“Why do you want to work in sales?” is one of the most commonly-asked questions in a sales job interview. To stand out from other candidates, you’ll need to put some thought into your answer before your interview date arrives. 

Here’s what to consider when crafting your answer to the question, “why do you want to work in sales?” 

Skip the obvious. 

It can be tempting to respond to the question “Why sales?” with the first thing that comes to mind: “Because I like it,” or “Because the pay is good.”  

These answers, however, do nothing for you. Any hiring manager can guess that both are true. Instead of standing out for your strengths, you vanish into the crowd of forgettable candidates. 

Think about when you first discovered your passion for sales. 

When did you realize you had the skills to succeed in sales – and that you enjoyed applying them? Perhaps you figured this out during your first job as a teenager or even younger, in childhood. Maybe the realization didn’t hit you until you were already embarked on another career path. 

Whatever the case, explore ways to retell this story for a hiring manager, focusing on your strengths in sales. For instance, maybe on your first-ever job, you realized you loved the challenge of continually learning about new products or services and matching those to a customer’s exact needs. Build a story that demonstrates your drive and your skills.  

Focus on your success. 

Instead of saying, “I like sales,” choose one or two real-life examples of your biggest successes or satisfying moments in sales. For instance, perhaps you once helped a customer solve a tough problem, which helped you see that your sales skills make a real difference in the world.  

Then, frame that success as a starting point. You achieved that particular goal – where do you want to go from here? What has that goal taught you about your further abilities, and how can you develop those skills within the context of the job for which you are applying? 

Ask for help. 

You don’t have to prepare for a sales interview alone. By working with a recruiter, you gain the help of an ally who specializes in helping candidates prepare for interviews with some of the best employers in their field and industry. 

The recruiters at SMR Group specialize in connecting sales and marketing professionals with some of the best employers and jobs in the pharmaceutical, medical device and biotech industries. We can help you find job opportunities, polish your interview skills, and stand out among other top candidates. To learn more, contact us today.