Why Sales? The Most-Asked Question in Sales Interviews! (2024)

"Imagine this - You're sitting in a sales interview, feeling confident and prepared. The conversation flows smoothly until the interviewer asks you, 'Why sales?'

Suddenly, you find yourself at a loss for words.

What do you say?

How do you make your answer stand out?

Don't worry, we've got you covered! Read on to discover the key to unlocking this frequently asked question and securing your dream sales job.

The Importance of Understanding "Why Sales?"

"Why sales?" is not just a random question asked in sales interviews. It holds immense significance for employers, as they want to understand your motivation and commitment to a sales career.

Sales is a challenging field that requires perseverance, resilience, and the ability to handle rejection. Employers want to gauge if you have the genuine passion and motivation to thrive in this competitive arena.

Your answer to this question can make or break your chances of getting hired, as it provides insight into your personality, drive, and suitability for the role.

Crafting a Compelling Response

Now that you understand the significance of the "Why sales?" question, let's explore how to craft a compelling response that will leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.

Avoid generic or cliché answers. Instead, be honest and authentic. Share your genuine reasons for choosing a sales career, whether it's your love for building relationships, your competitive nature, or your desire to help others succeed. Authenticity is key to connecting with your interviewer and standing out from the competition.

For example: "I've always been a people person, and I love building relationships. Sales allows me to connect with different individuals, understand their needs, and help them find solutions. I find it fulfilling to see the impact of my efforts in building long-term customer relationships."

Emphasize the skills and qualities that make you a good fit for sales. Are you an excellent communicator? Are you a natural problem solver? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Highlight how your strengths align with the requirements of a sales role and showcase how you can add value to the company.

For example: "I believe my strong communication skills and ability to connect with people on a personal level make me a great fit for sales. I am a natural problem solver, and I enjoy finding creative solutions to meet customer needs. Additionally, my competitive nature pushes me to constantly strive for excellence in achieving sales targets."

Share anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your passion for sales. Did you excel in a sales-related project or achieve significant sales results in your previous role? Did you receive positive feedback from clients or colleagues for your sales skills? Sharing real-life examples can add credibility to your response and showcase your sales acumen.

For example: "In my previous role, I was responsible for driving sales for a new product launch. I exceeded the sales targets by 150% within the first quarter, and I received positive feedback from clients for my exceptional sales skills. It was a challenging but fulfilling experience that solidified my passion for sales and my ability to deliver results."

Show your interviewer that you have done your homework. Research the company's products, services, industry, and sales culture. Highlight how the company's values, mission, or market position align with your career aspirations. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the company and have taken the time to understand its sales dynamics.

For example: "I am excited about the opportunity to work with XYZ Company because I am impressed by your innovative products and strong market presence. Your company's values of customer satisfaction and excellence in service align with my own career aspirations. I have researched your sales strategies and success stories, and I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to help drive the company's sales growth."

Turn the question around and ask the interviewer why they are passionate about sales or what they enjoy most about the sales profession. This not only shows your curiosity and engagement but also provides you with insights into the company's sales culture and expectations.

For example: "I'm curious to know what you enjoy most about working in sales at this company. What do you find most fulfilling about the sales profession here?"

Conclusion

The "Why sales?" question is a common yet critical question in sales interviews. By understanding its importance and crafting a compelling response, you can leave a positive impression on your interviewer and increase your chances of landing your dream sales job. So, remember to be authentic, highlight relevant skills, share personal experiences, research the company, and ask questions.