Top 35+ Sales Executive Interview Questions (with Sample Answers)
Table of Contents
Have you ever wondered why you didn’t get a sales executive job even after a great interview? You had the right skills, and your experience matched the role, but someone else was selected.
In this guide, you’ll find 35+ common sales executive interview questions with sample answers to help you prepare better and feel more confident during your interview.
What You’ll Learn
- Prepare for the most common sales executive interview questions.
- Learn how to explain your experience confidently in an interview.
- Improve your communication, pitching, and negotiation skills.
- Know how to handle behavioural and situation-based interview questions.
- Review a last-minute sales executive interview preparation checklist.
- Use a ready-to-use scorecard to evaluate and hire the right sales executive.
Top 10 Sales Executive Interview Questions
This list of sales executive interview questions will help you prepare for your interview. The sample answers and tips will guide you on how to respond with confidence.
1. Tell Me about Yourself and Your Sales Background.
Why They Ask: Yes, it’s an icebreaker, but it also helps interviewers know your cultural fit and other personality traits.
Sample Answer: I have been working in sales for the past two years, where I handled both customer calls and in-person meetings. On a typical day, I made around 50 calls and managed 20–25 leads at a time. My main responsibility was to understand customer needs and recommend the right product or solution.
Tip: Don’t just talk about your passion for sales. Briefly explain what you actually do in your role and how your experience matches the job you’re applying for.
2. What do You Know about Our Company and What We Sell?
Why They Ask: They want to check if you prepared for the interview.
Sample Answer: From what I’ve read on your site and LinkedIn page, you’re a SaaS company that uses AI to provide affordable fintech solutions to small and medium businesses. I must say, your business growth is impressive when compared to other companies.
Tip: Do not just mention product features; be very specific about the business segment.
3. How do You Handle Rejection?
Why They Ask: Understandably, interviewers want candidates who can stay motivated. However, they also want someone who analyzes rejections objectively.
Sample Answer: I focus on being motivated as well as analyzing CRM reports and regional trends. Lastly, I adjust the presentations and respond to new and old customers based on my analysis of the rejection and their feedback.
Tip: Show that you learn from rejection and improve your approach instead of taking it personally.
4. Imagine I am a Customer. How Would You Sell Me this Pen?
Why They Ask: They want to see your sales basics and know how you would sell and pitch a product.
Sample Answer: I notice that you miss writing as you used to before. It’s understandable that you feel the nostalgia of writing with a good old pen at a time when texts are replacing letters. You know what, you can still draft your emails with this digital pen. It’s flexible, easy, and yes! A pen!
Tip: Focus on the buyer’s needs, create interest, and show how the product solves their problem.
5. What Motivates You the Most?
Why They Ask: They want to identify if you are the right fit for the role.
Sample Answer: I am an extrovert. Also, I like to analyze how people think. Lastly, I like analyzing data points and patterns related to recent trends.
Tip: The best approach for you would be to read about the company, mention some related values in your resume, and prepare related answers for the interview.
6. Did You Usually Complete Your Targets?
Why They Ask: This is a tricky question that employers often ask you to judge what you do when you miss the targets.
Sample Answer: Yes. I usually complete my targets. However, there were times when I wasn’t able to achieve them, and I analyzed the reasons and market trends to adjust my strategies.
Tip: In such questions, most of the candidates might focus on numbers. You should focus on what you do when you don’t achieve the targets.
7. Why did You Choose a Career in Sales?
Why They Ask: Such questions show your motivations. Not only financial reasons, but other reasons as well.
Sample Answer: I like to analyze how people think about products and make decisions. Also, I think this role would help me grow my marketing skills and advance. Lastly, at a time when AI is shaping how we work, I’d like to analyze how and what clients need from AI.
Tip: Keep your answer simple, and avoid just focusing on the financial reasons.
8. How do You Handle Price Objections?
Why They Ask: In negotiations, price objections are the most common. Employers want to see how you can pitch their options by addressing clients’ worries about pricing.
