While we all know the value of planning for a sales call, the same holds true for a job interview.
As a business owner, one of the things I get to experience is other sales people calling on me. It always amazes me how ill prepared some of them are. Why is it when I ask – Well, Frank have you visited my website? So many say no! Some even have the gall to say…I’m pulling it up right now. Really? Thats all the forethought you have put into calling me? Asking me for my time? My business? You cannot be serious. No sale.
In interviews its the same. There is simply no excuse for not preparing yourself in advance with the myriad of tools available to research the company, their results, news about them, their competitors, and the LinkedIn profile, Facebook and Twitter accounts of the person you are interviewing with. The list is limitless. Don’t leave to chance the meeting structure. If you are applying for a sales job consider the interview a sales call. Pre-call plan and prepare your opening just as you would in your territory. After the pleasantries like the weather etc get to the point.
I used to offer my sales reps this simple “call opener” formula that works well. B.O.A.T. – B=background (let me explain how we came to have this call and what I have done to prepare for our meeting) O = objectives (my objective today in meeting with you is X and Y) A = alternative objectives (what did you want to , together today to make this the best use of your time?) T = time (I was told we would have about 30 minutes today – is that still appropriate?)
One could argue – thats a bit stiff or formal. Others would say be careful not to take over the interview and I agree. Yet experience tells me when delivered with the appropriate amount of body language and genuine intent people really appreciate your being prepared. Finally, giving sales candidates assessments is common. What is uncommon is for a candidate to hand over an assessment they’ve already taken. If you’re interviewing for a specific sales role, hand the hiring manager proof (like this http://goo.gl/rZFKHO) that you’re wired for success in that position. Certify yourself and your skills for them. Think other candidates do that? See how it helped this guy land a dream sales job. goo.gl/QVkAgb
Want to learn more click here: https://www.salesgenomix.com/signup-129/ If you can’t afford to pay for this just get in touch and we will figure something out. You can get a great sales job and then pay us! And if you are a veteran – its on us. Call me.
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