When interviewing for a sales job opportunity, expect to be asked by the hiring sales manager, “why should I hire you“. As a hiring sales manager, I usually ask this questions to candidates that I am considering, when there is another candidate that is just as qualified and I am looking for some specific things to be addressed when asked.
When you are asked this question, you are given the opportunity to really highlight in a summary format as to the different reasons why you are the best candidate for the position. Take a look at the areas that you want to cover when you craft your response.
1: Talk about your proven past results
This is a chance to quickly highlight your past results and to give a high-level highlight reel of your proven success. Sales is about results and you will want to highlight that first and foremost.
This question is usually asked later in the sales job interview, so bring back some of the key things you talked about earlier in the interview if possible. Give the hiring manager the confidence that you will bring that proven experience for the hiring sales manager’s benefit. Remember, the sales manager’s performance is based on his/her team’s performance, and in sales, its all about results.
Mention your past results with pride and confidence and if possible, highlight your method of achieving the sales results you have achieved.
2: Mention how you are capable of doing the job as posted
Give the hiring sales manager the confidence of you being able of doing the sales job and to do it well. Tie in past experiences that are relevant or transferable to the skills and experiences the hiring sales manager is looking for.
Use examples by either mentioned specific things the hiring manager is looking for during your discussion and back that up with your past experiences, training, education or awards.
3: Tell the hiring manager why you want the job
This is your opportunity to let the hiring sales manager know why you want to work for the company and why you want to sell the product or service. This will provide that added confidence, that you did you homework and that you will actually do your job if given the opportunity.
If you have a passion for that specific job, mention why you have this passion, and how it will fuel your success is hired for the job. If you take the passion route, be authentic and true to yourself so that you don’t seem fake. Be real, be you and give your reasons why you have a passion for the job opportunity.
4: Remind them that you Hustle
If you truly have good work ethics and that you hustle to make things happen, even when the odds are against you. This can really make you stand out because sales reps can always make things happen when the situation is perfect, but when things are tough, a hiring sales manager wants to know if you would step up to the plate and hustle to make things happen.
When a candidate lets me know that they will dig in their heels and find solutions, it also gives me a glimpse of their character and personality. A whiner or complainer will never hustle and spend more time on the negatives. Remind them that you hustle and throw in a quick reminder example to seal it.
5: Close and ask for the job, and finish it with a question
Hey! You are going for a sales job, you better close and ask for the sale. If you really want that job, then let the hiring sales manager know that you want the job and ask if they will hire you.
Let them answer and finish your answer by controlling the end of this answer by throwing a well thought out question back at them to get their input on the response you have just given. Try something like, “can you tell me what you think of my response, did I miss anything, was there anything that stood out to you?”.
By asking the hiring sales manager an open-ended question at the end, you will be given their thoughts of your answer, and it also helps them think through your response and activates their memory when they go back to review the interviews of all the candidates. Your question will have them think and respond. You will also get more intel as to what they think about your response.
Conclusion
I hope these five areas help you craft your perfect response when asked, “why should I hire you.” Now I hand it back to you, please add any other suggestions for readers in the comments section below so that others can benefit and prepare for their sales job interview
Leave a Reply