System Specialist Sales Rep:

What’s the most accurate predictor of a new System Specialist Sales Rep candidate’s job potential? Many people think it’s an interview, one where they “get a read” on the recruit’s likelihood to fit into their organization.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The typical job interview – while the most widely used selection tool – is also one of the least successful in predicting outcomes. In most studies, interviews rank 5th in predicting performance, particularly with sales rep candidates like System Specialist Sales Reps.

Used correctly, however, as part of a disciplined selection approach, an interview can be very telling. The first issue is FOCUS . . . make sure your interviews are guided by the success profile you’ve chosen for your sales rep position.

System Specialist Sales Rep:

  • Identifying customer needs
  • Delivers added value to customers
  • Makes persuasive product presentations
  • Educates customers through structured training
  • Gains customer commitment
  • Commits time and effort to increase professional development

Next, use a classic “coning approach” with questions to obtain the information needed to assess the candidate against specific profile elements. After the interview, individual assessment scores can be summarized, and a determination made as to how to move forward with your System Specialist Sales Rep candidate.

View Skill 1 Interview questions below. This illustrates how the System Specialist Sales Rep interview focuses on just one of the critical factors of the job. To request the complete Interview Guide, click on the link below the preview.

Preview of System Specialist Sales Rep Interview Guide:

 

SKILL 1: IDENTIFYING CUSTOMER NEEDS 

Cone 1: Tell me about the customer base of your last employer.     Notes:____________________________
Cone 2: How did you determine what those customers needed?Look For:

  • consistent questioning through a needs analysis that addresses customer processes and challenges
  • giving priority to the customer’s agenda

taking time to listen to customer responses and input 

Notes:_____________________________

_________________

Cone 3: How frequently were you able to successfully satisfy customer requirements and why?Look For:

  • tailors business plan or solutions to the customer’s needs rather than force a standard solution
  • willingness to accept modification or rejection of his suggestions in order to accommodate the customer
  • spends time analyzing the customer’s objectives versus rush an existing solution
  • explores alternatives that better fit the customer’s methods or goals
Notes:___________________________

________________

________________

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Request Complete Interview Guide

Sales Performance Resources

Russ Riendeau
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Tom Searcy
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Jack Daly
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Gerry Layo
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Jeff Blackman
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JeffBlackman.com

Rich Burghgraef
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