Sales Representative Interview Questions & Answers


Sales representatives present and sell products or services of organizations to other organizations or people. They contact potential buyers, present products and services, answer questions and discuss pricing.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Sales Representative or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Sales Representative position, these Sales Representative interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Sales Representative Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Sales Representative interview questions.

  1. What attracts you to a career in sales?
  2. Describe your previous experience in sales.
  3. How do you define success in a sales role?
  4. How do you approach building relationships with clients?
  5. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome objections from a customer. How did you handle it?
  6. What strategies do you use to identify and prospect new clients?
  7. How do you prioritize and manage your sales pipeline?
  8. Describe a situation where you had to meet or exceed challenging sales targets. How did you achieve them?
  9. How do you handle rejection and maintain motivation in a sales role?
  10. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes?
  11. Give an example of a successful sales pitch you delivered. What made it effective?
  12. How do you handle negotiation and closing deals?
  13. How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced sales environment?
  14. What sales tools and technologies are you familiar with?
  15. Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a sales goal.
  16. How do you adapt your sales approach to different types of customers?
  17. Give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult customer. How did you resolve the situation?
  18. How do you handle objections related to price or cost?
  19. Describe a time when you successfully upsold or cross-sold a product or service.
  20. How do you measure and track your sales performance?
  21. What role does active listening play in your sales approach?
  22. Give an example of a time when you had to negotiate a contract or agreement with a client.
  23. How do you handle sales objections related to competition?
  24. Describe a time when you had to think creatively to close a deal.
  25. How do you handle managing relationships with existing clients while prospecting for new ones?
  26. How do you approach sales forecasting and setting targets for yourself?
  27. Give an example of a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a sales deadline.
  28. How do you handle customer feedback or complaints?
  29. How do you handle objections related to product features or functionality?
  30. Describe a time when you had to build rapport and establish trust with a new client quickly.
  31. How do you leverage social media and online platforms in your sales efforts?
  32. Give an example of a time when you had to tailor your sales approach to a specific industry or vertical.
  33. How do you stay motivated and driven in a highly competitive sales environment?
  34. Describe a time when you had to negotiate a contract renewal with an existing client. How did you ensure their satisfaction and loyalty?
  35. How do you build and maintain a strong network of referral partners or strategic alliances?
  36. Give an example of a time when you had to educate a client on the value and benefits of a complex product or service.
  37. How do you handle sales objections related to product pricing?
  38. Describe a time when you had to navigate a complex sales process with multiple decision-makers involved.
  39. Describe a time when you had to work with a challenging team member or colleague to achieve a sales goal.
  40. What strategies do you use to build and maintain a strong sales pipeline?
  41. How do you adapt your sales approach when selling to different industries or markets?
  42. Give an example of a time when you had to deliver a persuasive sales presentation. How did you prepare for it?
  43. How do you use data and analytics to inform your sales strategies?
  44. Describe a time when you had to negotiate pricing or terms with a client to close a deal.
  45. How do you build and maintain long-term relationships with clients after the initial sale?
  46. Give an example of a time when you had to handle multiple sales projects simultaneously. How did you manage your time and prioritize?
  47. How do you stay motivated and focused during a sales slump or challenging market conditions?
  48. Describe a time when you had to work with a team to develop a sales strategy or campaign. What was your role in the process?

Sales Representative Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Sales Representative interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

  1. What is Your Salary Expectation?
  2. Tell Me About Yourself
  3. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
  4. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
  5. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
  6. What is Your Greatest Strength?
  7. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
  8. Why Should We Hire You?
  9. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
  10. Why Do You Want This Job?