How do you handle rejection and maintain motivation in a sales role?


 Theme: Resilience, Motivation  Role: Business Development Manager  Function: Sales

  Interview Question for Business Development Manager:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Business Development Manager: Identifies new business opportunities and builds relationships with potential clients. 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 Resilience, Motivation with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

  •  Understanding the nature of rejection: I understand that rejection is a natural part of the sales process. It is not personal, but rather a result of various factors such as timing, budget constraints, or customer preferences
  •  Maintaining a positive mindset: I focus on maintaining a positive mindset by reminding myself of past successes and the potential for future opportunities. I believe that every rejection brings me closer to a successful sale
  •  Learning from rejection: I see rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve. I analyze the reasons behind the rejection, seek feedback from customers or colleagues, and use that information to refine my sales approach
  •  Setting realistic expectations: I set realistic expectations for myself and understand that not every prospect will convert into a sale. By setting achievable goals and understanding the sales cycle, I can better manage rejection and stay motivated
  •  Seeking support & feedback: I actively seek support and feedback from my sales team or mentors. Sharing experiences and discussing strategies with others in similar roles helps me gain perspective and maintain motivation
  •  Adapting & evolving: I am adaptable and open to change. If a particular sales approach consistently leads to rejection, I am willing to adjust my strategy, try new techniques, or explore different target markets to increase my chances of success
  •  Staying organized & focused: I stay organized by prioritizing my tasks, maintaining a structured schedule, and tracking my progress. This helps me stay focused on my goals and maintain motivation, even in the face of rejection
  •  Celebrating small wins: I celebrate small wins along the way to keep myself motivated. Recognizing and appreciating the progress I make, even if it's not a sale, helps me stay positive and motivated in a sales role
  •  Self-care & resilience: I prioritize self-care and resilience to maintain motivation. Engaging in activities that recharge me, such as exercise or hobbies, and practicing resilience techniques like positive self-talk, help me bounce back from rejection and stay motivated

 Underlying Motivations 


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

  •  Resilience: Assessing ability to bounce back from rejection and maintain motivation
  •  Self-motivation: Evaluating level of intrinsic motivation and drive in a sales role
  •  Emotional intelligence: Understanding how well one can manage emotions and handle rejection without affecting performance
  •  Adaptability: Determining flexibility and ability to adjust strategies in response to rejection

 Potential Minefields 


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

  •  Lack of resilience: If the candidate expresses difficulty in handling rejection or shows signs of being easily discouraged, it may raise concerns about their ability to thrive in a sales role
  •  Lack of motivation: If the candidate struggles to maintain motivation or appears unmotivated when faced with rejection, it may indicate a lack of drive and determination required for success in sales
  •  Inability to learn from rejection: If the candidate does not mention learning from rejection or adapting their approach based on feedback, it may suggest a lack of self-improvement mindset and an unwillingness to grow in the role
  •  Negative attitude: If the candidate displays a negative attitude towards rejection or speaks negatively about customers or prospects, it may raise concerns about their ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor in challenging situations