How to answer "Why Sales" (with sample answers)

Why do employers ask "Why Sales"

Employers ask this question to understand your motivations for pursuing a sales role and to ensure that you have a genuine interest in sales as a career path. They want to know whether you have the necessary skills and characteristics to succeed in this field.

How to answer "Why Sales"

The best way to answer this question is to first discuss your interest in sales as a career path and then explain how your skills and experience align with the requirements for the sales role you are applying for. You can emphasize your passion for building relationships with clients, your ability to communicate effectively, and your desire to achieve results.

How to prepare for this question

Before the interview, research the company and the products or services they sell. Try to understand their sales approach and target audience. Think about your own experiences and how they relate to sales. You might want to prepare a list of your strengths and accomplishments that show your potential for success in a sales role.

Common mistakes when answering this question

• Being too vague or generic in your answer without really explaining why you are interested in sales.
• Focusing too much on the financial rewards of a sales role instead of the skills and characteristics it requires.
• Not relating your answer to the specific company or sales role you are applying for.
• Appearing unenthusiastic or unprepared for the question.

Sample answers

Good answer 1:

I'm interested in sales because I enjoy the challenge of persuading people to buy something. I'm also very competitive and I love the idea of meeting targets and exceeding goals. Additionally, I believe sales is a crucial part of any business and has a big impact on the bottom line.

Why it's a good answer: This answer shows enthusiasm for sales, highlights relevant skills, and demonstrates an understanding of the importance of sales to a business.

Good answer 2:

I have a passion for building relationships and helping people. I see sales as a way to combine these two things. When I'm working in sales, my goal is to understand the customer's needs and provide them with a solution that will make their life easier. I find this very gratifying and I'm excited to continue doing this in a sales role.

Why it's a good answer: This answer shows that the candidate is customer-focused, has strong interpersonal skills, and understands that selling is about providing solutions.

Bad answer 1:

I don't really know why I'm interested in sales, but I heard there's good money in it.

Why it's a bad answer: This answer is vague, lacks any real enthusiasm or motivation and shows that the candidate does not have a genuine interest in the field of sales.

Bad answer 2:

I'm not really interested in sales, but I need a job and this seems like a good opportunity.

Why it's a bad answer: This answer shows a lack of passion or interest in the role and suggests that the candidate isn't really committed to the job or the company. It may also be a red flag for the interviewer that the candidate might not perform well in the role.