They say first impressions are everything.
When applying for a job, it’s crucial to have a resume that stands out. This will be the first impression a company gets of you as a potential employee.
Not to put pressure on you, but if you make it to the interviews, now you need to make a big impression in your behavioral interview. Don’t worry because it is easier than it seems.
Below is a guide on how to prepare for a behavioral interview. Read on and we’ll help you get the job.
What is a behavioral interview?
Chances are, you’ve been part of a behavioral interview and didn’t even realize it. It is an interview that asks you how you have responded in the past to certain situations to assess if you are a good fit for the future of the company.
In the sales behavior interview, the employer will ask questions to assess whether or not you have quick problem-solving skills and effective communication tactics. They want to pick top-tier hires that drive sales quickly.
know your stuff
Typical interview questions for an experienced sales position will focus on your previous sales experience. It’s important to highlight your strengths, and it wouldn’t hurt to do some refreshing educational stuff that you’ve been taught.
The interviewer will most likely ask about your experience with different sales strategies, different software you have used, and management processes. They are looking to pre-qualify candidates to create a shortlist of final people.
When answering their questions, be sure to answer carefully. They will be able to tell if you are throwing empty words to fill the silence. It’s okay to collect your thoughts for a moment before responding.
If you feel like you’re a bit rusty with software programs and control systems, find a video tutorial or take an online course. Even learning some of the familiar sales vocabulary will help you in the interview.
practice your answers
Practicing your answers to common sales behavior interview questions will prepare you.
Be prepared to answer questions about your organizational skills and what a typical day in sales has been like for you. You’ll also want to know how much time you typically spend working with a client.
Make a mental note of how you prioritize your tasks and clients within a busy week, and what you do if one of your clients is being unusually difficult. They may even ask how you have handled a difficult supervisor in the past.
Remember how you talk about difficult people says a lot about your character. Never talk too negatively or disrespectfully about someone. Focus on how you handled the situation, not what they did.
Other questions you receive may center around what you did when a client left you, a presentation you gave to a client, and goals you’ve set for yourself in the past.
Meet the Company
Always do your research on the company you are interviewing with. When many of us are struggling to find another job, we may find ourselves applying to multiple companies without doing any thorough research.
Once you receive notification that you have received an interview slot, sit down to do some research. Understand the company and its mission. Make sure your values align with theirs.
Feel free to check the reviews of previous customers. Rave about their customer service and strong team. Show this enthusiasm in your interview.
If something about the company doesn’t sit well with you, reconsider interviewing with them. You will only prosper as a seller in a company that you have confidence in.
Structure your answers
When you give your answer, there is a basic way to structure it. This structure is to help you provide a clear, concise, and useful answer.
You will first want to provide context about the specific situation the employer asked about. Set the stage for your interviewers. Provide the necessary details without going too far.
Then dive into the specific goal you needed to achieve in order to properly address the situation. Needed to find a way to make a difficult customer happy? Were you trying to finish a project with a tight deadline?
After you tackle the task at hand, talk about the steps you took to reach your goal. Use Talk About Action Steps to start talking about the result you saw.
Don’t let abstract questions get you down
They may ask you some questions that seem abstract and strange. Don’t let these questions discourage you because they are being asked for a reason.
Employers may ask you what kind of tree you would like to be if you could be. They may also ask you what you think about certain fun things in pop culture or celebrities.
These fun questions may simply be to make you feel more comfortable, or the company may value employees with humor and quick wits. Even if you are in a formal interview, don’t be afraid to show your true personality.
take a deep breath
We know you want to market yourself as one of the best sales candidates for the team. It is important that you prepare, but it is also just as important that you relax.
Being overly stressed and anxious can cause burnout. It’s normal to be a little nervous, but also take care of yourself. Stay cool under pressure.
Before the big day, make sure you get enough sleep and eat a good breakfast. Keep an eye on your basic human needs to ensure you’re good to go!
Get ready for the big day
It’s time to start preparing for your behavioral interview. Show your future employer that you have what it takes to be one of the best members of their sales team.
Be sure to take some refresher courses on important information and practice your answers to common questions. Know how to structure your responses and don’t let anything get you down.
Put all this into practice and good luck with your next interview.
