Never has the phrase 'the world's getting smaller' been truer than it currently is - as evidenced by the ever increasing number of international sales jobs. Globalisation, and various technological advances mean it's just as easy to do business with someone in a different continent as it is with someone in the next street. As a result, international sales workers are in high demand, and can be pivotal to the success of any company. These individuals interact across borders to bring in new business, and extract maximum value from existing relationships.
As with any interview, candidates should arrive promptly, and be dressed smartly in order to make a good first impression. Salespeople in particular need to pay particular attention to the image they are projecting, as the ability to create a good first impression and establish instant rapport with complete strangers is a valuable sales skill.
It's important to show enthusiasm and interest in the position, and candidates should aim be confident, without veering into arrogance. Showing some nerves is fine, as this simply reveals how passionate the candidate is about the position, and can humanise them.
Further information for international sales jobs candidates
By their very nature, international sales roles involve interacting with people from various different cultures and locations. For this reason, it's important that candidates are able to demonstrate sensitivity to other cultures, and the ability to create connections with people from any walk of life.
Increasingly, business deals are completed over the phone or Internet. For this reason, candidates should make an effort to emphasise their comfort with new technologies, such as video conferencing. Depending on the nature of the role, candidates may also be required to be fluent in one or several languages, and may be required to demonstrate this during the interview.
A willingness to travel to visit potential customers for face-to-face meetings and negotiations - and a commitment to work unconventional hours to negotiate problems caused by differing time zones - may also be required for the roles.
Interview questions in-depth for international sales roles
Why does sales appeal to you?
The best way to answer this is to be honest; you obviously want to work in sales so think about the reasons why you enjoy sales. Be enthusiastic about your decision and mention how you enjoy the working environment in a sales office.
How do you create connections with people you have little in common with?
Say that this is best done by asking probing questions and listening to the answers to learn about people, and then using language and mentioning topics that they relate to.
Do you enjoy travelling?
Many sales roles will require some travelling, so it is vital that you say that you enjoy travelling. If you do not, you should reconsider your choice of career.
What is the most rewarding aspect of a sales job?
Say that you enjoy working in a successful team and that closing deals and making sales is the biggest buzz that you can experience in work. Working in a great team is the biggest reward you can ask for.
Do you enjoy working to commission?
Many sales roles are commission based, so say that you do like to work on a commission basis. Say that earning commission helps to motivate you and encourages you to chase more deals and hit your monthly sales targets.
Why do you want to work in an international sales role?
Explain that you enjoy the challenge of working in new markets and learning about how different people and cultures operate. Successful selling in international markets is possibly one of the biggest challenges for a sales person. It often offers the opportunity to travel.
Do you speak any other languages?
Always answer this honestly; never over-sell your language skills in an interview. Be careful also what you write on your CV. People have entered interviews saying that they are fluent in languages that they only have a poor grasp of only to discover that the interview is being held in that language.
Do you think technology can replace face-to-face sales work?
No. Sales professionals are very much of the opinion that good sales is about reading an individual. The process is a personal and very human interaction and it is unlikely that a computer will ever be able to do this effectively.
How do you approach ambitious sales targets?
Say that you just organise yourself and break any ambitious monthly targets into daily targets and work towards achieving your personal daily target every day. Working hard, staying positive and following every possible lead is the only way.
What is the value of listening as a salesperson?
Listening is a vital sales skill. By listening to the customer’s needs you can adjust your sales talk to better fit their expectations. If you can make somebody feel good they will be more likely to buy something. A good listener can help a potential customer chose to buy.
How would you approach interacting with individuals from cultures you know little about?
Say that you would first do some research and ask colleagues for advice. After that it is a case of opening communication and learning from experience.
What is your sales strategy?
If you are planning to work in international sales you should already have a sales strategy, so this is the time to explain precisely what your strategy is and why you believe that it works. If it is a great strategy that really works you may be employed for that alone.
How do you define success in sales?
Success in sales is always about closing deals; the goal of sales is to sell. A successful salesperson is one who makes the most profitable sales.
What do you know about the audiences we sell to?
To answer this you need to research the company well. Read through their website and try to obtain their most recent annual review; these should provide all the information that you need.
Would a sales management role be of interest to you in the future?
Say that you would certainly consider moving towards management in the future, but for the time being you wish to develop your career as a member of the sales team.
General interview questions in international sales
- What are your future ambitions?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What are your main strengths and weaknesses?
- Why did you leave your last role?
- Who inspires you?
- Is there anything that you would like to ask us?
- Where do you see yourself in the future?