Sample Answer: I first ask the customer why they feel the product is expensive. Based on their response, I explain the ROI and long-term value. For example, if I’m selling HR software, I highlight how it can help avoid compliance penalties, reduce payroll errors, and speed up hiring processes.
Tip: Try to explain the product’s value with a simple example so the customer understands why the price makes sense.
9. Walk Me through Your Sales Process.
Why They Ask: They want to know whether you follow a structured process or not. Usually, a structured answer like our sample answer can get you through such situations.
Sample Answer: I follow a step-by-step process that includes researching, targeted calling, providing a customized demo, and engaging all the departments, such as finance and HR, to avoid last-minute issues.
Tip: Keep your answer concise but structured.
10. Tell Me about a Deal You Lost. What did You Learn?
Why They Ask: Such sales interview questions test your emotional intelligence and motivation to learn from your previous mistakes.
Sample Answer: I lost a big deal with an MNC client. I focused on identifying what went wrong and found that I was only highlighting user benefits. The CFO didn’t approve, and I realized that it’s important to focus on pricing as well as user benefits.
Tip: Preferably, share your own experience. Be honest, own your mistake, and discuss the solution.
Sales Interview Questions for Experienced Candidates
Experience-based sales executive interview questions are more on the practical side of things. They usually include questions related to your previous experience, CRM tools, and time management skills.
11. What were You Selling, and Who were Your Customers?
Why They Ask: To see if your previous experience aligns with their industry-specific needs.
Sample Answer: At my last firm, we offered a subscription-based SaaS HR service that managed HR and payroll for small, medium, and large businesses in India.
Tip: If you have specific metrics that show you in a good light, then mention them, e.g., number of calls, quarterly or monthly targets achieved, etc.
12. What was Your Monthly or Quarterly Target in Your Last Job?
Why They Ask: Employers ask it to gauge your abilities.
Sample Answer: My monthly target was 20 deals or around ₹5 lakh revenue. I achieved close to 100% most months. I achieved this by analyzing current trends and building connections with professionals, who helped me find leads with referrals.
Tip: Mention numbers, but do not forget that people matter the most in sales.
13. What is Your Biggest Sales Success Till Now?
Why They Ask: To identify the “what” and “how” you use to reach deals and solve problems
Sample Answer: I closed a deal with a client who initially said “no.” Instead of focusing only on pricing or installation, I explained the risks of not using our product and how it could impact their operations. This helped the client understand the value, and we were able to move forward with the deal.
Tip: Sharing a short customer story can make your answer more convincing.
14. Where did You Get the Best Leads from in Your Last Job?
Why They Ask: To find out how you generate leads and introduce the product to potential customers.
Sample Answer: I usually get leads from LinkedIn posts, website referrals, and internal referrals. However, some of my best leads have come from our professional network on WhatsApp.
Tip: It’s helpful to mention lead sources that actually worked well for you, even if they are not very common.
15. Which CRM or Sales Tools have You Used?
Why They Ask: It’s a common sales interview question that tests your technical skills.
Sample Answer: I used Zoho CRM to track calls, schedule follow-ups, and update deal stages daily. I am also using Salesforce and learning more about it from Coursera.
Tip: Talk about the tools you’ve used and show that you’re open to learning new ones.
16. When Work Gets Busy, how do You Manage Follow-Ups and Your Sales List?
Why They Ask: To test your time management skills.
Sample Answer: I set priorities on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to be on track. I also use reminders and take time in the morning to read emails, replies, and comments on my LinkedIn posts.
Tip: Give a short but structured answer.
17. Have You Done inside Sales, Field Sales, or both? Which One do You like More?
Why They Ask: To identify your preferences
Sample Answer: I’ve done both. Inside sales helps with volume, and field sales builds trust faster.
Tip: Be flexible, and focus on the positives of inside and field sales.
Looking for a Sales Executive Job Description Template?
Role-Based Sales Interview Questions
These types of sales interview questions focus on your skills as a sales executive. Interviewers want people who can use their skills to solve problems, not just talk about them.
18. Imagine I’m Hearing about Your Product for the First Time. How Would You Explain It in Simple Words?
Why They Ask: This question doesn’t just check your communication skills; it also assesses your ability to convince clients.
