Out of all the careers you could have selected, why did you pick sales?  I am sure you have been asked or have posed this question during an interview.  Most are confident when answering this question about themself; it is their “why” and what motivates them in the field.  But when it comes down to it, how well do you really know yourself?  During the brief time you are in an interview, it is quickly evident if you are comfortable bragging on your strengths and acknowledging your weaknesses.  Don’t let the open ended questions centered around “tell me about yourself” deter you from shining.  Before your next interview, consider preparing yourself to answer these 10 questions.  It is a great opportunity to demonstrate that you can communicate clearly and effectively, connect with and react to other humans, and present yourself professionally.

1. How would your best friend/significant other describe you?
2. How would your worst enemy describe you?
3. If we were to hire you for this position, what do you think you would enjoy about the job.
4. In a group brainstorming session, would you be more likely to be one of the people quickly coming up with ideas and alternatives or would you be inclined to listen, assess, and ideas of others?
5. In your present position how do you define doing a good job?
6. Name five skills or attributes that you believe make you an excellent employee.
7. Of all the work you have done, where have you been most successful?
8. On a scale of 1 to 10, how competitive are you?
9. Some people plan ahead of time while other people like spontaneity. Which best describes you and why?
10. Tell me about a job that is not on your resume (e.g. – first job as a paperboy, summer job at a clam shack, etc.)