Tricky interview question

[Penny31]

How would you answer this question in relation to a sales role?

‘What support would you need from us?

Bump

I should have says it’s part of presentation for final stage interview

Support in my development, additional training? Courses?

Depends on the person, if inexperienced I'd be asking about the kind of training I would receive before being allowed on the shopfloor/phones.

If a long time sales person, I'd talk a bit about my development areas and ask what they offer in relation to growing those skills.

Always make what you're talking about relevant to the job spec, but also you as a person.

I think that's a really common question!

My answer is normally along the lines of "It is my first time working in x area, so although I will be able to use x skills I learnt during my time doing x, I would appreciate additional support/training/mentor/buddy while I am learning x aspect of the role"

It's an opportunity to check you can accurately assess your skills and ask for support appropriately when needed.

Full product information, any marketing/PR behind what you’re selling, an example of a current sales deck, any current statistics on sales.
I’m assuming not retail sales? Basically anything that you would need to pitch and win a sale.

Would also add a (bi) weekly one to one with your line manager and agreed measurable targets

I think that question is in there to address any additional needs you might have. So I'd you have a disability you would mention it at that stage.

If that doesn't apply, I'd be honest and tell them the aspects of the job that you are less confident in/ have less experience in, and suggest how you can fix it. "I don't have much experience in x area. I'm reading around the topic myself but it's always different in practice so I could do with having an allocated "go to" person to ask questions". Or "I have worked at my current role for 20 years so could do with some IT training to get going on your systems".

I wouldn't ask for bi-weekly meetings with a manager. That's your managers decision on how to manage you. Bi weekly seems a bit ott. Weekly seems a bit much too if I'm honest! Although depend on the job.

Clear objectives in sales targets and how they are monitored so I’d know how i was performing.

Maybe turn it back to performance. So the support I need is clear measurable targets either weekly / monthly so I know the level I need to perform at with the opportunity for regular performance reviews so I can further develop in my role with relevant training.

What CRM do they use & do you need training on it, what leads/relationships do they already have, what market data exists. Hard to say its probably quite specific to you and the role.

I always think having a mentor is a great thing for everyone (sales person here). Also sitting with other teams helps understand the whole business.

Wow thanks all. I went a bit blank but you’ve all helped massively and given me some inspiration 😊