Sales Truths: Interview Questions Reveal Great Potential Employees

Published

16 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.

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”