Questions to Ask in a Sales Interview
Strategic questions to ask during sales interviews that will help you evaluate the opportunity, understand the role, and demonstrate your sales acumen.
1What's the sales process like here?
Click to see why this works
What's the sales process like here?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their sales methodology helps you assess if it aligns with your experience and preferences.
2What are the key performance metrics for this role?
Click to see why this works
What are the key performance metrics for this role?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding how success is measured helps you assess if the targets are realistic and achievable.
3What's the typical sales cycle length?
Click to see why this works
What's the typical sales cycle length?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding the sales cycle helps you assess the pace of the role and your ability to meet targets.
4What's the team structure and who would I be reporting to?
Click to see why this works
What's the team structure and who would I be reporting to?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding the organizational structure helps you assess the role and your potential manager.
5What are the biggest challenges facing the sales team?
Click to see why this works
What are the biggest challenges facing the sales team?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates strategic thinking and helps you understand what you'd be walking into.
6What's the company culture like?
Click to see why this works
What's the company culture like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you assess if the environment matches your work style and values.
7What are the growth opportunities for this role?
Click to see why this works
What are the growth opportunities for this role?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're thinking long-term and helps you understand career progression.
8What's the compensation structure like?
Click to see why this works
What's the compensation structure like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding the compensation model helps you assess if it aligns with your financial goals.
9What tools and technology does the sales team use?
Click to see why this works
What tools and technology does the sales team use?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their tech stack helps you assess if you have the necessary skills and can be productive quickly.
10What's the training and onboarding process like?
Click to see why this works
What's the training and onboarding process like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding the support you'll receive helps you assess if you can be successful in the role.
11What's the team dynamic like?
Click to see why this works
What's the team dynamic like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding team dynamics helps you assess if you'd fit well with the group.
12What are the biggest opportunities for the sales team?
Click to see why this works
What are the biggest opportunities for the sales team?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're thinking strategically and helps you understand the potential for growth and success.
13What's the management style like?
Click to see why this works
What's the management style like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding management approach helps you assess if you'd work well with your manager.
14What's the company's approach to sales development?
Click to see why this works
What's the company's approach to sales development?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their sales development process helps you assess if you can be successful in the role.
15What's the work-life balance like?
Click to see why this works
What's the work-life balance like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Important for understanding expectations and your quality of life.
16What's the company's mission and values?
Click to see why this works
What's the company's mission and values?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you assess if the company's purpose aligns with your own values.
17What are the learning and development opportunities?
Click to see why this works
What are the learning and development opportunities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you value growth and helps you understand professional development support.
18What's the company's growth trajectory?
Click to see why this works
What's the company's growth trajectory?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're thinking strategically and helps you understand the company's future.
19What's the most exciting project the sales team is working on?
Click to see why this works
What's the most exciting project the sales team is working on?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows enthusiasm and helps you understand the work you'd be doing.
20What questions do you have for me?
Click to see why this works
What questions do you have for me?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're interested in their perspective and gives them a chance to ask about you.
Mastering the Sales Interview
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Preparing for the Interview
Research the Company
Learn about their products, services, market position, and recent news. This shows you're serious about the opportunity.
Understand the Role
Review the job description carefully and prepare questions that show you understand the responsibilities and challenges.
Prepare Your Own Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready that demonstrate your sales acumen and genuine interest in the role.
Key Areas to Explore
Sales Process and Methodology
Team and Culture
Growth and Development
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't Ask About Salary Too Early
Focus on the role and fit first. Salary discussions should come after you've established mutual interest.
Avoid Generic Questions
Don't ask questions you could easily find on the company website. Show you've done your research.
Don't Be Negative
Avoid questions that focus on problems or negative aspects. Keep the tone positive and forward-looking.