JuicyKlay

Job interview question help! "Why did you choose sales?"

An HR VP interviewing me today asked me why I chose to be in sales? I told her I wanted to help IT teams, create my own schedule, and make money. Looking back at it, I really didn't like my answer. How would you all answer that?

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TheRealTommyCallahan

Arsonist

President of Callahan Auto

Not a bad answer but I would cut out the "make money". It isn't a bad answer but it's an obvious answer. A lot of people get into sales because of the money. Hell, I'm in sales for the money BUT a lot of other reasons.

I like to state that through sales I am able to measure my successes in real time and continue to always learn. In sales there is an infinite amount of learning opportunities. You can always grow and learn new skills.

JuicyKlay

Celebrated Contributor

Good call! I love the "measuring my success in real time" line!

TheRealTommyCallahan

Arsonist

President of Callahan Auto

Best of luck to you!

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

Nothing wrong with saying "to make lots of money". If that's your motivation why hide it with corny platitudes?

TheRealTommyCallahan

Arsonist

President of Callahan Auto

Because in interviews they don't care that you want to make lots of money. Say what you know the recruiter/hiring manager wants to hear. I don't think it's an issue to say make lots of money but don't make that the only reason. Most people in sales are in sales because they want to make lots of money. That answer is just very "given". Just my opinion though. I used to work with recruiters and they didn't think it was the best answer, especially if it was the only answer. Give more details why you are in sales.

paddy

WR Officer

Director of Business Development

"I didn't...sales chose me." *drops mic*

JuicyKlay

Celebrated Contributor

HAHAHA I am using this next time I get the question.

Chep

WR Officer

Bitcoin Adoption Specialist

Adding that you love talking to people and that doing it for a living is a perfect job has helped me in interviews.

JuicyKlay

Celebrated Contributor

Another great answer!

CoastLife

Good Citizen

Large Enterprise Sales

I'm sure everyone has a different story here. As someone who interviews candidates regularly, don't try to base your answer on what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Be honest. Authenticity wins every day (IMO).
So take the time to think through the question. Write down your thoughts. As you do the job, think about what parts of it you really like.

JuicyKlay

Celebrated Contributor

Well said! I need to really think about these generic questions and have some answers more prepped. It's been a while since I was last interviewing.

TheFemaleWolf

Opinionated

Director of Sales

Hiring Manager Insight:

When I ask what motivates you or why you want to be in sales I'm looking for an answer illustrating that you're competitive, money motivated, self disciplined, likely a former college or pro athlete looking for a team environment with individual performance metrics, and ultimately want financial freedom and flexibility. That's a person that I know will hustle.

I also appreciate anyone with a chip on their should or something to prove because those people will outwork anyone.

JuicyKlay

Celebrated Contributor

This is great insight! I am a lifelong competitive (former college) athlete and got the chance to bring that up in an interview yesterday. I feel like it really resonated with the VP and legitimately has made me the competitor I am at work today.

justatopproducer

Politicker

VP OF SALES -US

Why I chose to be in sales? A: I enjoy working with others to provide a solution to help accomplish their end goal, as it is rewarding personally and monetarily. I am competitive which allows me to leverage my competitive nature to be successful and grow my company as well as myself. or, ask it back. When ever you are stumped on an interview question or brain fart, always ask it back many times they will tell you the answer they are looking for, then agree and explain in further detail why you agree.

JuicyKlay

Celebrated Contributor

Another amazing answer! I think talking about my passion for competition is a good call.

The_Sales_Badger

Notorious Answer

Account Executive

"Have you ever been in a situation where you don't have a chance to choose? That's me - sales found me, chose me, and we're going to live happily ever after"

JuicyKlay

Celebrated Contributor

Love it!!! And also a true story

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

I'm not ashamed to say the main reason is earning potential - I've set financial goals for myself that only a job like sales will allow me to achieve.

Companies should want sales people who are motivated by money all else...if you're in sales for the warm and fuzzies, you're not going to last very long.

JuicyKlay

Celebrated Contributor

Unless you’re a business owner, sales does seem to give you the highest earning potential.

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

Yup. The only other jobs that come close are ones where advanced degrees are required or skilled trades.

sugardaddy

Politicker

🍬

I’m in sales because you can make a hell a lot of money, If you’re good at it. I don’t think your answers was bad at all. Just be honest! I told my current boss and owner of the firm I’m working at, that my goal is to make alot of money and do good things for my kid and fam with the amount I make. Nothing wrong with that! ☺️

The only wrong thing, is not been honest about why you choose sale.

Grant_Horun

Politicker

Account Executive

Because its as close to being your own boss without starting a company. You get out what you put in and as long as management arent hawks and on you all the time it's a rewarding career.

Blackwargreymon

Politicker

MDR

Adding that you love talking to people and that doing it for a living is a perfect job has helped me in interviews.

softwaresails

Politicker

Sales Manager

There is nothing wrong with saying you do it for the money.

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

Dynamism >> static stuff
Adaptive mindset >> fixed
Learning curve and problem solving >> relaxed lifestyle
These are few, I use

Clashingsoulsspell

Politicker

ISR

AE and CSM

MR.StretchISR

Politicker

ISR

Really depends on the company, but I agree CSM seems like a cool job

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JuicyKlay

Job interview question help! "Why did you choose sales?"

27 comments

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