Core Sales & Marketing Questions
01You approach a shop owner to introduce a new product, but he says, “I'm busy. Come later.” What would you do?⌄
“I wouldn't force the conversation. I'd ask when would be a convenient time to meet, or give a very short introduction about why I'm there and schedule a follow-up.”
02If a customer says “I'm not interested” without listening to you, how would you respond?⌄
“Instead of immediately giving up, I'd politely ask one question to understand why they're not interested. If they're genuinely not interested, I'd respect their decision.”
03Would you prefer a job where you earn more but have to face rejection every day, or a comfortable job with less growth? Why?⌄
There isn't one correct answer. Look for candidates who understand that growth often requires discomfort and can explain their choice logically.
04Imagine you have to convince 20 shop owners to try a product in one day. How would you approach it?⌄
They should talk about planning a route, prioritizing prospects, preparing a short pitch, tracking conversations, following up and improving the pitch based on responses.
05What would you do if you worked hard for a week but generated zero sales?⌄
“I'd analyze what went wrong—targeting, pitch, communication, follow-up or product understanding—and change my approach rather than simply blaming the situation.”
06Is rejection a failure?⌄
“No. Rejection is feedback. It tells you something about the customer's needs, timing or your approach.”
07You have two customers: one is very interested but keeps delaying, while another is less interested but willing to meet tomorrow. Who would you prioritize?⌄
A thoughtful candidate should discuss probability, urgency and potential value, rather than simply choosing one.
08What is more important in sales: speaking well or listening well?⌄
Listening. A good salesperson first understands the customer's problem and then presents the relevant solution.
09If you don't know the answer to a customer's question, what would you do?⌄
“I would be honest that I don't know, tell them I'll verify it, and get back to them instead of giving incorrect information.”
10Your manager gives you a target that you think is impossible. What would you do?⌄
“I'd first understand how the target was calculated, break it into smaller daily/weekly targets and discuss challenges with my manager.”
Situational Marketing Questions
11You're standing at a busy location trying to convince people to try a new app. Most people walk past you. What would you change?⌄
They should think about changing the opening line, visual attraction, location, timing, audience or offer rather than simply approaching more people.
12You're asked to speak to a business owner who is much older and more experienced than you. How would you approach them?⌄
With confidence but respect. They should avoid pretending to know everything and focus on understanding the owner's business.
13What would you say if someone tells you, “Your competitor is better”?⌄
“I'd ask what they like about the competitor and understand their needs before explaining how our offering could address those needs.”
14You have 100 leads but only two days to contact them. What would you do?⌄
Prioritize leads, create a calling/visiting schedule, use a simple tracking system and focus first on high-potential prospects.
15Your teammate is getting many more sales than you. What would you do?⌄
“I'd observe their approach, ask them what they're doing differently and learn from them.”
16Your teammate refuses to share their sales technique because they think you'll outperform them. What would you do?⌄
Try to communicate professionally first. If it affects the team's work, involve the team leader rather than creating conflict.
17You are asked to do something you've never done before. Your manager says, “Figure it out.” What do you do?⌄
Research, ask relevant questions, learn quickly and attempt it instead of immediately saying “I can't.”
18Suppose you have to convince a shop owner who has already rejected three salespeople before you. How would you approach him?⌄
Don't use the same pitch. First understand why previous approaches failed, then tailor the conversation.
19If customers don't understand your explanation, whose responsibility is it—the customer or the salesperson?⌄
Primarily the salesperson's responsibility to communicate clearly and adapt their explanation.
20You have been rejected by 10 customers consecutively. Customer number 11 approaches you. What changes in your approach?⌄
The candidate should show they can remain positive and treat the 11th conversation independently rather than carrying frustration from previous rejections.
Attitude & Personality Questions
21What motivates you more: money, recognition, learning or competition?⌄
There is no fixed correct answer. Look for self-awareness and a genuine explanation.
22What is one weakness you are currently working on?⌄
A genuine weakness + a concrete improvement plan.
23Tell us about a time when you convinced someone to change their mind.⌄
Look for a real example with a clear situation → approach → result.
24Tell us about something you failed at and what you learned from it.⌄
Candidates should take responsibility and explain the lesson rather than blaming someone else.
25If you are given a task you don't like, but it is important for the company, what would you do?⌄
Complete it professionally and understand that not every responsibility will be enjoyable.
26What would you do if your manager criticizes your work in front of your teammates?⌄
Stay professional, understand the feedback and discuss the issue privately if necessary.
27If you had to choose between being a good speaker and being a good problem solver, which would you choose?⌄
Either can work if they explain their reasoning. Strong candidates may recognize that marketing requires both communication and problem-solving.
28What does “taking ownership” mean to you?⌄
Taking responsibility for the outcome—not simply saying “I completed my task.”
29If nobody is checking whether you're working or not, how would you make sure you stay productive?⌄
They should mention personal targets, schedules, tracking progress and accountability.
30Why should we select you instead of another candidate?⌄
Look for a specific value proposition, not generic statements like “I'm hardworking.” Example: “I may not have sales experience yet, but I'm comfortable talking to people, I learn quickly, I'm willing to work in the field and I'm comfortable hearing 'no' and trying again.”