The Sales Talent Marketplace

Top 20: What not to do during a sales

interview

Poor personal appearance:

Always wear a nice suit (and tie for men) even if everyone at the office is wearing jeans and flip-

flops. It goes a long way.

Forget to close:

You are interviewing for a sales job. You have to ask for next steps at the end

of the interview.

Show up unprepared:

Make sure you 5-10 strong questions to ask.

Too much "I":

Talk in terms of ‘we’; it shows you are a team

player.

Ask no questions:

If you don’t ask questions at the end of the

interview it will appear that you are disinterested.

Show up late:

The hiring manager will think “if he/she shows up late to the interview will they show up late to a customer meeting as

well?” Arrive 10 minutes early.

Chew Gum:

Don’t do it.

Speak poorly of past employers:

Even if you had a bad boss or work experience, don’t

speak of it. Keep the energy positive.

Lie:

The world is a small place. If you lie about something

the hiring manager can likely find out by

reaching out to your past employer or boss.

Monetary based questions:

Don’t ask the about the salary, vacation days,

perks and benefits. We [Gogohire] can find out for

you.

Acting too relaxed:

The interview should be taken seriously. If you are

too laid back the interviewer will question

your professionalism.

Too much talking:

The conversation should be like a free flowing

tennis match. Don’t hog the ball and turn the

interview into a monologue.

Bad eye contact:

The easiest way to build trust with someone is by looking them in the eye.

Not turning off your cell phone:

Turn off your cell phone and put it away.

Asking poor questions:

The interviewer will think that you didn’t prepare or

commonly ask bad questions.

No follow up email:

No matter what you need to follow up. It’s the

easiest way to leave a bad taste in someone’s mouth.

Lack of energy:

Sales is a high endurance sport. Come to the

interview enthusiastic and passionate.

TMI (Too much information):

The interviewer isn’t your therapist. Don’t share

your deepest secrets and personal information too

early.

Rambling:

Keep your interview answers short and sweet. Answer the question the interviewer is asking and

nothing more, unless requested.