How do you handle rejection in sales?
Theme: Rejection Handling Role: Territory Sales Manager Function: Sales
Interview Question for Territory Sales Manager: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Territory Sales Manager: Manages sales activities within a specific geographic area. 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 Rejection Handling with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Emotional resilience: I understand that rejection is a natural part of sales and I have developed emotional resilience to handle it. I don't take rejection personally and instead view it as an opportunity to learn and improve
- Positive mindset: I maintain a positive mindset and focus on the next opportunity rather than dwelling on the rejection. I remind myself of past successes and use them as motivation to keep going
- Self-reflection: After facing rejection, I take the time to reflect on what went wrong and how I can improve. I analyze my approach, identify any weaknesses, and make necessary adjustments to my sales strategy
- Continuous learning: I believe in continuous learning and seek feedback from both successful and unsuccessful sales interactions. This helps me identify areas for improvement and refine my sales techniques
- Persistence: I understand that sales is a numbers game and rejection is inevitable. I remain persistent and keep reaching out to potential clients, knowing that each rejection brings me closer to a successful sale
- Building relationships: I focus on building strong relationships with clients and prospects. By establishing trust and rapport, I can better understand their needs and address any concerns, reducing the likelihood of rejection
- Adapting & innovating: I am adaptable and willing to try new approaches. If a particular sales technique consistently leads to rejection, I am open to experimenting with different strategies to find what works best for each situation
- Seeking support: I am not afraid to seek support from colleagues or mentors when facing rejection. They can provide valuable insights, advice, and encouragement to help me navigate through challenging situations
- Maintaining motivation: I stay motivated by setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories along the way. This helps me stay focused and resilient, even in the face of rejection
- Resilience & perseverance: Overall, I approach rejection in sales with resilience and perseverance. I understand that it is a part of the job and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve my sales skills
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Resilience: Assessing your ability to bounce back from rejection and maintain motivation
- Problem-solving: Evaluating your strategies for overcoming rejection and finding alternative approaches
- Emotional intelligence: Understanding how you manage your emotions and maintain a positive attitude despite rejection
- Adaptability: Determining your flexibility in adjusting sales techniques based on customer feedback and 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 an inability to bounce back from rejection or shows a negative attitude towards rejection, it may indicate a lack of resilience and ability to handle the challenges of sales
- Blaming others: If the candidate blames external factors or other people for rejection instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, it may suggest a lack of accountability and problem-solving skills
- Lack of adaptability: If the candidate does not mention the importance of adapting their approach or learning from rejection, it may indicate a resistance to change and an inability to adjust their strategies based on feedback
- Fear of rejection: If the candidate expresses a fear of rejection or avoidance of situations that may lead to rejection, it may suggest a lack of confidence and a reluctance to take risks in sales