If you’ve landed a sales interview, congratulations! But before you scroll on, take two minutes to read this, because securing a new sales role isn’t just about having a great CV. The real challenge lies in how well you perform during the interview.
And while interviews can feel daunting and nerves can creep in – even for the most experienced sales professionals out there – if you’re in sales, you’ve already got the skills you need to succeed. You know how to pitch, persuade, and close. The only thing you need to get your head around is the fact that in a sales interview, you’re not pitching a product or service, instead, you’re selling yourself!
At Midas Recruitment, we support hundreds of candidates in preparing for sales interviews, and we know exactly what hiring managers are looking for: confidence, communication skills, persuasive techniques, and proof that you can deliver results.
Whether it’s your first sales interview or your fiftieth, it’s all about using what you already do best. With the right prep, mindset, and a little insider advice, there’s no reason you can’t walk in and close the deal.
Sales is a numbers game. Be prepared to talk metrics: targets, conversion rates, deal size, revenue, and pipeline. Hiring managers want to see the impact you’ve made and hear about your results, so you need to use real facts and figures to demonstrate your value. Vague answers won’t cut it – concrete figures build credibility.
Common Interview Question: What targets were you working towards, and how did you perform against them?
Suggested Answer: In my last role, I had a new business target of £X and an upsell target of £X per quarter. I consistently exceeded these, averaging £X per quarter with a conversion rate of X%. I managed my own pipeline and closed deals averaging £X, annually contributing £X, which I’m incredibly proud of.
Tip: Stick to the facts and keep your answer clear and concise.
Do your homework. Research the company thoroughly by visiting their website, checking their social media, and familiarising yourself with their services, target market, and competitors. This not only helps you tailor your responses but also shows genuine interest.
Common Interview Question: What do you know about our company, and why do you want to work here?
Suggested Answer: I’ve researched your company and know you specialise in X and have a strong reputation for X. I have also seen on socials that you recently X, which sounds so exciting! Your values are what really stood out to me; that’s why I’m excited to be considered for this position, as I believe I can add real value with my experience.
Tip: Use specific examples from your research to show you’re genuinely engaged.
Anyone can say they’re a top performer who gets results, but what sets you apart is your ability to back up your claims with real-life examples. Telling your story is one of the most powerful tools you have access to, as it showcases your skills and successes.
Common Interview Question: What’s your biggest sales achievement?
Suggested Answer: At [Company], I turned a cold lead into a loyal, high-value customer and closed my biggest deal of £X. By understanding their needs, I identified a gap in their current solution and proposed a tailored solution. After onboarding, I nurtured the relationship and significantly grew the account over 12 months.
Tip: Use the STAR method to structure your answers.
Every sales role comes with its fair share of rejection. Interviewers will want to know that you’re resilient and able to power through, even on the hardest of days! Show that you can bounce back after hearing “no” and can keep moving forward.
Common Interview Question: How do you handle rejection?
Suggested Answer: Rejection is part of sales. I always try to understand the ‘why’ behind a no, whether it’s timing, budget, or fit – and I often follow up later. I’ve turned many initial nos into successful long-term customers by building rapport over time.
Tip: Show that you’re adaptable and persistent.
A strong understanding of the full sales cycle is key. Walk the interviewer through your approach, from prospecting to closing and follow-up.
Common Interview Question: How do you research a potential client?
Suggested Answer: I start by reviewing their website, social media, and tools like Crunchbase to understand their business model, challenges, and competitors. I then look up decision-makers on LinkedIn and begin building relationships. This approach has helped me close multiple deals by offering tailored, relevant solutions.
Tip: Mention times when this approach has led to success.
Sales interviews are a two-way conversation. It’s about you assessing the company and role, as much as it is for an interview to assess your suitability and fit. Asking thoughtful questions not only shows interest, but it also gives insight into whether the role and company are right for you.
Smart Questions to Ask: What are your top-performing salespeople doing differently?; Can you walk me through your current sales process?; What does success look like in this role over the first 6 months?; How does the company generate leads?; What are the current challenges your sales team is facing?
Tip: Avoid asking questions you could easily find on the company website.
A sales interview is your opportunity to show that you can listen, build rapport, solve problems, and, most importantly, deliver results. With the right preparation and mindset, you can treat the interview like a pitch and close your next role!
Looking for a new sales job? Browse our latest sales vacancies, or get in touch with the Midas Recruitment team to discuss your next move.
