Answers to Interview Questions

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Knowing the answers to interview questions ahead of time is key to leaping ahead of your competition for a job you want. Put this in context. No one can actually give you the answers, but if you absorb the information we're sharing, you'll understand how to present your personal experience in the best way possible. You'll be prepared to talk about your background in a way that minimizes any problem areas and leverages the parallels between your experience and the role you're interested in.

Preparation is key with interview questions and answers. As you review these questions and the advice on how to answer, think about your own situation and experience. Take our advice as a roadmap to an answer. Interject your own examples into the mix for a winning presentation!

HOW DO YOU GET PAST THE GATE KEEPER?

If you're a sales professional, this is a key question. Most senior level sales professionals make warm calls rather than cold calls, so they view the gate keeper question as irrelevant. Savvy professionals, however, understand that even warm calls have gate keepers. Do you make friends or try to by-pass the gate keeper entirely? This is really not a trick question. We're looking for insight into what works for you. One note of caution, however: treat the gate keeper with respect. To do otherwise will reflect poorly on you.

HOW DO YOU CREATE A WIN-WIN PROPOSITION?

In virtually every job, you'll encounter situations where you need to have negotiation skills. Have you read the book Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury? Does there have to be a winner and a loser in every negotiation?

In a sales situation, if your prospect says "yes," do they lose if they haven't negotiated a better price, more service or something else of value? This question really relates to your selling style. Features/benefits; find the pain...what methodology are you most comfortable with?

In other disciplines, this question will shed some light on your personal style.

There's no right and wrong answer here. Be prepared to provide some examples where you created a win-win situation in the workplace.

WHAT TECHNIQUES DO YOU USE TO GET TO THE DECISION MAKER?

Have you ever worked with a sales professional who had tons of appointments and few sales to show for it? Meeting with the right person is critical to sales success. Finding out who the real decision maker is can save you considerable time and effort. Understanding your approach will provide the interviewer with some insight into how quickly you zero in on meeting with the right person and how creative you are in getting to them.