Describe a time when you exceeded your sales targets


 Theme: Achievements  Role: Sales Representative  Function: Sales

  Interview Question for Sales Representative:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Sales Representative: Responsible for selling products or services to customers. This role falls within the Sales function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here

 Sample Answer 


  Example response for question delving into Achievements with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

  •  Sales Target Exceeded: Provide specific details about the sales target that was exceeded, such as the amount or percentage
  •  Sales Strategy: Explain the sales strategy or approach used to exceed the target, highlighting any unique or innovative methods
  •  Customer Engagement: Describe how you engaged with customers to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions
  •  Relationship Building: Discuss how you built and maintained strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and loyalty
  •  Objection Handling: Explain how you effectively addressed customer objections or concerns, overcoming any barriers to closing the sale
  •  Team Collaboration: Highlight any collaboration or teamwork involved in achieving the sales target, emphasizing your ability to work well with others
  •  Continuous Improvement: Mention any efforts made to continuously improve sales skills or knowledge, such as attending training programs or seeking feedback
  •  Results & Impact: Quantify the results achieved by exceeding the sales target, including any positive impact on revenue or customer satisfaction
  •  Recognition or Awards: If applicable, mention any recognition or awards received for exceeding sales targets, showcasing your exceptional performance

 Underlying Motivations 


  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

  •  Performance: To assess your ability to achieve and surpass sales targets
  •  Motivation: To understand what drives you to excel in sales
  •  Problem-solving: To evaluate your strategies and tactics for overcoming challenges and achieving results
  •  Adaptability: To gauge your ability to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs
  •  Goal-setting: To determine your approach to setting and achieving sales targets

 Potential Minefields 


  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

  •  Lack of specific details: Not providing specific numbers or metrics to quantify the sales target exceeded
  •  Taking sole credit: Not acknowledging the contribution of team members or support received
  •  Exaggeration: Providing unrealistic or exaggerated results that are difficult to believe
  •  Lack of relevance: Sharing a story that is not directly related to sales targets or the sales function
  •  Inability to explain approach: Failing to explain the strategies or actions taken to exceed the sales targets