5 Interview Questions Every Sales Professional Should Prepare For 

Sales is one of the most dynamic, rewarding, and competitive career paths out there. At Townsquare Interactive (TSI), we’re always looking for motivated professionals who are ready to rise to the challenge of sales. Whether you’re just starting out in sales or you’re an experienced seller looking to take the next step, being prepared for an interview is crucial to standing out. 

Hiring managers want to see more than just your résumé. They’re looking for candidates who can show drive, resilience, and a hunger to learn and grow. To help you prepare, we’ve rounded up some of the top questions every sales professional should expect and how to think about your responses. 

1. “Why sales? What has you interested in a sales career?” 

This might seem like a simple question, but it’s one of the most important. A great sales candidate demonstrates competitiveness, money motivation, and goal orientation. Employers want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, you’re choosing sales intentionally because you thrive in an environment where hard work leads directly to results. 

Strong answers often touch on themes like: 

• The thrill of competition and closing deals. 
• The direct link between effort and earning potential. 
• A desire to grow personally and professionally through measurable achievements. 

Pro tip: Be authentic. If you’re motivated by the ability to control your success and earnings, say so. If you enjoy challenges and pushing yourself beyond comfort zones, lean into that. 

2. “What was your goal or quota in your previous role? How did you typically perform?” 

Numbers tell the story in sales. A candidate who can confidently share their past quotas, and how they performed against them, immediately demonstrates credibility. This question gives you the chance to highlight not only your results, but also your consistency and work ethic. 

For example: “My monthly quota was $50,000 in sales. I hit or exceeded quota 10 out of 12 months last year, finishing at 115% to goal overall.” 

Pro tip: Don’t just state the numbers, explain how you got there. Did you build strong relationships, master cold-calling, or develop a unique pitch? Employers want to see process as much as outcome. 

3. “Can you tell me about a time when you were behind on goal?” 

Every sales professional has faced a challenging month or quarter. What matters isn’t that you fell short—it’s how you responded. Did you double down on prospecting? Seek coaching? Stay focused instead of panicking? 

The best answers highlight resilience. Employers want to know that when the going gets tough, you don’t fold under pressure, you fight back and find a way forward. 

Pro tip: Structure your answer with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Show how you identified the problem, took concrete steps to improve, and ultimately got back on track. 

4. “Can you tell me about a time you received tough feedback?” 

Coachability is one of the top traits hiring managers look for in sales candidates. Even the best salespeople hit plateaus, and feedback is what helps them break through. 

A strong candidate doesn’t just tolerate constructive criticism, they embrace it. A great answer might sound like: “My manager pointed out that my close rates were strong, but my prospecting needed work. I took that feedback, revamped my outreach strategy, and grew my pipeline by 30% the next quarter.” 

Pro tip: Be honest. Don’t shy away from admitting mistakes, employers want to see that you can reflect, adapt, and improve. 

5. “What questions do you have for me?” 

This is the closer, and just like in sales, how you finish matters. Too often, candidates freeze here or say they don’t have any questions. That’s a missed opportunity. 

Asking thoughtful, specific questions shows that you’re serious about the role and curious about the company. Examples include: 

• “What does success look like in the first 90 days at TSI?” 
• “What separates your top performers from everyone else?” 
• “How does TSI support ongoing sales training and development?” 

Pro tip: Prepare 2–3 questions in advance. Avoid generic ones like “What’s the culture like?” and instead dig deeper to show you’ve done your homework on the company. 

Apply for a Sales Role in Charlotte, NC or Phoenix, AZ

Preparing for a sales interview is about more than memorizing answers, it’s about showing who you are as a professional. At TSI, we look for people who are ambitious, resilient, and ready to grow. If you can highlight your competitive drive, share specific numbers, demonstrate how you bounce back from challenges, show coachability, and ask smart questions, you’ll stand out as the type of candidate who thrives in sales. 

Are you ready to take control of your career and your future? Check out our open sales roles at Townsquare Interactive in Charlotte, NC and Phoenix, AZ, and see where your drive can take you!