We live in a consumerist society. For many people, the greatest kind of enjoyment is purchasing anything, whether it is a car, a handbag, or even a strawberry ice cream on a hot August day. A dopamine surge, a fleeting sense of happiness. When it dies, we move on and buy something else. But who do we buy from when we buy a new automobile, an insurance policy, a house, or cutting-edge computer software? We purchase it from salespeople who make money by selling items, services, dreams, or illusions… It’s no surprise that sales are one of the most popular job paths, with millions of people employed in the English-speaking globe alone. Can you come in as well?
When interviewing for a sales position, you will be asked several difficult questions. Role play, such as “sell me this pen” or “try to sell me your mobile phone,” is maybe the most difficult. But there is one question you will be asked in nine out of ten sales interviews: “Why are you interested in sales?” (or various variations such as “Why do you want to work in sales?” or “Why did you select a career in sales?” which are virtually the same thing).
Let’s have a look at seven potential responses to the question. My list includes some obvious choices, as well as some unique responses for people who wish to stand out in their interviews by saying something different to the hiring managers than the rest of the job seekers. Don’t forget to read my notes below the answers, where I provide further explanations of the topic as well as some pitfalls to avoid when answering it.
7 sample responses to the question “Why are you interested in sales?”
- I’m interested in sales because it fits my abilities and personality the best. I feel like a fish flinging someone in the water. I’ve always enjoyed persuading people to do things, whether they were family members, friends, or coworkers. And I’ve had some success with my efforts. Furthermore, I do not find it difficult to deal with rejection and simply go on to the next consumer. I’d even go so far as to claim I’m a natural salesperson, that I was born for this job. I can’t imagine doing anything else for a living.
- I enjoy one aspect of sales. For an excellent and hardworking sales professional, the sky is truly the limit. It is very uncommon for the greatest sales reps in a company to earn more than the top managers, simply because they receive the majority of their income from sales commissions. I dislike the notion of fixed monthly payments, receiving the same as the next guy despite putting in twice the effort each month. I like to receive what I deserve, and in sales, you can definitely get it. That is the primary basis for my selection.
- I’ve been in sales for eleven years, in a variety of capacities. A retail outlet, an ISP, and a phone center. Now I’d like to transition to B2B sales because I believe I’ve got the requisite experience. I’ve been in a variety of client situations and handled every imaginable issue and complaint. Why would I start over in my career sector now, rather than profiting from what I’ve learned up to this point in my life? That’s why I’m interested in sales, particularly your employment offer.
- To be honest, I don’t have many options. I’ve been an entrepreneur for seven years and have never paid any attention to formal education. However, my tiny business was forced to close because of the epidemic, and I am now looking for work. However, competition is fierce out there, with individuals competing for jobs in every sector of the economy. And no one is going to call me for an interview for a managerial or engineering role based on my resume because I lack the proper qualifications. My only viable alternative for a well-paying job is sales. And I believe I understand what it takes to sell something because every entrepreneur must be a strong salesman, whether they are selling their product or their abilities…
- I’m interested in sales because I believe it’s the finest career path for a recent college graduate. Interpersonal skills, dispute resolution, persuasion, understanding of diverse personalities, and sales strategies are all taught. And one can earn a lot of money in this industry. Having said that, I’m not sure if I’ll stay in the field for the rest of my professional life. Maybe I’ll advance to management or marketing or whatever, but I think an entry-level sales job is a good place to start my professional career.
- The solution is money. I don’t want to be a mediocre person leading a mediocre life. I have high dreams and wish to live a luxurious lifestyle. Sure, I’m not going to become a professional soccer player or a rock star right now. But I can still earn a lot of money on commissions if I work hard enough, put in the effort, develop my sales tactics, and so on. For someone with my background, I honestly don’t believe there is a line of jobs that offers more opportunities than sales. As a result, it is an obvious decision.
- To be honest, I don’t have a strong preference. Working for your company is important to me. I adore your brand and have the highest regard for what you do here and what you’ve accomplished over the years. Sure, I can’t work as an engineer or a programmer since I lack the necessary qualifications. But, because I meet the minimum work qualifications, I can join your company as a sales representative. And who knows what will happen once I’m in? As long as I demonstrate my abilities and deliver, I could find myself in a managerial position here in five years. So why not?
Money is important.
Talking about money (how much you want to earn, that you desire big mansions and cars, and so on) is a terrible answer in nine out of ten interviews. However, in sales interviews, you can, and sometimes should discuss money.
Selling is a difficult job with no guarantees. You could make fifteen thousand dollars one month while creating insane sales volume, and then only two thousand the next month while enduring a dry spell and a string of rejections. And you’ll always have to work hard, calling prospects, attending meetings, and dealing with rejection.
Profits from sales are well-earned. And when you earn a lot of commissions, that indicates you’re bringing in a lot of business for your boss. That’s why they want you to make a lot of money, and it makes sense to demonstrate such ambition in your interview while discussing your desire to work in sales.
In this scenario, honesty can go a long way.
Perhaps you apply for a sales job because you have no other options. You’ve been running a little business for years, but it all came to a stop when the pandemic struck. You are now completely in debt.
And because you’ve been so focused on running the firm, you haven’t really advanced in your education, earned a degree, or anything. As a result, sending applications for administrative and engineering roles makes little sense. Positive responses and invites to interviews just did not come back.
In this situation, a sales job (of any type) is an excellent alternative for you. Because you can benefit from your company knowledge while still earning a respectable living and possibly maintaining your lifestyle…
Concentrate on their product or their firm.
Another option is to concentrate on the product, service, or company in question. Perhaps you have a dream job. Maybe it’s Amazon, Google, or a local non-profit with a good cause. You simply adore what they do, the corporate culture, the employee benefits, or anything else.
You want in, and you see sales as your entry point. Because you won’t be able to apply for other positions with the organization. That’s why you went for it, and it’s fine to say so as long as you don’t regard this work as a means to an end. Sure, the workplace is your focus, not the position, but you still believe you have the appropriate mentality for sales and can make things happen for your employer…
