5 ways to prove you’re a great salesperson

If you’re a salesperson getting ready for an interview, read this first. Use these helpful hints to learn how to PROVE your sales skills during the interview stage.

1. Demonstrate your communication abilities

The majority of salespeople will claim to have “exceptional interpersonal skills”. Isn’t that one of the reasons we’re in business? Recount a previous, positive encounter with a client/customer to demonstrate your unique and downright awesome communication skills. Speak to what your methods for manufacturing sales growth are.

The S.T.A.R approach is a useful acronym for articulating the:

• Situation,
• Task at Hand (providing a lot of context)
• Action you took to solve the problem, and, most importantly,
• the end Result.

This way, you’re not only telling your interviewers that you have strong communication skills; you’re demonstrating them.

2. Give examples of human relations

In the sales world, human relationships are extremely important, and you will undoubtedly be checked on this ability during the interview stage. Even if you aren’t specifically asked, make sure you explain a situation in which you established rapport with a client. This example can be provided over the phone or in-person; the most important information to include is how the behaviour resulted in an increase in spending or brought them back into the company after a negative experience. As salespeople, you know that consumer confidence is crucial, so use this example to demonstrate that you understand it. 

3. Showcase your organisational skills

According to Salesforce, salespeople spend an average of 64% of their time on non-selling activities. While it isn’t the percentage most of us in sales prefer, it is important, so shielding your non-selling skills is a wise step. A good place to start is to acknowledge the difficulty of handling a broad client portfolio and how you remain on top of all of their needs while still keeping in touch with all of your “dormant” clients. Finish by giving your interviewers a quick rundown of your tedious yet incredibly powerful organisational structure, which helps you to keep on top of all of your everyday obligations.

4. Do your homework

Now that you’ve explained why you’ve been good so far in a structured manner show your charm to your interviewers. Subtly drop some of the information you’ve gathered into the interview to portray how you establish working relationships. Do some detailed research on your prospective employer and the individuals interviewing you through LinkedIn (just as you do with potential clients). Subtly drop some of the information you’ve gathered into the interview to portray how you develop working relationships.

5. Show that you can work well with others

The interviewers must be able to see how you can blend into the team’s culture. Share some fun things about yourself with your interviewers. Don’t be afraid to poke fun at yourself to demonstrate that you don’t take yourself too seriously, showing that you’re aware that you’re not perfect and that you’re eager to learn and develop. Talk about your previous job in glowing terms, without criticising any of the employees. It’s a big no-no to criticise former employers, co-workers, or clients, even if it’s just a little bit.

If you can check off any of the items on the list, you’ll get a lot of brownie points. Do not, under any circumstances, ask questions that you should have worked out for yourself, such as their company vision, as this will reveal a lack of research on your part. If there’s something else you can do, that should be your last question. Then, if appropriate, express your interest in the role and inquire about the next steps.

Arrive ten minutes early, carry two CVs, a cover letter, and even some references from previous employers, just as you would for any interview.

Most importantly, give your interviewers the best impression of yourself; an interview persona is required, but make sure it is accurate. It’s pointless to enter an organisation that doesn’t suit your personality, priorities, or beliefs, so keep that in mind when applying for jobs.

Featured image courtesy of Unsplash