Sales Truths: Interview Questions Reveal Great Potential Employees

Published

18 years ago

July 26, 2008

Dave Richardson

WHY IT’S TRUE
With the Internet and other resources, prospective employees are being actively coached on how to present themselves at a job interview. It is imperative that you ask the right questions.

PLAN OF ACTION

Three questions to ask:

1. What is the greatest mistake you ever made, what happened, and what have you learned from it? This highly unusual question may cause them to appear fidgety and nervous, but that should not be interpreted as a lack of ability to do the job.

2. If you had been the manager in your last job, tell me three things you would have done differently. This question demonstrates their ability to follow instructions and work within an organized business structure.

3. When I contact your supervisor, what will he tell me that we have not already discussed? This question forces the individual to bring up information he may not wish to talk about, but something that a supervisor just might mention. If you want to hire the right person for the job, ask these three questions.

How Howes Diamond Jewelers Closed a Location — and Opened the Door to What's Next

Dan Howes grew up in his family's jewelry business, eventually taking the helm of two locations his father launched in 1964. When it came time to consolidate, he turned to Wilkerson. "It was a pretty easy decision," Howes says, citing the company's strong reputation and a friend's successful experience. Wilkerson's proven sales roadmap delivered — meeting projected financial goals and guiding the process every step of the way. "This is their profession. They have it dialed in."