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Article 42 min read

65 common sales interview questions and answers for sales reps

Finding the perfect fit is all about asking the right sales interview questions and knowing what to look for in the answers.

Da Donny Kelwig, Contributing Writer

Ultimo aggiornamento May 22, 2023

A one-of-a kind business with an unbeatable product can’t succeed on its own—that’s where sales reps come in. Salespeople do more than draw in customers; they also represent your business. So, while you need reps who can meet their quota, the right sales interview questions will highlight candidates who go above and beyond in sales interactions.

After sifting through resumes and cover letters, learning a candidate’s personality from just a 30-minute interview may feel like a tall order. To help you pick the best candidate, we’ve put together a list of the best sales interview questions.

Under each question, we’ve also included a list of green, red, and yellow flags to watch for. Green flags indicate a great answer, yellow flags warrant a follow-up question or clarification, and red flags may point to an unfit candidate. Read on to see how your candidates should stack up.

General signs to look out for during a sales rep interview:

Green flags

Yellow flags

Red flags

  • Personable
  • Comfortable
  • Enthusiastic
  • No eye contact
  • Shaky answers
  • Lack of potential for growth
  • Interrupting
  • Disparaging remarks
  • Defensiveness

Frequently asked questions about sales interviews

Candidates aren’t the only ones who have to prepare for a sales interview. Businesses conducting interviews often ask some of the following questions.

  • What questions should I ask in a sales interview?

    Nearly every hiring manager reads from their list of questions. If you aren’t sure where to start, research common questions in your industry and note the ones that pop up the most frequently. Ensure the selected questions relate closely to the job you’re interviewing candidates for. The sales interview answers you receive need to indicate the candidate’s skill.

  • How do I prepare for a sales interview?

    You’re off to a good start just by reading this article. You need to outline the qualities you want in a candidate and draft follow-up questions to ask in a sales interview. Ensure that you can speak to candidates with confidence and respect.

  • Are there any questions I shouldn’t ask in an interview?

    Absolutely—and it’s important to know what they are. You can’t ask about age, gender, sexuality, race, or religion because employers can use these answers to discriminate against candidates. Look into your local and federal laws to ensure you’re not asking a question that could make a candidate feel uncomfortable or cause problems for you in the future.

Sales interviews are just as important for candidates as they are for businesses making hiring decisions. While the right sales interview questions will make the process easier, choosing the perfect candidate takes time and consideration. For every interview, you get one step closer to a candidate who will reach new customers and satisfy existing ones.

To get started, download our list of sales interview questions below.

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