Why Preparation Matters More in Sales Interviews

Sales interviews aren’t like typical job interviews — they’re your first sales pitch. But this time, the product is you.

Hiring managers aren’t just assessing your background — they’re looking for proof that you’re coachable, persuasive, and driven. That means walking into the room (or Zoom) ready to show, not just tell.

What Hiring Managers Want to See

Before we dive into the prep list, understand what you’re being evaluated on:

✅ Confidence & communication

✅ Research and preparation

✅ Sales thinking (questions, objections, curiosity)

✅ Coachability & self-awareness

✅ Hunger to learn and grow

The Ultimate Sales Interview Prep Checklist

1. Research the Company Like a Sales Rep

Don’t just glance at their homepage. Dive deep like you’re prepping for a discovery call:

• What’s their product or service?
• Who are their customers?
• Who are their competitors?
• What recent news, funding, or launches have happened?
  

💡 Pro tip: Come ready with a 60-second pitch on how you would sell their product.

2. Know the Role Inside and Out

Understand exactly what the SDR or BDR role entails at that specific company.

• What’s their sales process like?
• Will you be cold calling, emailing, qualifying leads?
• What tools do they use (e.g. Salesforce, Outreach, ZoomInfo)?

💡 Pro tip: Search for “SDR at [company name]” on LinkedIn. Check out people currently in the role to see their experience and growth path.

3. Prepare Your Sales Story

Expect questions like:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Why sales?”
• “How do you handle rejection?”
  

Craft answers that show resilience, hunger, and self-awareness. Show how your past experiences (even in retail, service, or school) prove you’re ready to thrive in a high-pressure, goal-oriented role.

💡 Framework to use: STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral answers.

4. Practice Handling Objections

They’re testing your sales skills, so don’t be surprised if they throw in a curveball like:

“Why should we take a chance on you if you don’t have sales experience?”

Treat this like an objection. Stay calm, acknowledge the concern, and respond with confidence:

“Great question. While I haven’t sold in a traditional environment, I’ve had to influence, persuade, and perform under pressure in X, Y, Z ways. I’m coachable, competitive, and ready to prove myself.”

5. Prepare Questions That Show You’re Thinking Like a Seller

Avoid the basic “what’s the culture like?” questions.

Instead, ask:

• “What does success look like in the first 90 days?”
• “What are the most common challenges new SDRs face here?”
• “How do top performers stand out on your team?”
• “What does the sales tech stack look like?”
  

💡 Bonus points if you take notes and reference what you’ve heard throughout the interview.

6. Set Up Your Tech + Environment (for Remote Interviews)

If the interview is virtual:

• Test your mic, camera, and background
• Dress professionally
• Eliminate distractions
• Have a notebook and questions ready
  

This shows respect for their time — and keeps you in control of the conversation.

Bonus: Practice With a Coach or Peer

SV Academy students practice with instructors, classmates, and alumni before real interviews. If you’re not in a program, find a peer or mentor to do mock interviews with. Record yourself and review your tone, pace, and clarity.

You only get one chance to make a strong first impression — don’t wing it.

🎯 Final Thoughts

The best sales reps are great because they prepare. The same goes for sales interviews.

When you walk into your interview knowing the company, the role, and your own story — and you’re ready to listen, respond, and adapt — you don’t just sound like a good candidate.

You sound like a great salesperson.

Ready to Interview Like a Pro?

If you’re just starting your sales journey, SV Academy can help. We train aspiring SDRs and CSRs from all backgrounds to launch successful tech sales careers — no experience or degree required.

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