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Originally Posted by eokee
Thanks for the welcome JR. I am really in a prenatal stage in sales so I probably have much more to receive than to give but I would like to ask a question. Any feelings about the best way to close an interview for a sales position?
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Welcome! I know you will love it here.
I'm sure everyone has their own technique for hiring salespeople, but in my brief experience interviewing for a recent sales position, I can tell you, I was be amazed at how many people lacked even the most basic of sales qualities while interviewing for a sales position.
I did not actually look to be closed too agressively (but gently was OK). For me, even more than experience, was atitude, enthusiasm, and interest. If the candidate had a great personality, good communication skills (eye contact, clear voice, coherent speech), sincerity, desire, and genuine interest, he/she had a significant advantange. I particularly liked it when a candidate asked questions--not just about the job, but also about the product. Asking questions told me, "hey, I am so interested in your position and your product that instead of talking only about me, I want to know more about you!"
I know you would think these things go without saying, but you would be surprised how many phone interviews I had with people who mumbled, droned, or didn't talk at all. I felt like I was cold calling! Also, a few thought they were God's gift to sales and bragged about what they could do. Even if it was well founded, I personally found that to be a turn-off.
If you have good people skills (which I'm guessing you do, after being in mangement), I recommend emphasing that aspect of your qualifications, and winning them over with the things mentioned above. If you do not have sales experience, (unless the interviewer is requiring experience), they will be looking for potential, not sales technique, like being "closed."
