#6 in the series ‘Interview Questions’

We’re back with a new question in the ‘Interview Questions’ series. Michael Bandel is here to assist you in providing the right answer during an introductory interview by sharing his expertise. This week, Michael answers the question: ‘Why do you work in Sales?’

Question: “Why do you work in sales?“

Quite an open-ended question, but with a potential pitfall. “I stumbled into it, I don’t know any better.” Those are not the answers someone wants to hear from a sales professional.

Answer: What they want to know is: for any profession, it’s generally assumed that individuals choose it consciously. Especially for sales. Sales is a profession, not just a calling. Make sure you can articulate what appeals to you, how persistent you are, and where your drive comes from. If you can’t do this convincingly, it might seem like you’re in Sales for the wrong reason, the €€€ (bonus).

A possible answer could be:

“Even at a young age, I enjoyed selling things. Later, that evolved into understanding what the customer’s real needs are. Asking questions. Digging deeper. Discovering ways to add value.

This enabled me to close better deals for both the customer and the organization. Longer sales cycles, more stakeholders, and greater revenue responsibility. Continuing to learn and develop. Being persistent, especially when facing challenges.

This doesn’t come automatically, it’s a process of trial and error. The uncertainty that comes with it; will we close the deal? What else do we need to do? Can we add more value somewhere?

The tension that brings; we’re on the verge of closing. The feeling you get when it’s successful, it’s fantastic.

Hard work pays off, and when you can solve problems for clients or create opportunities, you’re adding value. That’s why I work in sales.”