- Why Sales? Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?
- “Why Sales?” Interview Question Samples
- How to Answer the Interview Question "Why Sales?"
- What Not to Say While Answering the “Why Sales” Interview Question
Sales interviews are considered to be one of the most challenging.
Unlike most interviews, sales interviews usually test an applicant’s persuasion skills, confidence & selling skills.
Why sales? Most interviewers tend to ask this question during interviews.
Applicants are also asked to demonstrate their persuasion skills through various sales-based activities.
However, Why sales? Remains one of the most dominant questions asked during a typical sales interview.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why Sales & Marketing Jobs Shall Be on the Rise Post COVID-19 Pandemic
25 Sales Interview Questions And Answers
In this blog, we shall discuss the best ways to answer “Why Sales?” during a sales job interview.
Why Sales? Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?
A typical sales question has a lot of questions to answer, however, why sales? remains one of the most frequently asked sales interview questions.
Well, here are a few reasons why we believe “why sales?” remains one of the most commonly asked sales interview questions.
1. Determines Passion
Why you want to join sales can be best explained by talking about the passion & enthusiasm. An applicant wouldn’t be able to handle the work pressure unless it’s his/her passion that is the driving force.
A witty & passionate answer is what an interviewer expects from an applicant.
Sales isn't a field wherein only knowledge can prove effective, a passion to work is what drives you ahead.
This factor is something that every interviewer tries to look for in a candidate.
2. Helps in Analyzing the Swift Response
One of the key traits which makes a salesperson successful is a swift thought process.
A salesperson should have a quick & meaningful reply to every query put across.
It’s just like applicants asked to sell a pen during a sales interview.
An interviewer knows that an you don’t know any specification of the pen, yet he/she just wants to see how quickly your thought process works.
So why sales? Helps in giving an interviewer an idea about the reaction time of an applicant.
3. Evaluating Reasons for Better Understanding
While this question is put across, an interviewer keenly tries to evaluate if the reasons for choosing sales as a career hold genuine value or not.
Indeed I am sure most of us know that merely by saying that, I feel I am a good salesman/woman isn’t enough. Have valid reasons to back your claim.
“Why Sales?” Interview Question Samples
Here are a few samples of how to answer “Why sales” during a sales interview.
Sample 1
I have been working in sales for the past X number of years. I have successfully handled situations which for most could turn out to be hard to crack.
Honestly, I believe that by now I have developed all the right traits to be a good salesperson.
I exactly know when to pitch what & to whom.
Sample 2
I find a career in sales full of opportunities & challenges. This makes it interesting than most career opportunities.
The growth can be unimaginable, similarly, the challenges are huge.
However, I feel I have the right temperament & persuasion power to be a good salesperson. Always have been a people person.
Sample 3
I have always had this knack to choose a career wherein I could have to deal with people directly as this is my biggest strength.
Sales gives the same platform.
Making new contacts, meeting new people, changing perceptions towards products or company, all of it is what makes it more exciting than any desk job out there.
Sample 4
I always wanted to get into sales. This is a field that provides both financial growth as well as professional growth in much less time than most professional fields.
However, it has its challenges. In my previous firms also I have been one of the best salespeople.
Always primarily focused on bringing more revenue to the firm.
It’s the gratification & challenges that motivate me to work harder to achieve success in this field.
Sample 5
I have already worked for so many years in this field professionally.
I believe that I have the right experience to identify consumer requirements & convincing power to make a revenue for the company.
I have handled multiple products in the past & adapted according to the requirement of the product.
All these skills are something that has made me believe that sales are the right career option for me.
Recommended Read: 7 Business Development Executive Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)
How to Answer the Interview Question "Why Sales?"
Answering the interview question "Why Sales?" effectively involves demonstrating your understanding of the sales profession, aligning your personal skills and motivations with the role, and showing enthusiasm for the position.
Here’s a structured approach to crafting a compelling response:
1. Highlight Your Passion for Sales
Explain why sales interests you on a personal level. Convey enthusiasm about the dynamic and challenging nature of sales.
Example
"I’ve always been passionate about interacting with people and building relationships. Sales excites me because it allows me to leverage my communication skills to connect with clients, understand their needs, and provide solutions that add value to their businesses."
2. Show Alignment with Your Skills and Experience
Mention specific skills that make you a good fit for a sales role (e.g., communication, negotiation, problem-solving).
