Preparation is Key
As with anything we strive for in life, proper preparation can be closely correlated with outstanding outcomes. As you put yourself at the ready for your interview, consider these finer details in your preparation routine. Thoroughly research the company, and the interviewer [if he/she/they are known to you]. Be on your toes to answer their inquiries by way of intimate company information. i.e., “[This answer] relates to the news release last week; I learned that your company is directly involved with the structuring of the [insert name] Project.” Attend ready to mention something that you read in the interviewer’s bio on the “Meet the Team” page of their website.
Sell Your Strengths
This is your opportunity to shine! Some would say: “You only get one chance to make a first impression”—this rings true every time. Highlight your most important strengths first. What can YOU do for THEM. Focus less on what you have done in the past, and more on what you WILL do in the future. They have an accurate representation of what you HAVE done in the past, be sure they understand the gravity of what you CAN bring to the table. Quantify that where possible with examples from your book of business and accentuate how you will employ these winning techniques to rocket you forward in their sales organization.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
The interviewer will be looking to see if you’ve done some critical thinking about their company. Have 5-10 questions ready that deal with processes, culture, advancement, management style, opportunities, expectations, goals, and people. Comb through their website and find a few things that interest you to elaborate on and ask questions about that. Asking them to describe a scenario in a “day-in-the-life-of” manner could give you great insight into their typical routines and daily expectations.
Execute a 30-60-90
Most tenured sales reps will do this naturally during an interview process, so step on up and start making those 30-60-90s. This should outline your plan of attack for the first 30, 60 & 90 days out. How will you implement their training? What markers do you hope to hit in this time? When will these goals be completed? This will demonstrate your meticulous organizational skills and set the tone for anyone else that has not prepared such a document. Conversely, others are doing this; do not be the individual who is doing less than the next candidate. A simple PowerPoint does the trick. Bonus Points: include their logo in your presentation and use verbiage that assumes the sale.
Close for the Next Steps
ABC. Always Be Closing. The first thing we all learned in sales. Don’t let off the gas here. Always assume the close, always speak as if you were to accept the job, always ask for the next steps. There’s a delightfully good chance that this interviewer has stood in your shoes as a sales rep, perhaps even in this EXACT spot. They will be looking for YOU to sell THEM. This is your first test.
Finally
using a recruiter can help you to secure more “warm” interviews – the hiring manager already has a positive snapshot of you and your strengths. Contact us today to make your next career move in Life Sciences or Telecom/TEM! We offer Full-Time, Part-Time, Staff Augmentation, Projects, Individual Contributorships, Advisorships, and everything in between.
Theresasloan@sloanstaffingsolutions.com Lynns@sloanstaffingsolutions.com or find us on the web: www.sloanstaffingsolutions.com
Theresa Sloan (President) & Lynn Swezey (Vice President)
Sloan Staffing Solutions
