How To Convey Passion In A Sales Interview
In any interview, conveying passion is crucial - but even more so in a sales interview. Sales is not just about selling a product or service; it's about building relationships, solving problems, and creating value for your clients - something that requires the passion to be dedicated and resilient.
But how do you showcase that in an interview?
Show Your Passion for the Industry or Product
Passion in sales can come in many different forms, but one of the most genuine ways to showcase your passion is not about sales itself but what you'll be selling (or who you'll be selling to).
If you have an interest in the company's industry, the innovation of the product/ service they're selling, or even the types of clients you'll be communicating with - this is a key thing to talk about.
When you genuinely believe in what you're selling, your enthusiasm will naturally shine in the interview.
Share Your Experiences
If you've previously worked in sales, a Hiring Manager will be particularly interested to see how your experience has shaped your passion.
You may be thinking if you already have sales experience, it should be easy to showcase your passion for the industry, but sometimes it can be harder. Why? Because it's easy to be negative or focus more on the frustrating parts of your current role in hopes that this one will be better.
An interview is your chance to showcase the best parts - save the complaints for later.
Instead, you want to show a Hiring Manager that you have a positive mindset and your passion for sales has grown and you have continued dedication to keep succeeding. You can even describe instances where your passion helped you succeed. And this passion can come from anywhere:
The industry
Helping companies with your service
Growing client relationships
As long as you keep it authentic, what you say will be convincing and engaging.
Think About Body Language And Tone
It doesn't matter how much you say about your passion for sales, if you come across as bored, unengaged and closed off, it really won't matter.
Body language and tone of voice hold more weight than you think. Smile, make eye contact, and use positive and engaging language when answering questions. The Hiring Manager wants to feel your excitement for the role, if they don't, they won't feel confident about offering you.
Ask Questions... And Listen To The Answer
One of the best ways to show your engagement in an interview is by asking questions. You could answer the questions perfectly but if you end the interview with no questions of your own, it may show that you're not truly interested.
Showing passion in sales is particularly important because every sales company varies in processes and expectations so asking questions about that will show an interviewer not just your interest, but also your eagerness to succeed.
You could ask questions about:
Targets (monthly, quarterly, yearly)
KPIs (if there are any)
Progression
The market
Plans for company growth
The culture and values
The sales team
Emphasise Your Ambition For Sales
Passion isn't complete without ambition.
Any Sales Manager wants to be secure in knowing their employees are ambitious and driven so during your interview, talk about your long-term goals and how you see yourself growing in your career... but don't stop there.
Whilst it's admirable for an employer to see your general passion for sales, they want to see your passion for the company too. So align your goals with the company, making it clear that their company is the perfect next move for the way you want to grow your career. This will show your loyalty from the get-go, as well as your willingness to go above and beyond.
- Written by Arun Sutton
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