How to Answer: Do you have any prior experience in the field of sales and customer service?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Sales Associate job interview.
20. Do you have any prior experience in the field of sales and customer service?
How to Answer
If you have prior sales/customer service experience, describe your experience by giving a brief overview of your resume. This question offers a great opportunity to reveal sales and customer service experiences that may not be included in your resume. Give examples by using your previous work experience, whether you worked in a retail environment, or related. Be sure to provide your interviewer with your sales-related accomplishments as well.
If you do not have experience as a Sales Associate, be transparent about this fact. Rather than leading with an 'I do not have...' statement, try leading with what you do offer. Perhaps you are a very social person and find it easy to speak to strangers, or if you are a friend who constantly introduces your friends to the hiring company's products. Even if you don't have past sales/customer service work experience, you should be able to demonstrate that you are driven and that you have the characteristic and transferable skills needed to be successful in this Sales Associate role.
Written by Rachelle Enns on February 19th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have experience in both sales and customer service. I started by career with Company XYZ where I was hired as a cashier. I checked out approximately 100 customers per shift, and always received compliments on my positive attitude and friendly demeanor. After one year, I was promoted to a sales position with the same company. I learned how to sell through active listening and asking helpful discovery questions. Now, as a Sales Associate, I am consistently a top performer in the category of overall sales, number of referrals, and positive customer feedback. I am excited for the opportunity to continue my success as a Sales Associate with Company ABC."
Written by Rachelle Enns on February 19th, 2021