You have an IT Sales job interview coming up. What are the best ways to prepare?

1 Research the company and the product

Before the interview, do some research on the company and the product you will be selling. Find out the company's mission, vision, values, culture, and goals. Learn about the product's features, benefits, advantages, and differentiators. How does the product solve the customer's pain points? What are the product's unique selling points? How does the product compare to the competitors? Having this information will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.

2 Review your resume and achievements

Your resume is your first impression, so make sure it is clear, concise, and relevant. Highlight your IT sales experience, skills, and achievements. Quantify your results and show how you contributed to the company's revenue, growth, and customer satisfaction. Be prepared to explain any gaps, changes, or challenges in your career history. Have some examples of how you handled difficult situations, overcame objections, closed deals, and built relationships.

3 Prepare your pitch and questions

One of the most common IT sales interview questions is "How would you sell our product to a potential customer?" To answer this question, you need to have a clear and compelling pitch that shows how you would identify the customer's needs, present the product's value proposition, handle objections, and close the deal. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your pitch and provide specific examples. You should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer, such as "What are the main challenges and opportunities for the IT sales team?" or "How do you measure and reward performance?"

4 Practice and rehearse

The best way to boost your confidence and polish your skills is to practice and rehearse your answers and pitch. You can use online resources, such as mock interview questions, videos, and articles, to get an idea of what to expect and how to respond. You can also ask a friend, colleague, or mentor to role-play with you and give you feedback. Try to practice in a similar setting and format as the actual interview, such as over the phone, video call, or face-to-face.

5 Dress professionally and arrive early

The day of the interview, dress professionally and appropriately for the company's culture and the role. Avoid wearing anything too casual, flashy, or distracting. Choose something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to the interview location, or log in to the online platform ahead of time. This will give you some time to relax, check your appearance, and review your notes.

6 Be positive and enthusiastic

During the interview, be positive and enthusiastic about the company, the product, and the role. Smile, make eye contact, and use a friendly and confident tone. Show your passion and interest for IT sales and how you can add value to the team and the customers. Avoid negative or critical comments about your previous employers, colleagues, or products. Thank the interviewer for their time and follow up with a thank-you note.