Random Interview Tips by Kevin Kermes

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I plan to periodically post some random tips for interviewing on this blog. These will come in spurts – sometimes a single thought and other times a stream. Today’s are centered largely around a sales interview, but the points can apply to all. I would recommend taking a look at my free webinars on topics relating to interviewing and your job search

1) When interviewing for a sales position, make sure your resume and cover letter DO NOT INCLUDE phrases like “Big Game Hunter,” “Closer,” or “Top Sales Guy.” Instead, use metrics to illustrate your achievements: “Ranked 2 out of 15 in my region” or “Achieved 125% of a 2.0 million dollar quota” or “Made President’s Club 4 out of the 5 past years.” Quantify and qualify your achievements with numbers, no adjectives.

2) Do not talk about pipelines in an interview. Stay focused on deals closed and percentage of quota achieved. No one wants to hire the sales professional that “almost” got it done. Whether you realize it or not, by doing this you are actually detailing your failures – not achievements.

3) Speak to the position for which you are interviewing. One thing I will hear sales professionals say often is how they are really “big picture guys.” If you are interviewing for a strategic position (sales leadership, Alliances, BD, etc.) then this sounds sophomoric and cliché. Again, get into the details of what you have done (words versus deeds). If you are interviewing for an individual contributor position, a statement that is off target like this will paint you as someone who is seeking this job as a stop gap.

**Having trouble getting the results you want out of your job search? Contact me today to discuss my individual coaching programs**

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Kevin is the Managing Partner of Hammer Consulting and CEO of Kevin Kermes Inc., a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!