Got an interview, need suggestions

[Daninku]

Hi all, most probably it's a little bit late I'm asking as I'm going to bed in 45 minutes hehe.

Today I just got a call from a local PC shop. Lets say it's one of the most popular in Malta. I managed to get an inteview tomorrow morning. I'veonly sent a CV and an introduction letter yesterday, so I think it's quite good so far. I've always wanted a job which introduces me to the IT field, so I really don't want to mess up this opportunity. It's about a salesperson within this company, but I will make my best to advance, lets say try to make it up to a technician which gives me much more opportunities.

Anyways, I've never worked as a salesperson before, so I got to need some suggestions from you guys. I don't have any ideas what the interviewer is going to ask. Usually I just preper myself to certain questions, but I don't know anything this time. All I know is that I can do the job no problem. I'm willing to learn and since I'm pretty knowledgable about new products it's going to help me.

But what else do they except?

Thank you guys :)

[maygaess]

first, i wish you good luck.

the interviewer might want to listen to a "sales pitch" about their products, so you'd better prepare one (include some technical information but keep it minimal, no need to go into detailed stuff, so he will know that you are into this kinda stuff).

also, he might ask you some generic questions like:

- where do you see yourself in x amount of years.

- why do you think you can make a good salesman.

- hobbies...etc

you should inquire if they will set a monthly quota for you, or if they will provide you with a list of potential customers or should you fetch your own customers (here comes the twist. if you have enough contacts and know a lot of people then you might succeed)

i hope that i can help you here, best of luck and really dont put pressure on yourself, just go in and be yourself and hopefully you will get what you want.

[Daninku]

That was a little bit too late hehe, but anyways. Did the interview this morning and it was quite an easy one in my opinion. Have done several interviews, and the interviewer was very very friendly.

He was satisfied with the CV, as regards to previous work experience (not necessary in sales but had to deal with customers ie. tourists), as well as IT qualifications. He also said that if I get accepted I can get to the technical part of the shop, as it seems that they divide salespeople... some on consumables and some at the parts section. He also spend few minutes describing the procedure and how their system works, and that they are going to change it and I got quite interested. Actually I did my best to show him I'm interested in this new system. Asked a few questions as well. All in all, I think it was quite good, however since it's a very popular store over here (actually it's Scan Malta, the same as Scan UK) there are lots of applicants it seems...so he assured me that if everything goes right I will get a call for a second interview next week.

The only similar questions to yours was about a client who wanted a specific motherboard, but we don't have in stock. He wanted to know what would be my reaction and answer to the customer. My answer was simple, first I should inform the customer that we don't have the specific motherboard at the moment, but should be in stock at .... whenever it's in stock, just check on the system, in the meantime try to offer him something similar. He told me that he's happy my answer. If, I will get to the second interview, most probably there will be the general manager or something, so I might get asked a few more challenging questions.

... and what would be your answers to those questions maygaess? If he had to ask me where I do see myself in the future, I will tell him that I always try to advance within the company, so basically I would like to see myself in a much more challenging position than a salesperson within the company. And what makes a good salesperson... there's a lot of stuff, one should know how to deal with customers, quality of support, make customers feel at home and talk with them to understand what they really need etc etc... I guess you can make a two pages essay from this question hehehe.

Thanks mate.

Edited August 30, 2008 by Daninku

[maygaess]

lol. i am happy that you got through this interview pretty well. hopefully, the next one will be easy as well.

about the questions, there is no one right answer of course. i think most interviews are there to assess your personality and how positive/cheerful/enthusiastic you are, and it seems you are doing very good in these as the company is highly regarded.

for me, i had an interview last year to apply for a hedge fund and the job title was an analyst, where i started as an analyst assistant. when my interviewer asked me where do i see myself in the future (near future) i said maybe a portfolio manager, as that is almost what analysts are promoted to. so you might think of something similar, and use this to show the interviewer where your interests are. you are telling him indirectly where you want to work (which department).

so if you want to get in the technical side of the equation, you can answer as a technical manager, or a regional manager in this or that...etc

this way the interviewer will have a picture of your career track and will assign you to your preferred job of choice.

about what makes a good salesperson is the ability to get to your quotas if they are required. Also most importantly as you said being friendly with the customer and patient.

sometimes you have to boast abour urself a little bit, lol. Like saying that you are loyal and committed to the company that you work for, and that you are ready to put in the extra mile..etc

i think that you are capable of handling this situation and i wish you the best of luck.

[Daninku]

Thanks mate. Very good thoughts. Of course, I will keep you updated :)

[Daninku]

Looks I managed to impress the interviewer. I got a call this morning about a second interview tomorrow. All he said is that they are going to give me more details about the actual job, ie. wage. So I think it's good news, but I don't think about that for now as I don't have the OK from them as yet.

If those are the type of questions they will be asking, it shouldn't be a problem, so I will have to wait and see. Just noticed that the vacancy advert was removed from their website.

Thanks a lot for your suggestions.

[maygaess]

that is great news. fingers crossed.

i hope that you come back with great news and that the package they offer you to be to your likings.

:D

[Daninku]

... and I'm here with the great news :D I'm starting tomorrow :D can't believe this hihihi

[maygaess]

Wow, good news.

that is it then, i hope that you enjoy your work there.

[Daninku]

Yeah, it was not bad at all. A little bit more difficult than I thought, but I will get used to it. Lots and lots to learn. But then again, the first few days are always a little bit difficult until you get used to the system. I'm glad the staff is young, the majority between 20 - 30 including the managers, so it's quite fun :)

I'm super extra tired though, so I'm going to bed so to prepared for another day ;)

Thanks mate.