If you’re planning to interview for a sales position at a tech startup, you should come prepared with knowledgeable questions to ask the hiring manager. We’ve outlined five great questions to help you determine if the position is the right fit for you.
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How is your product changing the industry?
First and foremost, come to your interview with knowledge about the greater industry. Knowing where the company’s product fits in can help you understand its potential, its mission, and its client base. Why does the company think their product is innovative? How is it bettering its consumer lives? Talking about the impact of the product can show you the intricacies of the product’s systems and advancements.
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Why are you passionate about this product?
Ask every interviewer about what drew them to their company. This is a personal answer, and will most likely vary from person to person. Do the answers align with your values? Are you drawn to any answer in particular? Seeing the motivations behind key individuals in different roles can not only indicate whether or not you are a fit for the company, but can also help set you on a career path. Choosing a mentor based on what drives them is a great way to find success immediately when starting at a new company.
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What’s your elevator pitch?
Hearing how a hiring manager or interviewer pitches their product can tell you a lot about how a company perceives itself. Are you sold after listening? If you think the elevator pitch is dynamic, then you should be able to be a successful sales team member. Paying attention to what points the hiring manager hits and stresses can also indicate where the company finds the most value in its product. This can help you in prepping for any additional interview rounds or your first sales call.
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How do you see this product evolving?
Understanding where the company is headed in the future is also something you should consider. With today’s rapidly changing tech landscape, the product you are selling today might be radically different than the product you’re pitching in a year. Where does the company see it’s product growing? How do they plan to upgrade it once they’ve reached enough users? Asking about the product’s progression can give you a better idea of how the marketing and product development teams are working together. Sales relies on both of these departments to drive their pitches and pipelines.
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Who are your target customers?
Lastly, ask about target customers. Understanding who the company is looking to sell to can help you imagine your daily activities. If you offer a qualified perspective in regards to potential clients, then you would be additive to the company. If their target market doesn’t interest you, then getting involved with the company doesn’t make sense. To be successful in sales, you have to believe that you are helping your customers better their experience. If you don’t enjoy the customer base you’re speaking with, it will be hard to build rapport and understand what their needs are.