Sample Answer: Our product is a cloud-based HR and payroll software that simplifies your HR management by automating most manual HR operations, such as salary calculation and attendance.
Tip: Explain it as if you are explaining it to a non-technical person.
19. Before You Pitch, What Questions do You Ask to Understand What the Customer Actually Needs?
Why They Ask: Such sales executive interview questions test your ability to “Diagnose” a problem. After all, a pitch’s main goal is to convert a user into a customer.
Sample Answer: I do thorough market research for what I’m selling. Especially, I focus on pain points and ask related questions like How many hours does it take for you to do payroll? Or, which specific challenges do you face when complying with labour regulations as a manufacturing firm?
Tip: Be very specific. The best approach is to identify your clients’ issues.
20. When It Comes to Negotiation, how do You Handle It without Giving Discounts Too Quickly?
Why They Ask: To test your negotiation skills and ability to persuade clients.
Sample Answer: I’d ask specific questions to show what we offer. This helps me sell our product’s USPs. For example, if a client tells me that “We found other vendors offering less expensive plans for managing payroll”, I’d ask them “What are your specific needs?” and offer customized solutions.
Tip: When answering, focus on your USPs rather than just comparing with other clients.
21. After the First Call or Demo, how do You Follow up So the Customer Stays Interested?
Why They Ask: To check what you do to keep in touch with prospects, and if you are able to convert a “lead” into a “client.”
Sample Answer: I do the usual cold calling. I also send short 30-second customized videos or voice notes to each client on their WhatsApp. I engage with them on LinkedIn and remind them of our discussion by sharing relevant posts and highlighting our product.
Tip: Mention that’s something unique to you when you follow up.
22. What Tells You that the Customer is Genuinely Ready to Buy?
Why They Ask: Such questions test if you can read the “buying signals” based on what customers ask.
Sample Answer: When a customer starts to discuss their pain points and compare relevant features, it gives me a clear signal that the customer is more or less convinced to buy our product.
Tip: Don’t give that generic answer of “Price and Contract Arrangements”.
23. How do You Close the Deal Confidently without Sounding Too Pushy?
Why They Ask: To see your response to one of the common scenarios in sales.
Sample Answer: I don’t assume that a customer has agreed to buy our product. I ask specific questions, such as I know that you want us to implement the solution by March. To do that, we need to start implementing it by the 15th of February. Do you think we would be able to conclude our negotiations by the 15th?
Tip: Don’t come across as if you are in a hurry to close the deal. Answer such questions from a strategic perspective, where you subtly focus on aspects like implementation.
24. How do You Ensure Your CRM and Daily Sales Reports are Always up to Date?
Why They Ask: Keeping sales reports updated is a common responsibility of a sales executive.
Sample Answer: I have a checklist for seeing that reports are up to date, and I dedicate 30 minutes of the day to ticking every item in the list. I also rely on Gong and other tools to keep a record of the meetings.
Tip: Don’t give the standard answer of just “Managing Time”. Focus on what you do to make the process a strategic one, rather than an administrative chore.
25. When a Customer Says, “It’s Too Expensive” or “We Already have a Vendor,” how do You Respond?
Why They Ask: Such questions test how you would handle objections and turn challenges into opportunities.
Sample Answer: I’d present specific situations and see if I can highlight ROI. I’d also use specific data points to drive home the point that our product might seem expensive at first, but the ROI will make up for the initial cost.
Tip: When answering such questions, focus on why a product would be a better choice in the long term, despite the higher initial cost.
26. Why Should We Hire You for this Role?
Why They Ask: The question is a way to check your cultural fit as well as your skills.
Sample Answer: As someone with experience in selling SaaS products, I think I’d be a great fit for your product. What’s more, I have some understanding of how AI works. So, I am confident that I’d be able to pitch your product better.
Tip: Mention specific features and problems that you find based on your research of the company.
27. What are Your Biggest Strengths as a Salesperson?
Why They Ask: To know what you are most good at and to find out whether you think enough about your strengths and weaknesses.
