Do you have a sales interview at a startup? Then congratulations!
Working at a startup can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s also a big risk to work at a company that has no real track record of success.
As a salesperson, it’s important to get an understanding of the company and the product before accepting an offer.
Learn which questions to ask during the sales interview at the startup to make sure the position is the right fit for you and your skills.
Ask These Questions During a Sales Interview at a Startup
Cover the Basics
During your sales interview at a startup, it’s important to first cover some of the basics about the position and about what and who you will be selling to. Try to really understand if this a product you think you could sell successfully.
Also, make sure to ask about how you are expected to complete sales activities and what tools are provided.
If you’re used to using an advanced CRM to track your prospects and activities, but they want you to use a spreadsheet to track sales activities, you may have trouble adjusting and not be as productive as you’re used to.
1. Tell me about a typical day.
2. How do you typically identify prospective buyers?
3. What methods have you used to reach out to prospects?
4. Are you able to provide the appropriate sales tools?
Dive Deep Into Marketing
You can’t have a sales interview and not ask questions about marketing. Figuring out what the startup is currently doing to attract customers and generate leads directly affects your ability to sell.
Also, it’s important to learn about why customers choose that company over competitors and what type of loyalty they have to the brand.
5. Who are your major competitors and how do they stack up against you in terms of product, market share, and methods of marketing?
6. What type of marketing activities are you currently performing?
7. How satisfied are your customers?
Future of the Company
Asking questions about the future is a must during a sales interview with a startup.
Try to get a feel for how the company measures success and what direction it’s headed in. This will also help you get an idea of the company culture and how it came to be.
8. Where do you see the company going in the next several years?
9. What is your highest priority in the next 6 months and how could someone like me help?
10. What kind of person will succeed here?
11. What has been the company’s biggest advance and biggest setback?
Landing a sales position at a company in the startup phase can turn out to be an amazing opportunity or you can be out of a job very quickly.
Ask these questions to make sure the company and the position are the right fit for you.
And check out our article about 20 Tough Questions to Expect in Your Next Sales Interview to help prepare for the questions you’ll be asked.
