Sales role

[toastybase]

Hi,

I have a job interview in a couple of weeks for a Sales role within the place I currently work.

I have all the experiance however I need some help preparing for the interview.

I have an idea of what to expect, would appreciate any experiances or advice to help with things I haven't thought of yet.

Thanks

[lemonslap]

Could you let us know what industry your interview is for?

[jogon]

You have really enjoyed working for the company over the past x years and learnt alot about how ... operates in your current role but our now looking for a new challenge within the company and hopefully one with better rewards. I feel the knowledge of the (product) i've picked up will aid my abilities in persuading potential clients via a more consultative manner that we offer the best solution.

Depending on your age I would also mention a few personal goals, such as saving up for a deposit on a house, new car or getting married, and how this new role will help achieve these quicker.

Sure others will be along to help, but good luck!

[toastybase]

jogon said:

You have really enjoyed working for the company over the past x years and learnt alot about how ... operates in your current role but our now looking for a new challenge within the company and hopefully one with better rewards. I feel the knowledge of the (product) i've picked up will aid my abilities in persuading potential clients via a more consultative manner that we offer the best solution.

Depending on your age I would also mention a few personal goals, such as saving up for a deposit on a house, new car or getting married, and how this new role will help achieve these quicker.

Sure others will be along to help, but good luck!

Thank you for your help, the above has already given me some structure to follow. The role is within Energy. The part I am apprehensive about is how to make them believe that I know how to find decision makers within businesses and make my pitch worth it's time. I.e how to make sure I am approaching the right people to sell to to make the most margin contribution.

[shep1001]

toastybase said:

Thank you for your help, the above has already given me some structure to follow. The role is within Energy. The part I am apprehensive about is how to make them believe that I know how to find decision makers within businesses and make my pitch worth it's time. I.e how to make sure I am approaching the right people to sell to to make the most margin contribution.

Tell them you have excellent interpersonal skills (give examples) which will enables you to develop multi-level relationships within an organisation. This in turn allows you to build a detailed picture of who the influencers/decision makers/end users are within your customers for your companies product(s). I don't know the energy industry but its often the case the person who signs stuff off takes their decision from others within the business, so its them you need on board to convince the person who signs the deal off your product(s) are worth paying the price you are asking. Unit price is often not the most important factor in a buying decision even with commodity products & services, even less so when there is a value proposition to be had from your products over your competitor(s. )

Its always good to illustrate your answers using examples from your current role if possible. Don't assume you will automatically get a pass with your employer because 'they know you' tell them, as you will be scored the same way as external candidates or individuals from other areas of the business that they don't know with something to prove.