Top Sales Associate Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Sales Associate interview by going through these most asked Sales Associate interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Interview Practice

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  • Question: What are your interests?
  • Question Overview: This is a great question for you to ask because it gives you insight into the candidate's personality. You want to hire someone who is passionate about something. It shows that they have a life outside of work and that they are a well-rounded person.

    Sample Answer: I am passionate about music and I play the guitar. I have been playing for over 10 years.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passionate about something
    • - Well-rounded

  • Question: How did you come to know about the job?
  • Question Overview: This question is important because it allows you to determine if the candidate is a good fit for your company. If they are a current employee, you can assess their work ethic and how they handle their current job. If they are applying for a position online, you can determine if they are actively seeking employment.

    Sample Answer: I heard about the job from a friend who works here.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good work ethic
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Active job search

  • Question: How would you sell me your purse?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to assess the applicant's ability to sell products. The ideal candidate will be able to explain the benefits of the purse and how it is different from other similar products.

    Sample Answer: I would start by asking you what you are looking for in a purse. I would then explain the benefits of this purse over others. It is made of genuine leather and has a removable strap.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to sell products
    • - Passion for products
    • - Creativity in selling

  • Question: Why do you want to work in a sales team?
  • Question Overview: Working in a sales team requires a certain level of collaboration. The ideal candidate will be able to work well with others and be able to communicate effectively. The applicant's response will allow you to assess their ability to work in a team environment.

    Sample Answer: I am very excited to be working in a sales team because I know that I will be able to learn from my coworkers. I am also looking forward to being able to help my fellow sales associates.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Collaborative spirit
    • - Ability to communicate effectively
    • - Team player

  • Question: How would you approach a client?
  • Question Overview: As a sales associate, you must be able to approach a client in a way that makes them feel comfortable. The applicant's response will allow you to assess their communication skills and how they interact with others.

    Sample Answer: I always make sure to greet my clients with a smile and ask how they are doing. I try to engage them in conversation so that they feel comfortable with me.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Friendly demeanor
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Ability to make customers feel comfortable

  • Question: What makes you special?
  • Question Overview: This is a great question to ask at the end of an interview. It allows the applicant to show their personality and confidence. The ideal candidate will have a few stories prepared that highlight their strengths and unique qualities.

    Sample Answer: I am special because I am a hard worker who is always willing to go above and beyond for my customers. I am also very detail-oriented and have strong communication skills.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Positive attitude

  • Question: Why did you leave your last company?
  • Question Overview: When a sales associate leaves a company, it is important to know why they left. The applicant's response will allow you to determine if they were fired or if they left on good terms. If they left on good terms, you can ask them why they decided to leave. If they were fired, you can ask them what they would have done differently.

    Sample Answer: I left my last job because I was not making enough money. I would have stayed if I was making more money.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty
    • - Ability to learn from mistakes

  • Question: What do you know about the company?
  • Question Overview: As a sales associate, you are the face of the company. It is important for you to know about the company's history, mission statement and goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the organization and its products.

    Sample Answer: I know that your company was founded in 1995 and has been growing ever since. I also know that your company is committed to providing high-quality products to your customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of company history
    • - Mission statement and goals

  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This is a common question that is asked in interviews. The applicant's response to this question allows you to assess their self-awareness and honesty. The ideal candidate will be able to identify their strengths as well as their weaknesses.

    Sample Answer: My strengths are my ability to work independently and my attention to detail. My weakness is that I am not always the best at multitasking.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-aware
    • - Honest

  • Question: What is your favorite movie?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to see how well the applicant can think on their feet. The ideal candidate will be able to provide a quick answer that is relevant to the job. This question is also used to determine what kind of movies the applicant likes.

    Sample Answer: My favorite movie is "The Hangover." I love comedies.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Quick thinking
    • - Good sense of humor
    • - Ability to relate to others

  • Question: What made you apply for this position?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's response to this question will allow you to determine their reasons for applying for the job. The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in the position and the company.

    Sample Answer: I have always been interested in working for your company. I have been a loyal customer for years and I am excited to be a part of your team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Interest in the position and company
    • - Desire to work for your company

  • Question: What sports do you like?
  • Question Overview: Sports are a great way to build rapport with customers. It is important for a sales associate to have an interest in the same sports as their clientele. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to assess their communication skills and ability to relate to others.

    Sample Answer: I enjoy watching and playing baseball.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to communicate with customers
    • - Enjoys the same sports as their clientele

  • Question: What is the one word that describes you?
  • Question Overview: The answer to this question allows you to learn more about the applicant's personality. The ideal candidate will be able to provide a word that accurately describes them.

    Sample Answer: I would describe myself as determined.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passionate
    • - Determined
    • - Energetic

  • Question: What is your greatest strength?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to identify their greatest strength and explain how they use it in the workplace. The candidate's response will allow you to assess their confidence and ability to communicate their strengths.

    Sample Answer: My greatest strength is my ability to communicate with customers. I am able to listen to their needs and find the best products for them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence
    • - Communication skills

  • Question: How do you work in a team?
  • Question Overview: As a sales associate, you will be working with other employees. The ideal candidate will be able to work well with others. They will be able to communicate effectively and share their ideas.

    Sample Answer: I have always been a team player. I enjoy working with others to achieve a common goal. I am always willing to help my coworkers out when they need it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Team player
    • - Communicates effectively
    • - Shares ideas

  • Question: What would you say about yourself?
  • Question Overview: This is a simple question that allows the candidate to talk about their strengths and weaknesses. The ideal candidate will be honest and open about their abilities.

    Sample Answer: I am a hard worker who is always willing to go the extra mile for my customers. I am also very detail-oriented and I strive to exceed my sales goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honest
    • - Open

  • Question: What do you think about diversity?
  • Question Overview: Diversity is a topic that is important to many companies. The ideal candidate will be able to show that they are open-minded and accepting of people from different backgrounds.

    Sample Answer: I believe that diversity is a positive thing. I have friends from different ethnicities and backgrounds, and I think it is important to learn from each other.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Open-mindedness
    • - Acceptance of people from different backgrounds

  • Question: How would you convince me to buy this pen?
  • Question Overview: As a sales associate, it is important to be able to persuade customers to purchase a product. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to assess their ability to sell products and their ability to think on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would first ask you what you like about your current pen. Then I would tell you about the features of this pen that I think would be beneficial for you.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to persuade customers
    • - Creativity in sales pitches
    • - Confidence in product knowledge