Everything You Need to Know About Sales Interviews (And How to Ask if They Are Hiring)
Sales jobs are unique. In order to be successful, the right person needs to be at the right company (in the right position). Given the uniqueness of sales roles, the interview processes are distinctive. They are built to cut through the great conversationalists to find the right salesperson. Separating an ideal salesperson from exceptional conversationalists is a challenge among sales professionals. That adds to the complexities within sales interview processes. If you know you are a great fit for a sales role, but you recognize you need help to officially get an offer, this article is for you. Here is how to ask if they are hiring. Additionally, here are all of the details you should know about the sales interview process.
How to Ask if They Are Hiring
Our list of 20 things you should know about the sales job interview process breaks down into several categories. The first of which begins before interviews even take place. If you have your eyes on a particular company, and you are unsure if they’re looking for salespeople, continue reading. Here is how to ask if they are hiring:
1. Using LinkedIn to connect with a Recruiter or Hiring Manager
Likely, you are already well aware of the vast network on LinkedIn. With a simple search, you can find current employees that work where you are hoping to be hired. Use that to your advantage. You can find a Recruiter for the company by searching LinkedIn. Then you can get connected with them before they even have your resume. Taking that a step further, you can connect with the individual that could be your boss one day via LinkedIn. Once you find the people you want to connect with, introduce yourself. Don’t simply say “Hi, I am interested in joining your sales team.” Instead, below is how to ask if they are hiring:
Get straight to the point with your message, then build upon that with why you’re a great fit. As an example: “Hello, I am reaching out to inquire about open positions on your sales team.” That will give the recipient context into the rest of your message. Then, briefly highlight why you are interested in their organization, followed by why you would be a great fit. End your message with a question. Something like “are you looking to hire motivated sales professionals at this time?”
2. The value of Instagram
We are very fortunate to have an abundance of resources available to us as candidates. There are a myriad of ways we can learn about organizations. Even more, we can relatively easily connect with Recruiters or Hiring Managers. That is certainly true of LinkedIn, as discussed, but Instagram is becoming another powerful tool. Like LinkedIn, you can utilize the search bar on Instagram to find specific types of sales jobs. You can also find specific companies (if you already know where you would like to apply). Once you have found a Recruiter or a company career profile, you are able to send them a direct message. Before we highlight how to ask if they are hiring via Instagram, you need to review your own profile.
Think about your profile picture, your Instagram bio, and your profile grid. What can someone that isn’t following you see? What can someone that is following you see? You may not get a follow request if your profile is private. However, if your profile is public, would you want a Recruiter to see your posts? If not, adjust your profile before you send a direct message. When you are ready, use a similar format as previously shared regarding how to ask if they are hiring. The difference on Instagram is they cannot use your profile as a professional reference. We suggest sharing your LinkedIn profile link in your direct message so they can easily learn more about you.
3. Leveraging a recruiting company for help
An undervalued tool available to both Hiring Managers and candidates is recruiting companies. That is particularly true in the sales industry. With a company like Sales Recruiters Dallas, you can learn more about open sales roles, receive guidance throughout the interview process, and get answers to burning recruiting questions. Curious how to ask if they are hiring when you identify a sales team you want to join? Sales Recruiters Dallas may already know the answer to that question. If not, they can help you find the answer, ensuring you are presented as an astounding professional in the process.
Recruiting companies are an invaluable resource. They have a team of recruiting professionals that know the latest recruiting trends. Those same individuals have built meaningful connections with top companies for salespeople. It is easy to assume they are a resource for companies more than candidates, but that isn’t true. They are an amazing resource for both, with interests aligned with employers and candidates.
What to Expect in a Sales Interview Process
Now that you know several resources that are available to you, as well as how to ask if they are hiring, let’s discuss the interview process. Every company has the ability to develop their own unique interview process. No two companies will be identical in their approach. However, at a high level, there are qualities that are true for most sales interview processes. Let’s dive into those below.
4. Resume review
It’s no surprise that a sales interview process starts just like any other process: a resume review. Something that fewer people realize is many companies use automated resume parsing to help them sift through resumes. What that means is your resume may need to first impress an AI software before a Recruiter sees it. The way you ensure you pass the parsing system is aligned with how well-written resumes should be structured anyway. Keywords.
When you are drafting your resume, think like a Recruiter or Hiring Manager. What keywords might they want to see on your resume? To help, you can reference job descriptions online for like-roles. Ensure you build in specific keywords on your resume. In addition, add performance metrics to your resume to help you stand out as a professional. Performance metrics are something a Recruiter will always want insight into, so providing them proactively will serve you well.
5. Interview invitation
Assuming you pass the resume review phase, you will be invited to interview with a company. At this point, you don’t have to worry about how to ask if they are hiring – you know they are. Some companies invite candidates to interview virtually. Meaning, you could receive an email with a link to self-schedule an interview. Other companies will call you to schedule an interview. Of course, in either situation, be sure to put your best foot forward. Every interaction, via email or phone, is part of your overall evaluation. It’s also important to keep in mind that you could experience delays in your interview process. A good rule of thumb is to follow up weekly to keep your candidacy front of mind for Recruiters.
