Interview Questions for Sales Managers

If you are interviewing for a sales manager position, you are looking for a specific set of skills, leadership being among the most important. So, it is important to realize that someone who was an outstanding salesman may not automatically be the best candidate for a management position, because of the different skill set required.

Here are a few questions to ask sales manager candidates to determine if they have the skills and motivation for the job.

1. Would you enjoy analyzing data?

As a manager, data analysis will be an important aspect of the job. You need to look at sales forecasts and trends, analyzing various metrics for your sales team. If the candidate expresses any distaste for this part of the job, he probably would not make a good sales manager.

2. What skills are needed to make a good sales rep?

This will give you an idea of what the candidate will look for when he or she goes to hire people. The kinds of traits the sales manager looks for should align with the values of the company.

3. Why do you want to be a sales manager?

If the person is looking to play a larger role within the company, looking for new challenges and the chance to affect company planning and strategy, he would make a good manager. If the person is seeking the job simply because he is bored with his current position, he probably would not make a good manager.

4. What would you say to an underperforming sales rep?

Knowing how to coach and motivate people is a key part of the job. A sales manager needs to know how to deliver criticism in a constructive manner, while at the same time providing encouragement and guidance. He can be neither too hard nor too soft.

5. What does it take to be a good leader?

This is probably the most important question because the sales manager is, when all is said and done, a leader. He or she needs to be an example to his team and to inspire his team to give their best.

6. What do you think makes a sales rep successful? How will your concept of success inform your management style?

The sales manager needs to understand that each sales rep is different, motivated by different things, with different approaches to the job. He needs to tailor his management style to suit the needs and style of each sales rep. He cannot use a cookie cutter approach and treat everyone as if they were simply robots.

7. How would you coach your team members?

The candidate should give some indication that coaching involves teaching, with a lot of give and take, questions and conversation. It does not involve just lectures and reviewing fact and figures.

Work With a Top Staffing Agency in the Inland Empire

If your company is looking for top-notch sales managers or any other type of job, Arrow Staffing can provide them for you. Arrow is one of the leading staffing agencies in the Inland Empire. Give Arrow Staffing a call today.

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