The other side of the table: 6 things interviewers want from you

Browse the internet and there are hundreds of articles claiming to share secrets on how to get your dream sales job.

What if you’re not into tricks though? What if you have the skills and the hard-working attitude? What if your only problem at interview level is your ability to convey your obvious talents?

We’ve been taking tips from interviewers throughout Friday Media Group and Simply Jobs Boards and our clients too and we think we’ve figured out a way to overcome the obvious tips and find a way to really help.

By taking a look at the ways interviewers really choose candidates, we’ve worked backwards to find ways to work these decisions in your favour. You’ll never need to go through an awkward or badly-matched interview ever again!

1. Answer the non-career related questions carefully and methodically

Interviewers are not looking for a new drinking pal – would that they were. As much as you’d love to get them on side with anecdotes about your exciting travels and evidence of your caring, outgoing nature, believe it or not, that’s not what a good employer is looking for.

In reality to be a great salesperson you need resilience, personal motivation and autonomy. Being popular and well-liked is great for office morale but after the sixty seventh rejection on a rainy Monday morning, will you still be the life and soul of the party? Skills, however, never fade under pressure or falter on a down day.

2. Talk a lot but listen more

Employers looking for sales staff know that you can talk for hours. It’s your job. You’ll be given free reign of about 60% of the interview, so don’t be too conscious of rambling answers – as long as you get to your point.

The most important thing you can do while answering your questions in this way is to listen. A good salesperson must always be acutely aware of their client’s needs – this is achieved by, you guessed it, listening intently. So feel free to ramble, just make sure you’re answering the question you were actually asked.

3. Know who you’re asking to give references

We’re not exactly suggesting that you send a bouquet of flowers to your referees to help your chances, however, it can’t hurt to talk with them about your conduct and general prospects.

Keeping in contact with your ex-employers, even if just for the crossover months while you get settled, shows maturity and respect as well as being polite. They helped you become the salesperson you are, they should at least be thanked with a little more than a quick goodbye on your last day. (LinkedIn is your friend in these cases. Ask for a recommendation while you’re at it.)

4. Be ready to be asked to do a little work

A huge number of applicants to get through and very little time to make informed decisions means it has become more commonplace for employers to ask interviewees to fill out example business plans, bring portfolios or even give a presentation to support their application.

Sales manager Jordan Greenberg says about this strategy: “Doers will jump on this chance to prove their desire and worthiness. Slackers and ego maniacs will tell you that their “leads” are confidential and baulk at this.” So at least you now know where you stand if you want to refuse.

5. Prepare some answers on your processes

If sales comes naturally to you, this could be where your interviews usually fall down. Employers want to know that you’re capable of making, keeping and chasing leads through to the finish, so even if you do this without a strict process (creative types, we’re looking at you), it will do you a world of good to put together a plan to run through.

Even if this isn’t how you work – and we aren’t asking you to lie here, just preparing you – it will show your interviewer that you fully understand your role and responsibilities and are capable of working well within your own structure under your own steam.

6. Complete any pre-interview tasks as soon as you can and provide feedback

Interviewers are as stumped as you when it comes to finding new talent. They can try tests, organise presentations and meet you face-to-face but the truth is you never really know the true value of a worker until they are settled and beyond the eager-to-please stage.

Skills and personality tests are ways interviewers try to bridge the gap and by complying early you’ll really be helping them out. By providing a snippet of constructive feedback you’ll also be showing them you’re conscientious enough to know that every person in the workplace needs a little help from time to time. Even if they don’t mention it, we guarantee you’ll earn at least one brownie point. A good one.

If you’d like to find a perfect new job and put these tips to good use, browse all our current sales jobs. For all our latest blog posts and careers advice, make sure you follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

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