuasive.”
- “I’ve got a strong work ethic.”
Those qualities are all great, but the problem is that even the candidates who aren’t really telling the truth say those things.
The way to really separate yourself from the pack is to provide specific examples that back up what you say you can do:
- “I’ve got a great work ethic. My boss at my last company can tell you that I was the only reason we were able to achieve X goal in Y days, because of my work ethic and my drive and desire to achieve and be successful. I was the reason we were successful with that project.”
- “I’m a persuasive person. You might want to know how I know that I’m a persuasive person. When I present a sales pitch to some person, I know my product very, very well, I explain the things they need to know in order to make a good decision, and I ask for the business. I’ve been able to get this down to a fine art so that I know exactly what the hot points are, the concerns I have to alleviate, and I know exactly how to ask for the business: When will we be moving forward? Where should I send the paperwork? Would you like me to send you a preview of the bid? Should I send your first shipment out tomorrow?”
Whatever those examples are, you need to give evidence of how you’re a people person, why you’re persuasive, why you have a strong work ethic, how you’ve been persistent, etc.
Don’t just speak in generalities, because the people who can’t do it also speak in generalities, and it’s tough to tell you apart.
Are you presenting yourself as a strong sales candidate? If you’re not sure, spend a little time in a coaching session with me, one-on-one. We will work on your answers so that you crush the interview and get the sales job. Learn about career coaching here.