How do you handle rejection in sales?


 Theme: Rejection, Sales  Role: Account Manager  Function: Sales

  Interview Question for Account Manager:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Account Manager: Maintains and expands relationships with existing 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 Rejection, Sales 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
  •  Building resilience through preparation: To minimize rejection, I focus on thorough preparation before sales interactions. This includes researching prospects, understanding their needs, and tailoring my pitch accordingly. By being well-prepared, I increase my chances of success and reduce the likelihood of rejection
  •  Maintaining relationships: Even after facing rejection, I understand the importance of maintaining relationships with prospects. I follow up with them, offer assistance, and keep them informed about any updates or new offerings. This helps to build trust and may lead to future opportunities
  •  Seeking support: When facing rejection, I don't hesitate to seek support from my colleagues or sales managers. They can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer valuable advice to help me overcome any challenges
  •  Staying motivated: I stay motivated by setting realistic goals and tracking my progress. Celebrating small wins along the way helps to maintain my enthusiasm and keeps me focused on achieving long-term success
  •  Adapting & evolving: I understand that the sales landscape is constantly changing, and what works today may not work tomorrow. I embrace change, adapt my approach, and continuously evolve my sales strategies to stay ahead of the game
  •  Persistence: Above all, I believe in persistence. I don't let rejection discourage me, but rather use it as fuel to keep pushing forward. I understand that success in sales often comes after facing multiple rejections, and I am committed to persevering until I achieve my goals

 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 objections and finding alternative solutions
  •  Emotional intelligence: Understanding how well you manage your emotions and maintain a positive attitude despite rejection
  •  Adaptability: Determining your flexibility in adjusting sales approaches 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: Showing an inability to bounce back from rejection or becoming easily discouraged
  •  Blaming others: Putting the blame solely on customers or external factors for rejection instead of taking responsibility
  •  Lack of self-awareness: Not recognizing personal areas for improvement or failing to mention any strategies for self-improvement
  •  Negative attitude: Displaying a negative or defeatist attitude towards rejection and sales challenges
  •  Lack of adaptability: Failing to mention any strategies or techniques for adapting to rejection and adjusting sales approach accordingly
  •  Inability to learn from rejection: Not discussing any lessons learned or improvements made as a result of facing rejection in sales