Relate any past experiences that have prepared you for a career in sales.
Example:
"I have a natural knack for understanding people and what drives their decisions, which I honed during my time as a customer service representative. My experience in customer service has equipped me with the ability to listen actively, address concerns, and build trust—skills that are essential for a successful career in sales."
3. Explain the Value You Can Bring to the Company
Tailor your response to the specific company and role you’re applying for. Highlight how you can contribute to the company’s goals.
Example:
"I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to work with [Company] because of your innovative approach to [industry/product]. I believe my proactive approach and ability to close deals will contribute to your team’s success in expanding your market share and driving revenue growth."
4. Discuss Long-Term Career Goals
Connect your interest in sales to your long-term career aspirations. Show a desire for growth within the field of sales.
Example:
"My long-term goal is to grow within a sales organization where I can take on increasing responsibilities and eventually lead a sales team. I see sales as a career where I can continuously develop my skills, face new challenges, and achieve significant professional growth."
The Best Answer to "Why Sales?"
"Sales has always intrigued me because it’s a field that perfectly blends my passion for building relationships and my drive to achieve measurable results.
Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of understanding clients' needs and delivering tailored solutions that create value.
My experience in customer service has sharpened my communication and problem-solving skills, making me confident in my ability to succeed in sales.
I’m particularly excited about the opportunity at [Company] because of your commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
I’m eager to bring my proactive approach and strong negotiation skills to your team, helping to drive revenue growth and expand your market presence.
In the long term, I aspire to grow within the sales field, taking on leadership roles where I can mentor others and contribute to the strategic direction of the sales department.
Sales offers continuous learning and dynamic challenges, which is exactly what I’m looking for in my career."
By using this structured approach, you can craft a thoughtful and persuasive answer to the question "Why Sales?" that highlights your enthusiasm, skills, and alignment with the role and company.
What Not to Say While Answering the “Why Sales” Interview Question
While you already know what to say while answering “why do you be in sales”, here are a few pointers about what not to say while answering this question.
1. Just Finance
Never give an impression to your interviewer that you want a career in sales specifically for financial purposes.
Finances may be one of the reasons for you interested in this field, but when it sounds like finances are the only reason, your chances of getting through drastically fall.
2. Problems With Manager
Portraying that just because of your problems with your current employer or problems with your manager has landed you here, is a big negative.
Fallout with managers or problems in the current company may force a person to opt for a job change.
However, saying it loud in your interview can backfire.
3. I Am Not Sure!
“I am not sure”, is a sentence that you should never use in a sales interview.
One of the biggest strengths of a salesperson is conviction.
“I am not sure”, is that one sentence which is exactly the opposite.
Therefore, in a sales interview, it’s paramount that such sentences are not used.
4. Not Asking Questions
One of the most important traits of a salesperson is to probe.
During your sales interview, ask questions about the position, role, company, etc.
This shows your intent to work with the company & excitement to join the role.
Sales interview questions usually test the candidate’s ability to persuade. Be confident & quick to answer questions asked during a sales interview.
It’s the ability to reply quickly which makes you stand apart from the rest of the candidates.
We hope this blog helps you crack your next sales interview.
Best of luck!
FAQs
Why do you choose sales?
I chose sales because it combines my passion for building relationships with my drive to achieve measurable results. Sales offers the opportunity to solve customers' problems through tailored solutions, making each day dynamic and rewarding. I thrive in environments where I can leverage my communication skills, persistence, and strategic thinking to drive business growth and achieve personal success.
What is the best answer for a sales interview?
The best answer in a sales interview is to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements while demonstrating enthusiasm for the role. For example: "I have consistently exceeded my sales targets over the past three years by focusing on understanding customer needs and delivering tailored solutions. My proactive approach, strong communication skills, and ability to build lasting relationships make me confident in contributing to your team’s success."
Why did you get into sales answer?
I got into sales because I enjoy the challenge of connecting with people and persuading them to see the value in a product or service. My background in customer service honed my ability to understand client needs and provide effective solutions, making sales a natural progression. The satisfaction of closing deals and contributing to business growth is highly motivating.
What do you know about sales?
Sales is the process of identifying potential customers, understanding their needs, and offering solutions that provide value. It involves building relationships, negotiating, and closing deals while continuously following up to ensure customer satisfaction. Effective sales require strong communication, persistence, empathy, and a deep understanding of the product and market dynamics.