Sample Answer: I’d say understanding how people think is one of my strong points. Also, I’m good at analyzing current market trends and tailoring the pitch to the analysis. Lastly, I’m good at simplifying technical concepts and communicating them to stakeholders.
Tip: Don’t mention every single skill. Just pick two or three skills that are your strengths.
Not Sure What to Include in Sales Manager Job Description? Use this Ready-To-Use Template.
Sales Behavioral Interview Questions
28. Tell Me about a Difficult Customer You Handled. How did You Convince Them?
Why They Ask: To see what you do in getting from “No” to “Yes”. Clients look for the best value for money option, and your job is to pitch your product as the best option.
Sample Answer: I don’t think customers are difficult. They are just worried that they might end up wasting time and not finding the solution. So, I focus on addressing their issues like delays in implementation, and suggest that we run a pilot demo to see if our product works for them.
Tip: When answering, don’t only focus on your “Good Communication”. Rather, focus on addressing the client’s concerns.
29. What’s One Tough Target You Achieved? What Helped You Reach It?
Why They Ask: To assess your resource optimization skills and strategic thinking.
Sample Answer: In Quarter 3 (Q3) of last year, my target was increased by 25%. At the same time, our marketing budget had to be reduced as we were focusing on investing in a new feature. I used LinkedIn Sales Navigator and Zoom info to do targeted selling, and was able to reduce my sales cycle from 45 to 30 days and achieve the target.
Tip: Yes. Hard work matters. But in 2026, you need to focus on strategic analysis as well.
30. When did You Get Last Feedback from Your Manager? What did You Improve after that?
Why They Ask: To see if you learn from feedback.
Sample Answer: Earlier, I used to only focus on one or two stakeholders when pitching our product. My manager suggested that I should focus on multiple stakeholders to avoid last-minute issues. I started reaching out to multiple stakeholders, and my sales velocity increased by 30%.
Tip: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) method for answering such questions. It’s good for when you get stuck and for structuring your success stories effectively.
31. Have You Ever Made a Mistake in Sales? How did You Fix It?
Why They Ask: You need to know that employers don’t just focus on accountability, but they also look for candidates who improve after analyzing their mistakes.
Sample Answer: I was preparing a presentation for pitching our product, and I mistakenly added one feature that we no longer provide. After that, I always confirmed with multiple people before finalizing the presentation.
Tip: Share the mistake honestly and explain what you changed to avoid it next time.
32. How do You Stay Organized when You have Calls, Follow-Ups, and Meetings Scheduled on the Same Day?
Why They Ask: It’s a classic question that assesses your time management and project management skills.
Sample Answer: I plan my day in advance and decide which tasks are most important. During calls and meetings, I take clear notes so I don’t miss any key points. I also set specific time for follow-ups and emails to make sure I respond on time. Using productivity tools helps me stay organized.
Tip: Mention relevant tools that you use for reducing the time spent reaching out for follow-ups.
33. Have You Ever Closed a Deal with Team Support? What was Your Role in It?
Why They Ask: To test your leadership and collaboration skills.
Sample Answer: In a deal with an MNC, they needed specific API integrations. I made a team that had a solution engineer, designer, and developer. I became the voice of the customer and suggested what needed to be done. We closed the deal without a hitch.
Tip: You are an executive. So, your role is mainly to coordinate with the team in the right direction.
34. Tell Me about a Time a Customer Complained. How did You Handle It?
Why They Ask: To check your emotional intelligence as well as your ability to solve problems.
Sample Answer: Once, due to an update, a client faced an issue with an integration. I actively listened, arranged a meeting between the client and our team, and we solved the issue in a day.
Tip: Stay calm, listen carefully, and show how you worked to fix the problem quickly.
35. Share a Situation where You Took Full Responsibility and Solved a Problem.
Why They Ask: To find out whether you take ownership.
Sample Answer: During the onboarding process, a client was finding it difficult to implement our solution as our team was understaffed. I spend some of my time daily coordinating with the client and our team. The client was satisfied, and from that point on, I always kept track of available team members.
Tip: Share a genuine customer story to show that you take ownership of what you do.
