Interview Questions About Long and Short Sales Cycles

Interview Questions About Long and Short Sales CyclesInterview Questions About Long and Short Sales CyclesAs a salesperson, youll likely be asked during a job bewerberinterview whether you prefer a longer sales cycle or a shorter sales cycle. Its important to remember that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. The main goal should be to show that you are knowledgeableabout each cycle type, understand their differences, and can eloquently explain how your sales technique plays into the one you prefer. Its perfectly acceptable to acknowledge that both approaches have value as long as you support your answer. Whether you prefer long or short sales cycles, or even if youre equally comfortable with both, its important to take some time to prepare an answer to this interview question. Sample Answer for Why Both Sales Cycles Have Value I think there are interesting points to both types of sales. On one hand, I valuethe longer sales cycle because it gives me time to get to know mycustomer. If I can spend quality time with them, we can build a rapport and establish trust. Also, I can spend time educating them about the various benefits and uses of the product theyre interested in. On the other hand, if I am using a shorter sales cycle, I typically dont have the time to obtain knowledge about the customer and I cant offer them lengthy explanations. While this may seem like a negative,its not. Without a lot of available time, I need to hit the high-priority topics rather quickly, and this can facilitate a fastersale. Why You Prefer a Long Sales Cycle I always prefer a longer sales cycle because the dialogue can be adjusted depending on the individual client I am dealing with. Some clients like to have a lot of information about a product fromthestart. Theyre information gatherers and want to be knowledgeable about the product, especially when it comes to having a lot of technical questions answered. Other clients are information gatherers and have te chnical questions but are also interested in the personal benefits of a product. With a longer cycle, I am able to get to know the clients needs better, and I can adjust my sales pitch accordingly. Also, having mora time means I can educate myclients about all the features of a particularproduct and why its the right product for them. The more time I have, the easier it is to get to know the clients needs and adjust my sales pitch accordingly. Ive also found that the more time I invest in making a connection with the client, the easier it is to establish a long-term relationship with them and generate repeat business. Why You Prefer a Short Sales Cycle I really enjoy the quicker pace of a shorter sales cycle. I like to get right to the point about the features and benefits of the product I am selling and showcase the reasons why its the best choice for the customer. I make sure I am very knowledgeable about everything Im selling, and Im always ready with answers to any question thats put to me. Also, the more I sell, the more commission I make and the more I make for the company. That said, I dont sacrifice creating a rapport with my clients, but I do believe that time is money when it comes to selling. Additional Sales Job Interview Questions and Tips There are many questions your interviewer may ask you, so its important to prepare answers for a variety of sales job interview questions before you go to your interview. For example, the interviewer may ask behavioral interview questions specifically about you so he or she canlearn more about your strengths, your weaknesses, and how well youll fit into the company culture. Youll want to make a good first impression, so be sure to dress properly for your job interview. You may want to dress in a business suit if thats the expected attire for the job, or maybe business casual if that better fits the dress code at the company. If youre not sure how to dress, youre almost always better off dressing up rathe r than dressing down. While youre talking with your interviewer, be sure to get his or her email address so you can send a job interview thank-you letter right after your interview. Not only is it the polite thing to do, sending a thank-you note is a great way toensurethe interviewer keeps you in mind when its time to decide who makes it to the next round of interviews. In addition, you can use the thank-you letter to clarify any answers to questions you feel werent complete or reinforce the main reasons why youre the best candidate for the job.