What are three skills you think are necessary to be a successful account executive?
The interviewer is trying to see if you are aware of your strengths and are able to identify what it takes to be successful in this role. They want to see how you have developed your skills throughout the years. The fact that you are aware of what skills are needed helps them predict how successful you will be on their team.
Avoid oversharing your strengths without providing evidence or examples to back them up. Do not share any skills without reasons why you think they are successful.
Start by mentioning there are several skills it takes to be successful but there are three that come to the top of mind that you have used recently that has produced a lot of success for you. Always end with the one that you think is the strongest or most unique skill (one that not many others would mention).
"I have worked on mastering my account executive skills over the past six years by seeking mentorship and through a lot of trial and error. The three top skills I think are necessary are communication, knowledge, and inspiration. Communication is important because being able to communicate and relate to people from all different backgrounds has helped in all of my positions. It is important to find a common area of interest to make myself relatable and approachable to clients, even over the phone. Asking them questions that will result in more insight to learn about them and their business has been successful for me.
Knowledge about the product and industry that each client is in is also necessary. It is important to be knowledgeable not only about the products and services we offer but about how they will help enhance their business. Identifying and learning about typical pain points and relating them to clients who have had the same experience and how I can help them has a high conversion rate.
Having an inspired and driven attitude is something that has been successful in all areas of my life not just in my profession. Most would say motivation but that can sometimes fade. Being inspired allows me to continue to pursue goals even when the day may not be going as planned. The ability to inspire me, the team, and clients are the driving force that allows me to keep going after multiple rejections."