What is your knowledge of our company? Why do you want to work here?
Regardless of the field, you should always research the company you’re interviewing at pre-interview. This question is fairly generic and one that several different fields keep handy for interviews. As it pertains to sales/marketing, your interviewer wants to see how well you understand their specific company’s approach to selling and marketing. Focus on aspects of the company’s sales record that stand out to you, or why you like their services or products and the ways in which they’re marketed. Additionally, you can add why your personal skill set, expertise, and history make you a good fit with the company’s strategies to sales/marketing.
How did you accomplish your most successful sales and marketing project?
The interviewer will want to see whether or not you have a strategy when it comes to closing deals and completing projects. Show off a bit here by sharing a scenario step by step, while ensuring that each step highlights your strengths as a sales and marketing person. Note that there is a thin line between being proud of your accomplishments and bragging. It might be good to mention the strengths of your previous team and not take all the credit for yourself.
Which is more important: strong visibility of a product or closing the deal?
This question hits both sides of the sales and marketing coin within a company. Regardless of which field you’re interviewing for, you know they go hand in hand. It’s important not to dismiss your sister field as less important. Try to convey that you understand and appreciate the balance, and want to also contribute in a positive way. If you’re in sales, emphasize the idea that you want to bring the marketer’s hard work to the forefront. If you’re in marketing, highlight the idea that you don’t want salespeople to struggle selling an inferior or poorly-marketed product.
What’s something you’ve taught yourself recently?
Similar to the previous question, this reflects whether or not you are receptive to criticism and open to change. The sales and marketing industry is a highly dynamic realm, with markets and customer appetites shifting ever so constantly. Show through various scenarios that you are adaptable and quick to learn new strategies that would contribute to the company’s revenue growth. This sales and marketing question is also meant to find out if you are proactive when it comes to learning and trying something new.
Why do you want to work in the sales and marketing industry?
Interviewers will want to know how passionate you are about working in this industry and how this passion, plus your skills, will contribute to their company’s growth. Use real-life examples to demonstrate your drive to provide great customer service and to achieve customer success at all times. Highlight the abilities that will show what an asset you can be to the company.
How do you keep up with industry trends?
Here, the interviewer would like to know if you continuously update yourself with industry news and trends or if you’re stuck in the past. As the business climate evolves, so should an effective sales and marketing person. Share examples of new sales and marketing trends that you’ve implemented in the past, offering a mix of traditional and modern methods. This shows that while you are in with the trends, you still place value over the core strategies and foundations of marketing and sales.