You’ve been job searching for the last few weeks, snagging a few interview opportunities along the way. And now it’s time to see if you land the account executive role you applied for with your fingers crossed. No matter if you’ve been through the job search process once or a dozen times, it’s always a bit nerve-wracking. Hopefully, we can make that process a bit easier by helping you prepare to answer these account executive interview questions.
About the Account Executive Role
First, let’s define what the account executive role entails. Account execs are responsible for handling client accounts and business development.
Specific tasks and skills required for the role will depend on what the company focuses on. However, account execs are usually responsible for closing deals, finding deals and leads, and managing clients.
A senior account executive takes it a step further and guides a team of other account executives. They will set targets, monitor account progress, and guide the account executive team to meet objectives.
10 Account Executive Interview Questions
These account executive interview questions are easy picks that employers frequently ask.
1. Why are you interested in being an account executive?
No matter if you’re applying to be a senior account exec or an entry-level account exec, you’ll be asked this interview question. When answering, ensure that you include some specific things about the role that get you excited and how your skills fit perfectly with the tasks involved. This is how we would respond.
2. Tell me about your time at “x.”
This account executive interview question pulls right from your resume. Your interviewer may ask about your time at a company you used to work for. If so, be honest. Avoid talking bad about the company or the people you worked with. Instead, focus on what you accomplished and the tasks you were involved in.
3. Are you comfortable with reaching out to clients?
This account executive interview question is very important. A major part of being an account exec is client outreach and lead gathering. So, cold-calling will be a natural part of the job.
4. Are you familiar with CRM?
Don’t forget about CRM (customer relationship management). CRM software and tools are vital to account executive roles. Try to highlight your experience with CRM and show the interviewer that you are open to learning new CRM software.
5. Tell me about a time you solved a client’s problem.
This is a time to let your customer service skills shine! A good answer to this interview prompt will cover the initial problem, how you solved it, the end result, and what you gained from that experience.
6. What is the biggest challenge you anticipate in this role?
Now, this account executive interview question is not meant to set you up for failure. In fact, it’s meant to give you a chance for open dialogue and explain your problem-solving mindset. Do be honest about potential challenges, but always hint at a solution in the end.
7. How do you measure personal success?
This is another pretty standard question to prepare for. Keep in mind that your measure of success should not be based on material items or wealth. Try to frame your answer in relation to accomplishing goals.
8. What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Many interviewers ask this question to determine if you’re the right fit for their company. For example, your answer should mention a career accomplishment that is in line with the specific role you applied for. Bonus points for emphasizing how it helped the client, company, or other party.
9. How do you handle client rejection?
Not every lead will be a successful one. Rejection is imminent at some point. So, be prepared for this prompt. The interviewer wants to see how you react to stressful situations and if you’re able to come back from a loss.
10. Tell me about a time you closed a client deal.
Now, this account executive interview question is only relevant for those who have closed a deal in the past. If you haven’t closed any major deals, discuss your secondhand part in the closing of the deal. Perhaps you helped facilitate the conversation or played a part some other way.
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