Sales Officer Female

► Look for logical steps including building a relationship and asking about the prospect's needs as the first two steps

► Average number of contacts should be 12

► Ask for the different types of contacts they make to qualified prospects

If they give a positive one, ask for a negative one. e.g. a time they failed and what they learned

► Do not attempt to close until the buyer is ready

► When you propose a close, be silent until the buyer responds

► After the sale is made, quit selling

► Should be able to describe three different closing techniques

Should have done a thorough job of research or your industry and company

For the last five years I've worked as a sales engineer for XYZ company. For the last three years I been the top producing sales engineer in my division. Notwithstanding the success I've achieved, one of the challenges I've faced time and again is trying to convince prospective clients that they should swith from your company's platform to XYZ's platform. Your company has a stellar reputation for quality and customer service, and you're unquestionably the leader in this industry. XYZ knows it, I know it and the industry knows it. I'm confident, if given the opportunity to sell your products, I could be one of the very top producers for your company.

Should have had concrete goals with metrics

I'm driven by competition--competition with others and competition with myself. Not only am I motivated to be the best at what I do, but I'm motivated to out do myself whenever I get the chance. I'm also motivated by the thrill of the chase, challenge of the hunt and satisfaction of the kill. I enjoy prospecting for new clients, learning everything I can about a prospective client, developing the perfect pitch, and then closing the deal.

See if they understand how to sell "solutions" as opposed to "products" or "services"

► Ask for examples

► Can they describe selling on value, not on price?

Over my career I've not only met all minimum quotas but I've set several sales records. Between 2010 and 2014, when many sales professionals in my industry were seeking non-sales related jobs due to the recession, I was able to increase my production by 10% over the previous year. Even though market conditions weren't ideal, I was able to find new sales strategies and techniques to help me maintain my momentum.

So, you say you can sell? Prove it! If you say you can sell, then you better be prepared to prove it. That's what this question is all about--and it's a popular one.

One of the best ways an interviewer can get a feel for your selling strengths and style is to see you in action. This question is also designed to put you on the spot, see if you can think on your feet, and test your ability to perform under pressure.

No. Making cold calls does not bother me. This is part of a sales girl's work and I am quite well-versed in handling outbound sales calls.

Does the candidate mention of the importance of body language?

Customer service, communication and persuasion.

Keep asking for more and more detail to get insight into work ethic

I participated in many on-the-job trainings and actively participated in various workshops aimed at promoting new and upcoming sales and marketing strategies.

Should be enthusiastic about setting goals

Should be comfortable with a large share of compensation at risk (at least 50 per cent)

Yes, in my previous role I was responsible for all three, cataloging, inventory filling and shelf stocking. I also earned the most creative displayer award thanks to my unique and effective ability to display the merchandise to be sold in an attractive and appealing manner.

I believe that I have the skills, the patience and the qualifications that are necessary to work as a sales girl. Possessing the right attitude and the ability to implement strategies to impress prospective clients is my forte.