Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that's designed to gauge the candidate's self-awareness. The best way to answer this question is by admitting a weakness and then explaining how you're working to improve it. The candidate should also demonstrate that they're aware of the weakness and that they're actively working to improve it.
Sample Answer: I tend to get too focused on the task at hand and lose sight of the big picture. I'm working on improving my ability to see the big picture so that I can better serve my customers.
Question Overview: This is a broad question that can be answered in a number of ways. The candidate should be prepared to discuss their strengths in terms of their ability to sell products and services. They should also be able to speak to their strengths in terms of their ability to work with others.
Sample Answer: My strengths are my ability to sell products and services as well as my ability to work with others.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's sales process. The outside sales representative needs to be able to sell the product or service in a way that's tailored to the customer's needs. The best way to do this is by asking questions and listening to what the client has to say.
Sample Answer: I would ask questions about the client's business and then tailor my pitch accordingly.
Question Overview: This is a fun question that's intended to gauge the candidate's personality. The answer can reveal a lot about the candidate's outlook on life.
Sample Answer: I would be a lion because they're strong and powerful.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's interest in sales. The best candidates are those who are genuinely interested in sales and have a desire to be a part of the process. The worst candidates are those who are just looking for a job and don't have any real interest in sales.
Sample Answer: I've always had an interest in sales because I enjoy helping people.
Question Overview: The candidate needs to be able to demonstrate that they have the skills and experience to do the job. They should also be able to show that they're a good fit for the organization and that they're interested in the job.
Sample Answer: I have the skills and experience to do this job. I'm also interested in working for a company like yours because of its reputation.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge the candidate's desire to succeed and their drive to achieve their goals. The best outside sales representatives are those who are hungry for success and willing to do what it takes to get there.
Sample Answer: I want to be the best at what I do, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get there.
Question Overview: This question is intended to gauge the candidate's salary expectations. The ideal outside sales representative is one who is willing to work for a fair wage and not one who is seeking to maximize their compensation. The candidate should be able to provide a number that's fair for them and the company.
Sample Answer: I'm looking for a salary that's fair for both the company and myself.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's experience in the outside sales role. It's important that the candidate has experience in selling to consumers as opposed to business-to-business. The best candidates will have experience selling to a variety of customers, not just one type.
Sample Answer: I've sold to a variety of customers, including both businesses and consumers.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at getting a sense of the candidate's personality. The best outside sales representative is one who is friendly, outgoing, and energetic. They should also be able to build rapport with clients and be able to relate to them.
Sample Answer: I would describe myself as friendly, outgoing, and energetic.
Question Overview: The best outside sales representatives are those who can handle an upset customer without losing their cool. They should be able to remain calm and respectful while also being assertive. The candidate should be able to understand the customer's point of view and work to resolve the issue.
Sample Answer: I would try to understand why the customer is upset and then work with them to resolve the issue.
Question Overview: This is a question that's aimed at gauging the candidate's career goals. The best outside sales representative is one who wants to grow within the organization and take on more responsibility. They should be looking for a company that will give them the opportunities to do so.
Sample Answer: I'm looking for a company that will give me the opportunity to learn new skills and take on more responsibility.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's track record of success. It's important to know how much of a role they played in the organization's success. The answer to this question will also reveal whether the candidate is a self-motivator or if they need constant supervision and guidance.
Sample Answer: I received two awards at my last job.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's technical knowledge. The outside sales representative needs to be able to speak intelligently about the product or service that they're selling. This is especially true when dealing with clients who are more technical.
Sample Answer: I know that cloud computing is a way for companies to store their data on remote servers rather than on their own computers.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's ability to sell themselves. The best way to do this is by being a good listener and asking questions. The candidate should be able to ask the interviewer questions about their likes and dislikes and then use that information to sell them on a restaurant.
Sample Answer: I would ask you what your favorite type of food is and then recommend a restaurant that serves it.
Question Overview: The purpose of this question is to gauge the candidate's interest in their field of study. The best outside sales representative is one who has a passion for their work. They should be able to speak about their major with enthusiasm and excitement.
Sample Answer: I chose my major because I was fascinated by the subject matter.
Question Overview: The purpose of this question is to gauge the candidate's academic performance. A high GPA shows that the candidate is capable of performing well in a structured environment.
Sample Answer: I had a 3.7 GPA in college.
Question Overview: The candidate should be able to describe their role in the company and how it relates to the position that they're interviewing for. The answer should be specific and not vague.
Sample Answer: My role was to work with a team of sales representatives to sell our product to new clients.
Question Overview: The candidate should be able to give a specific date and time that they will be ready to start. This is especially important if the company is in need of immediate help.
Sample Answer: I will be available to start on Monday, June 1st at 8:00 AM.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at gauging the candidate's self-awareness. A good outside sales representative should be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses and be able to effectively communicate them to others.
Sample Answer: My manager would say that I'm a very hard worker who is always willing to go the extra mile for my clients.