36. Sometimes Results Take Time. How do You Stay Consistent when Sales are Slow?
Why They Ask: Slowing sales is one of the common scenarios that you’d face as an executive, and employers want to know how you would respond.
Sample Answer: I analyze the reasons behind the dip. For example, geopolitical issues, overall decline in my market vertical, or particular issues that are relevant to our product. Based on that, I take the next steps.
Tip: Stay focused on your process, keep learning, and use slow periods to improve your approach.
37. What is One Area You are Currently Improving in Sales?
Why They Ask: To see if you have a learning mindset.
Sample Answer: I’m currently working on improving data visualization skills. I’m taking some courses from Coursera, and reaching out to my colleagues to improve them.
Tip: Mention that you are reaching out to colleagues. It shows that you are willing to learn and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Scenario-Based Sales Interview Questions
38. You Called a Customer, and They Said They’re Busy. What will You Say Next?
Why They Ask: to test what you do to follow up when a client is busy.
Sample Answer: I acknowledge and apologize for interrupting. I also ask for their permission to share a short video on WhatsApp or another preferred platform that highlights our product.
Tip: Focus on the next best thing you can do if you cannot call the client. You can mention sending a short voice note, or even a small infographic. Be as creative as you can.
39. A Lead Asks You to Share Details on Whatsapp. What Will You Send Them?
Why They Ask: Firms are increasingly using WhatsApp and other similar platforms to interact.
Sample Answer: I’d share infographics and short videos that give a demo of our features. I’d also share presentations that highlight our USPs.
Tip: You can also mention sending them animated gifs that you created.
40. I’m Saying Your Product is Too Expensive. What will You Say?
Why They Ask: To see how you’d handle price objections.
Sample Answer: I’d focus on the current problems that clients are facing, and highlight the cost if they do not address the issues. Then, I’d pitch our product as a solution to their current problems and future needs.
Tip: Focus on ROI gains when answering such questions.
41. We Already Use another Company for this. Why Should We Look at Your Product?
Why They Ask: To see how you would convince clients to use your product.
Sample Answer: I’d focus more on outcomes rather than features in such scenarios. For example, another product might be offering the same feature, but we perform it faster. Also, if available, I’d let the client know that our product can integrate with their existing products.
Tip: Products often offer similar features in the market. Focus on the end result, e.g., improved performance or reduced time.
42. A Lead Showed Interest but Stopped Replying. How Will You Follow up?
Why They Ask: Interviewers want to know how you would try to engage a lead who might not be interested in your product.
Sample Answer: I’d send them a message on LinkedIn and give a couple of calls. Then, I’d drop a text or two on WhatsApp and ask their permission to carry forward our discussion. Lastly, I’d send them a short video of our demo and encourage them to contact me if they are still interested.
Tip: Follow up politely, don’t spam, and always give the lead an easy way to respond or say no.
43. I Need to Get Approval from My Team. What Will You Ask Me Next?
Why They Ask: To check what you would do and how you would keep the client interested in your product in such scenarios.
Sample Answer: I’d share with them a short video and ask them if they can show it to the manager when getting the approval. This would help me in showing the product to the manager and might improve the chances of a deal.
Tip: When answering, focus on active engagement. Don’t wait for approval before giving a demo of your product.
44. You’re behind Your Target, and the Month-End is near. What Will You do Now?
Why They Ask: To see how you react to a pressure situation.
Sample Answer: If I’m behind my target near month-end, I first review my pipeline and focus on deals that are close to closing. I quickly connect with those prospects to understand their concerns and clear any doubts. I also follow up with warm leads and prioritize high-potential opportunities.
Tip: Staying calm under pressure is good, but interviewers want to hear the exact strategies you use to hit your targets.
45. A Customer is Angry because of a Service Issue. How Will You Calm Them and Fix It?
Why They Ask: Service issues are common when you sell a product.
Sample Answer: I’d actively listen to their issues, coordinate with the team, and try to solve the issue as soon as possible. I’d also give them a specific timeline for addressing their concerns.
Tip: One of the easiest questions to answer, it mainly focuses on your communication and time management skills.
