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Online jobs provide an opportunity for people to earn from home. Like any other jobs, these too require you to be interviewed.

Among the crucial steps to take when preparing for your online salesperson interview is practicing the right answers to the common interview questions.

You’ll be more confident to face hiring managers when you know how to answer common questions. This is because, when you have the correct answers:

  • You will respond appropriately
  • You can demonstrate your problem-solving skills
  • You will prove that you’re the best candidate for the job

These three factors will give you an advantage and increase your chances of getting the job over other candidates who might not have prepared as thoroughly as you did. 

Today, you’ll learn about the four most common online salesperson interview questions in 2022. For each question, we’ll explain why hiring managers ask and give you the right answers.

1: Why Are You Interested in This Position?

professionals greeting through conference call

The hiring manager wants to know if you have carefully read and researched the job description. They also want to know if you understand the job requirements and if you’re a good fit for the position.

Good Answers

To answer this question appropriately, you must first read the job description. Then relate your qualifications, skills, and experience to the job opening. 

Here are three good answers:

  1. “I’m interested in this position because I understand that it requires excellent customer service skills. Having worked in customer service for the past three years, I’ve developed outstanding people skills. I am confident that I’ll provide excellent customer service for your clients.” 
  2. “I’m interested in this position because it matches my skills, interests, and experience. In addition, after reading the job description and researching the company, I believe that I’ll make valuable contributions to the team.” 
  3. “I’m excited about this position because it’s an opportunity to use my marketing skills in a new industry. I have experience working in the retail sector, and I understand the challenges, like client acquisition, which come with selling products. I am confident that I’ll be successful in this role.”

2: What Qualities Will You Bring to the Job if Hired?

When interviewers ask this question, they want to know if you have the relevant qualities needed for the job. Remember, each job has specific requirements, and hiring firms want the best talent.

Good Answer

When preparing your answer to this question, think about the qualities required for an online sales job and match these to your skills and experience. Don’t just highlight the qualities, elaborate on how you’ll apply them to the job. This way, you’ll give a confident and convincing answer.

Here is a good answer:

“If hired, I will bring the following qualities to the job:

  • Excellent communication: I’ve worked in customer service for three years, in this time, I’ve developed excellent communication skills. I’ll use these skills to build relationships with clients, understand their needs, and provide them with the best solutions.
  • Confidence: I’m confident in my ability to sell products online. I’m not afraid of challenges, and I’m always looking for new ways to increase sales.
  • Persistence: I don’t easily give up on a client. I understand that it takes time to build relationships and close deals. Therefore, I’m willing to put in the time and effort required to achieve success.
  • Superb organizational skills: I have excellent organizational skills that I’ll use to keep track of client information, sales data, and deadlines. I’m always aware of what needs to be done and I make sure that it gets done.
  • Problem-solving: I’m very good at solving problems. My ability to quickly understand a problem and find the best solution helps me a lot in dealing with clients’ issues.”

3: What Are the Appropriate Tactics to Approach a Selling Client?

The interviewer wants to know if you understand the selling process and if you’re familiar with the different tactics used to approach a client.

Possible Answer

The answer must  show that you understand the selling process. And prove you’re familiar with the different tactics used to approach a client. 

Use specific examples of approaching a client, making a pitch, and closing the deal. This will show that you have the necessary skills to sell products online.

Here is a possible answer:

“The best tactics to employ when approaching a client depends on the client’s needs like budget, time frame, and objectives. 

I use a procedural tactic that involves:

  1. Building rapport: I take time to know the client so that they’re comfortable with me. I ask questions relating to their background, family, and interests. This makes them more likely to do business with me.
  2. Finding out the client’s needs: I need to understand what the client is looking for to provide the best solution. I ask questions like, What are you looking for in a product?
  3. Making the pitch: I present the client with a solution that meets their needs. I use persuasive language and give examples of how the product has helped other clients.
  4. Closing the deal: I close the deal by asking for the sale. I provide different payment options and give discounts if needed. I also answer any questions that the client may have.”

4: What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses When It Comes to Selling Products Online?

Interviewers use this question to learn your strengths and weaknesses. They also want to know if you’re willing to work on improving your weaknesses. 

Be very honest when answering this question.

Possible Answer

“My strengths in selling products online are:

  • I have excellent communication skills to build relationships with clients before making a sale.
  • I’m confident and I don’t easily give up on a client. 
  • I have superb organizational skills that help me keep track of sales data, client information, and deadlines.
  • I am resourceful and know how to use available resources to solve problems.

My weaknesses when selling products online are:

  • I can be too pushy when trying to close a deal with a client.
  • I sometimes have difficulty understanding the needs of the client.
  • I can be impatient when a client takes too long to make a decision.

At the moment, I am working on these weaknesses to become a better online salesperson by:

  • Asking questions to get a better understanding of the client’s needs before making a sale
  • Listening more to what the client has to say in order to provide the best solution
  • Giving the client more time to make a decision instead of rushing them”

What Other Online Jobs Are Available?

In this internet era, working from home is easier than ever. Even better, there are many other online job opportunities you can explore to earn a living by working online. 

The table below shows some other online jobs that pay well.

Online JobAverage Annual Salary in AmericaAverage Hourly Wage in America
Copywriting$75,211$36
Customer service$27,967$13
Virtual assistant$67,115$32

The best way to succeed in online jobs is by getting the right skills that’ll put you ahead of the competition. 

Small Revolution is an online learning platform that equips you with the right skills to earn a decent salary. 

With over 20 years of experience working online, Katrina McKinnon has curated courses for virtual assistants and copywriters. The courses guide you on how to establish a successful career online. 

Here is what one of our students had to say:

 “I got a job. The employer saw my portfolio on your platform and I made it for the interview. Thank you for making this happen.”

Jose Paulo

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good salesperson?

A good salesperson can identify and react accordingly to the needs and emotions of potential customers. No matter how challenging it may be, such a person will remain objective and never give up on a sale.

What are the four basic skills of a sales representative?

  • Communication skills: You  must communicate effectively with potential customers. This includes being able to listen to the customer and understand their needs.
  • Persuasive skills: You must be convincing, meaning present the product in a way that’ll make the customer want to buy it.
  • Negotiation skills: A good sales representative must negotiate with the customer so that both parties are satisfied with the deal.
  • Closing skills: They need to close a deal by asking for the sale and providing different payment options.

What is the first step in selling?

Prospecting and qualifying is the first step in the selling process. As a salesperson, you have to search for potential customers and decide whether they are interested in purchasing. 

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Katrina McKinnon

I'm Katrina McKinnon, the author behind Small Revolution. With two decades of hands-on experience in online work, running eCommerce stores, web agency and job boards, I'm now on a mission to empower you to work from home and achieve work-life balance. My passion lies in crafting insightful, education content. I have taught thousands of students and employees how to write, do SEO, manage eCommerce stores and work as Virtual Assistants. Join our most popular course: SEO Article Masterclass