Share your biggest sales success.
"While I know I lack traditional, office sales experience, I am always up- selling at the restaurant I work. I ask my customers if they want to upgrade to sweet-potato fries, or if they wish to order the 9-ounce glass of wine versus the 6-ounce. All of these small upsells make a significant impact on the restaurant's sales by the end of the day. I earned recognition for having the highest dollar amount for bills-closed-out for the month, and it felt great to have received that recognition."
"I have been cold calling one client, in particular, every week, for the past six months. I was often hung up on, but I didn't care. I wanted this clients' attention, and I knew that at some point, she would recognize my tenacity. I decided recently to go to her business in-person. When I arrived, she said she was wondering when I would stop phoning and directly drive over to see her. I was happy I did! She put in one of my largest orders-to-date and has remained one of my highest-value clients. In sales, persistence pays off."
As a sales professional, it shouldn't be difficult for you to have a story or two about a time when you closed a great sale or won in a complicated negotiation. Be sure to have a success story in your back pocket at all times. The key here is being able to share the steps of how you were successful in a way that can be duplicated, ideally in your new role at the company with which you're interviewing.
"My biggest sales success is winning our monthly sales contests for the past six months in a row. Every month, the goal is a little bit higher, and I am still able to knock it out of the park. The formula I follow is pretty simple. Get excited, own the result, ask for help when I need it, and hustle! I like to think it's a recipe for success in any position at any company, or even just life in general."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I created the largest imaging account in the country. I started with the top down, scheduling time with a VP of the emerging central region of a local healthcare organization. In his earlier years, I had worked with him to start a referral program and now wanted to help secure his success as a leader in his new organization with a non-referral, telehealth-driven platform. Once we received buy-in and approval on the proforma, we trained and kept metrics from day 1 and now it's the largest program in the country.
Marcie's Feedback
Wow! This is definitely a strong example that will undoubtedly impress the interviewer. It shows that you're an effective networker, motivated, and proactive. Excellent job!
Anonymous Answer
I have been successful many times one instance was during a busy period when my manager had to jump on the shop floor to control the foot traffic. She has noticed me talking to customers and incentivized me to maximize my sales saying if the customer buys the most two expensive items in the store she would treat me. I was able to motivate myself and effectively communicate with the customers and explain the benefits of both the travel products and was able to close an expensive sale.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a good example to share!
Unlock all 20 Sales questions
Unlock expert responses that demonstrate quota achievement and consultative selling skills.
Get Started