46. You have to Start Selling a New Product Tomorrow. How Will You Prepare Today?
Why They Ask: To see how you would sell new features at short notice, and how you would research and pitch the product.
Sample Answer: If I have to start selling a new product tomorrow, I would first understand the target customers and their main problems. Then, I would study the product features and connect them to those problems. I would also review competitor products and common objections. Finally, I’d prepare a clear and simple pitch to confidently explain the product’s value.
Tip: Don’t just say you will “learn the product.” Clearly explain how you will understand customer problems, study competitors, and prepare your pitch.
Sales Executive Interview Preparation Checklist
- Focus on real-life examples as much as possible, and avoid answering like you’ve memorized a script.
- Be thorough with your resume, as interviewers often ask questions to understand your cultural fit and personality.
- Mention tools by category based on their functions, such as note-taking or reporting. You can do the same for your skills.
- Keep your answers short but structured to show strong communication skills while highlighting your experience.
- Arrive on time and maintain a professional attitude throughout the interview.
Sales Executive Interview Scorecard for Employers
This sales executive interview scorecard provides a simple and structured way to review skills using questions, ratings, remarks, and notes that can be customized according to your hiring needs.
| Value | Questions | Ratings (1–5) |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Skills | Describe your approach to selling a product to a new customer. | 1/5: Lacks clarity in sales approach. 5/5: Shows strong selling and persuasion skills. |
| Communication Skills | How do you explain a product to a customer who knows nothing about it? | 1/5: Poor or unclear communication. 5/5: Explains confidently and simply. |
| Customer Handling | Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer. | 1/5: Avoids responsibility or gets defensive. 5/5: Handles calmly and finds solutions. |
| Target Orientation | Share an example of how you achieved or exceeded a sales target. | 1/5: No clear results or effort. 5/5: Shows strong focus on goals and results. |
| Product Knowledge | What do you know about our product and market? | 1/5: Limited understanding. 5/5: Shows good product and market awareness. |
| Negotiation Skills | How do you convince a hesitant customer to buy? | 1/5: Struggles to close sales. 5/5: Demonstrates confident negotiation skills. |
| Problem Solving | Tell me about a challenging sale and how you managed it. | 1/5: Gives up easily. 5/5: Finds practical solutions. |
| Motivation & Attitude | What motivates you to work in a target-driven sales role? | 1/5: Low enthusiasm for sales work. 5/5: Shows strong drive and positive attitude. |
| Adaptability | How do you adjust your sales approach for different customers? | 1/5: Rigid or inflexible. 5/5: Adapts well to customer needs. |
| Customer Relationship Building | How do you maintain long-term relationships with clients? | 1/5: Focuses only on short-term sales. 5/5: Builds trust and long-term rapport. |
Note: The maximum score is 50 marks. The candidate’s rating is based on their total score. For example, if a candidate scores 42 out of 50, their rating would be 4.2 out of 5.
You Can Evaluate Candidates like this:
- 40–50: Highly Recommended
- 30–39: Good Candidate
- 25–29: Needs Further Evaluation
- Below 25: Not Recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Introduce Myself in a Sales Interview?
For a sales interview introduction, start with your name, background, relevant skills, and experience. You can finish the introduction by mentioning your interests and motivation for the job.
Which Skills do I Need to Apply for the Sales Executive Position?
Familiarity with CRM tools, communication, project management, time management, problem-solving, and strategic thinking are some of the skills that you require to become a sales executive.
How Should I Answer Target-Based Questions in a Sales Interview?
Focus on your past achievements and explain how you met your targets. Mention the strategies you used and briefly share how you handle situations when targets are not achieved.
What Questions Should I Ask at the End of a Sales Interview?
At the end of a sales interview, you can ask about sales targets, performance expectations, team structure, and available tools. It’s also useful to ask about training support and growth opportunities within the company.
How Should I Answer Cultural Fit Questions in a Sales Interview?
Cultural fit questions are questions that evaluate whether you would match a company’s values and work culture. When answering such questions, it’s best to read some questions in advance and research the company.
More Interview Questions with Sample Answers
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