10 Unique, Compelling, and Interesting Questions to ask Sales Professionals during the Interview Process.

SalesFirst Recruiting firmly advocates for a balanced interview approach, combining fair, common-sense questions related to performance, metrics, behavior, and situational scenarios. However, we also encourage a touch of creativity and fun! Injecting intriguing, unexpected questions can reveal a candidate’s mindset, adaptability, and strategic thinking. So, let’s explore how a dash of spice can enhance your interview process and create memorable interactions with candidates.

Here are 10 questions you can ask and see what you learn from the candidate. Be sure to let the candidate know that there is no wrong answer- and these questions are meant to gain insight into how they think, but nothing more.

1. "On a scale of 1 to 10, how lucky do you consider yourself to be, and why?" This question adds an element of introspection and self-awareness to the interview process. It prompts the candidate to reflect on their perceptions of luck, resilience, and mindset in the context of sales. Answers can provide insights into the candidate's outlook on challenges, their ability to overcome setbacks, and their general attitude towards risk-taking and opportunity-seeking in sales endeavors.

2. "Tell us about a time when you lost a sale but turned it into a long-term opportunity. How did you do it?" This question evaluates the candidate's resilience, strategic thinking, and ability to maintain relationships even in the face of setbacks.

3. "Imagine you're part of a sales team where either everyone is struggling or everyone is excelling beyond expectations. Which scenario would you prefer, being the standout performer in a struggling team or the least performer in an exceptional team? Why?" This question delves into the candidate's mindset regarding individual success versus team dynamics. Their answer provides insights into their priorities, resilience, and ability to thrive in different environments, shedding light on their adaptability and leadership potential.

4. “If you could only ask one question to qualify a potential lead, what would it be and why?" This question assesses the candidate's ability to identify key information quickly and efficiently, demonstrating their understanding of the importance of effective lead qualification in sales.

5. If you could rewrite the sales playbook for our industry from scratch, what would be the first rule, and why?" This question encourages the candidate to think critically about sales fundamentals and industry-specific strategies, providing insights into their strategic vision, leadership potential, and ability to innovate and drive change.

6. "If you could create a viral marketing campaign for our product, what would it look like?" This question prompts the candidate to think strategically about marketing and branding, demonstrating their creativity, understanding of consumer behavior, and ability to generate buzz and engagement around a product or service.

7. "If you could change one thing about your current sales process, what would it be and why?" This question demonstrates the candidate's analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for constructive criticism and improvement-oriented mindset. Additionally, you get to judge their tactfulness when discussing a shortcoming of their current employer.

8. "If you could describe your approach to sales, what would it be, and why?" This question encourages self-reflection and provides insights into the candidate's personal sales philosophy, values, and mindset, helping assess cultural fit and alignment with the company's sales ethos.

9. "Describe a time when you had to sell against strong competition. How did you differentiate yourself and win the sale?"

   This question assesses the candidate's competitive spirit, strategic thinking, and ability to develop unique selling propositions and value propositions that resonate with customers.

10. "Every salesperson has a unique skill or approach that sets them apart. What would you say is your 'sales superpower,' something you excel at or a tactic you employ that you believe sets you apart from others in the field?" This question invites the candidate to reflect on their individual strengths and expertise, emphasizing their distinctiveness as a sales professional. Their response provides insights into their self-awareness, confidence, and ability to articulate their value proposition, offering a glimpse into what makes them a standout performer in the sales arena.

Remember, while you might find an occational BAD answer there are no WRONG answers to these questions—only opportunities to gain deeper insights into your candidates' mindset, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Join us in making your interview process truly engaging and enlightening!

Ready to elevate your interviews? Get started with SalesFirst Recruiting!