#1 question to ask in a sales interview

After working in the golf recruiting biz for so long – approaching 20 years – and helping countless companies with their sales recruiting needs including independent reps, I’m constantly being told about the trials and tribulations of finding and keeping good dependable sales people.

Got me thinking.

If I were a golf manufacturer talking to a potential sales candidate to fill one of my territories what would be the most important interview question to ask?

After much thought and ponder, cause so many topics running through my head like past production, tenure in a territory, account base, personality, reputation, existing lines etc., etc., I came to a conclusion.

If I had to narrow it down to one question it would be the following:

“Where does or would my line stand in priority to everything else she/he is selling?

In other words, if a rep carries let’s say 3-5 lines including a major one (a top tier brand), does she present that top brand first OR does she ask the customer permission to start with other products/services. If given permission, where does my line “fit” on the priority list? Depending on the answer I can determine if my line is or would be receiving sufficient time and consideration from a buyer.

Again there are countless questions and concerns to discuss with a potential new hire and the better prepared and in-depth your inquiries are, the more valuable info you’ll uncover to help make the best hiring decision for your company.

Once you have your questions lined-up and ready to go you need to find candidates interview.

An awesome place to source golf sales pros is through GolfSurfin.com.

Why?

You get to post your ad on the #1 job board for golf and breeze through our resume database full of qualified sales candidates from the golf industry.

Ready to take a shot? Get started here.

Dawn Schlesinger
Chiefgolfjobologist