Tell me about a time when you exceeded sales targets
Theme: Sales Targets, Achievement Role: Sales Manager Function: Sales
Interview Question for Sales Manager: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Sales Manager: Oversees a team of sales representatives and sets sales targets. 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 Sales Targets, Achievement 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 a time when you exceeded sales targets. Include information such as the company, product or service, and the sales target that was set
- Sales Strategy & Approach: Explain the sales strategy and approach you used to exceed the sales target. Discuss any unique or innovative methods you employed
- Team Collaboration: Highlight the role of teamwork and collaboration in achieving the sales target. Discuss how you motivated and supported your team members
- Obstacles & Challenges: Describe any obstacles or challenges you faced while working towards the sales target. Explain how you overcame these challenges
- Results & Impact: Share the specific results and impact of exceeding the sales target. Discuss the positive outcomes for the company, team, and yourself
- Continuous Improvement: Discuss how you used the experience of exceeding sales targets to improve your sales skills and strategies. Mention any lessons learned or changes implemented
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Sales Performance: Assessing your ability to achieve and surpass sales targets
- Motivation & Drive: Evaluating your determination and commitment towards achieving goals
- Problem-solving Skills: Understanding your approach to overcoming challenges and finding innovative solutions
- Communication Skills: Assessing your ability to effectively communicate and persuade customers to exceed sales targets
- Goal Orientation: Evaluating your focus on setting and achieving ambitious 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 extent of exceeding sales targets
- Taking sole credit: Failing to mention the contribution of team members or support received from colleagues
- Unrealistic or exaggerated claims: Making unrealistic or exaggerated statements about the sales achievement
- Lack of relevance: Sharing a sales achievement that is not directly related to the role or industry being interviewed for
- Inability to explain the approach: Being unable to explain the strategies, techniques, or actions taken to exceed sales targets
- Lack of consistency: Providing conflicting information or inconsistent details about the sales achievement
- Negative impact on other areas: Exceeding sales targets at the expense of customer satisfaction, ethical practices, or team dynamics