Sell Yourself in the Interview to Show You Can Sell a Product or Service

Posted May 31, 2018

A sales interview is an opportunity to sell yourself as an effective salesperson. However, selling yourself in a sales interview can be a challenge, as your interviewers are probably well-versed in sales tactics.

An effective approach to tackle this situation is to show you've researched the business and talk about the reasons you are uniquely qualified to sell their products or services. You also ought to discuss your knowledge of the company's marketing strategies and how they relate to your work experience, using examples where possible.

Here are some effective ways to leverage your knowledge and experience to better sell yourself in a sales job interview.

Address a Problem

Businesses hire because they have challenges they want to address. For instance, potential customers might have long wait times for speaking with sales representatives. In preparation for a sales interview, try to identify the biggest problem suggested by the job posting or latest company news, and identify similar problems you've solved in the past. Talking about particular positive outcomes you've achieved is a very good way to show you can solve a company’s problems.

Use the Right Terminology

Your objective in a sales interview is to show you have a mastery of various sales techniques and principles. A subtle way to convey your knowledge of techniques, the industry and company products is to speak the same language as people in the industry. Mispronouncing a word or getting your terms confused quickly sends the message that you're not up to speed on your material.

Be 'Salesy'

On the job, salespeople are always upbeat, engaging, attentive and conversational. Projecting a sunny-yet-knowledgeable disposition is an effective sales technique because it helps to build trust with a prospect.

You need to show you understand this by being 'salesy' in the interview. While you'll want to avoid laying it on too thick, you need to show you understand the performance aspect of being an effective salesperson.

Send the Right Nonverbal Cues

We say a great deal about ourselves with nonverbal cues such as posture and facial expressions. Slouching and not making eye contact with your interviewer can make you seem closed off or insecure, not qualities employers want in their salespeople.

The best way to control the nonverbal signals you're sending is to practice, practice, practice. Try practicing in front of a mirror or use your smartphone to capture video of a practice interview. Pay attention to your degree of eye contact and facial expressions. Also, practice your handshake with a friend: You don't want a bone-crunching grip, or the limpness of a dead fish.

Close the Deal

As soon as the interviewer has gone through their questions and the interview is wrapping up, you must try to close the deal: Reiterate how you can provide solutions in a way your competitors cannot.

By effectively closing the sale, you are giving your interviewer a sense of what you are capable of doing on the job.

At Ambassador Personnel, we regularly work with people to help them take the next step in their sales career. Please contact our full-service staffing firm today to find out how we can help you.