The most prepared candidate is often the one who impresses the sales recruiter and gets the job. This is no different for candidates looking to secure sales positions in the software sector. Even though the knowledge and skill requirements vary, the same principles for preparing to interview for a sales job still apply.
Here are 4 effective ways to prepare for a sales interview in the software sector:
If you want to present yourself as a top candidate, you need to do more than a quick review of your resume and a quick Google search of the company and job ad. If you fail to put the time into understanding the role, the company, and how you fit as a candidate, it will become immediately apparent to hiring managers.
Spending some time learning about the company software products and solutions is time well spent. It’s going to come up during the interview, so be prepared to answer questions about them. If you can, test out the software and learn about how the features work. The more depth of knowledge you have about the software solutions the company sells, the better you will be able to marry your sales experience with what the company sells. Follow them on social media, read the company blog, read annual sales reports and other information to ramp up before the interview.
One of the most important things in sales is understanding your customers and their needs. Therefore, it’s important to do some research about the types of customers you will be selling to. Read case studies on the company website, read testimonials and reviews online to get a sense of who you will be selling to. Use this information to shape your responses during the interview.
No sales interview is complete without questions about your past performance. Prepare strong examples that include metrics, data, what you learned, and what you would do differently if you had to do it again. This will show you’ve put thought into your past performance and are looking for ways to improve future performance.
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SalesForce Search is a sales recruiting company which specializes in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals. We recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. Find the right salesperson for your organization, start your search here.
Claire has 4+ years of experience in sales and recruitment. As a Director of Client Services, her main objective is to connect great people to great companies by building strong relationships with both top clients and candidates in the sales industry. She specializes in sales roles of all seniority levels for both enterprise and start-up clients North American wide. When Claire isn't networking with top talent, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling and spending time with friends & family.