6. Follow ups may be necessary
As mentioned, it is not uncommon for you to experience a delay in your interview process. That is especially true for companies with larger hiring goals (or high-demand companies). While a delay is out of your control, assuring you are front of mind with your Recruiter is in your control. Simply sending a weekly email checking in is a perfect way to do that. Don’t overthink the email. Additionally, don’t create a lot of extra work for your Recruiter. The inquiry email you drafted when we shared how to ask if they are hiring is different than check-in emails. Here is an example of an email you could send (of course, adjust it to fit your situation):
“Hi [NAME], I hope you are having a great week! I recognize you are working hard to ensure you find the perfect fit for [POSITION]. While I don’t want to add another line item to your to-do list this week, I do want to ensure you know I am still excited about being considered for [POSITION]. I look forward to our next conversation.”
7. Interview practice makes a massive difference
Even those of us that are eloquent with our words need to prepare for an interview. We are not accustomed to talking about ourselves in the same way we need to in an interview. Interviews are your time to shine and sell yourself. When you are used to selling something else as a salesperson, selling yourself can feel a bit uncomfortable. By practicing ahead of time, you can feel confident showcasing yourself in your interview. Utilize the questions we list in the last section of this article when you practice. We highly recommend practicing aloud, not just mentally. Hearing yourself talk about yourself is a fantastic way to highlight different ways of discussing your background.
8. You may have several interviews before talking with a Hiring Manager
It’s not uncommon to interview with several people within a company’s recruiting department before you interview with a Hiring Manager. Appreciate the process for what it is: each new interview is a chance to learn more about the organization. It’s also a time to reinforce the fact that you are an exceptional fit for the role. Treat each interview as a new conversation, never missing an opportunity to highlight aspects of your career you’re proud of.
9. The questions you ask are important
Far too often, candidates search the internet for example questions they could ask in an interview. That takes away from how valuable your opportunity to ask questions is. You should develop questions that will help you decide if the organization you are interviewing with is a place you want to work. Said differently, you are interviewing your interviewer just as they are interviewing you. The more thoughtful questions you ask, the more serious about the role you will look to your interviewer. Asking personalized questions is valuable on multiple levels.
10. You could be asked to “sell” something
When interviewing for a sales position, it is not uncommon to be asked to sell to an interviewer. We discussed selling yourself when highlighting how to ask if they are hiring. You have also been selling yourself in your interviews. Selling a product in an interview will likely feel much more comfortable than selling yourself (if you have sales experience). With that said, you should still practice. Just be sure to strike a good balance of practicing without coming off as too rehearsed.
11. You don’t have to accept an offer on the spot
Making the decision to accept a job offer should not be taken lightly. However, it is easy to feel pressured to make a decision immediately when you receive a job offer. Oftentimes, job offers will have an expiration date. Take as much of that time as you need to feel confident in your decision. Your Hiring Manager will not think you aren’t serious (or any less interested) if you don’t respond right away. Plus, you may have another offer to compare it to.
Common Questions Asked in Sales Interviews
We have discussed how to ask if they are hiring, resources to leverage, and a sales interview process overview. As noted above, practicing for an interview is extremely valuable. As you spend time preparing for your sales interview, utilize the below questions that are commonly asked in sales interviews. You don’t need to memorize a script as your response to these questions. You just want to know main points you would like to highlight in an interview. The true value is having an opportunity to articulate a response to these questions before you are being evaluated.
12. “Tell me about yourself”
Almost any interview you participate in will involve this question. Think about it as your 30 second elevator pitch about yourself. Here is a great resource if you are looking for guidance.
13. “What are your most recent performance metrics?”
In one way or another, you will absolutely be asked to share performance metrics in a sales interview. That is how an interviewer will separate smooth talkers from high performers. Come prepared to share recent numbers, and don’t forget to contextualize how amazing they are.
14. “Tell me about a recent failure”
Humility is a phenomenal quality in anyone – especially an employee. Even the most fantastic salespeople make mistakes. Be honest in response to this question, but don’t forget the most important part of your response: the lesson learned.
15. “How do you stay on top of industry trends?”
Great salespeople recognize the need to consistently evolve and grow as a professional. Answer this question by sharing how you continue to develop your sales acumen and professional expertise.
16. “Tell me about the sale you are most proud of”
This question is a great opportunity to highlight how well you can overcome obstacles put in your way. It also allows you to highlight how much you care about your customers’ experience working with you. Ensure your answer highlights both.
17. “Why are you interested in this position?”
Let’s take you back to the guidance we shared when discussing how to ask if they are hiring. Why did you want to know if this company in particular was hiring? You have a clear reason for wanting to work there. Highlight that, as well as anything noteworthy you discovered as you learned more about the organization.
18. “Describe your full sales process”
This question gives your interviewer insight into each aspect of how you sell to your customers, beginning to end. It also shows them what type of sales you are currently well-versed in.
19. “What are your current professional goals?”
An interviewer wants to hear that you always have your eyes on growth (as we all should). Be open about what you are currently working toward and how this role fits into that.
20. “Tell me about your most recent objection and how you overcame it”
Objections are a normal part of your day in sales. Your interviewer is seeking to understand your perspective on objections and how you stay motivated through them. Be sure your answer gives them insight into that.
From How to Ask if They Are Hiring to Crushing Your Interview
You now have the inside scoop on the sales recruiting world that you need to thrive. From understanding how to ask if they are hiring to interview processes and example questions, you have it all. Should you be looking for additional support or guidance as you navigate your sales career search, lean on Sales Recruiters Dallas. With a team of experts behind you and your professional experience, you will be on your way to earning your dream sales job offer.