Tell us about a time when you didn't meet a sales quota and how you handled the situation.

SENIOR LEVEL
Tell us about a time when you didn't meet a sales quota and how you handled the situation.
Sample answer to the question:
There was a time when I didn't meet a sales quota for a medical device I was responsible for selling. The quota was set at 10 devices per month, but I was only able to sell 7 devices. I immediately took action by analyzing the reasons behind my underperformance. I realized that I had focused too much on one specific target market and neglected other potential customers. To handle the situation, I developed a new sales strategy that targeted a broader range of healthcare professionals and institutions. I also sought guidance from more experienced colleagues to improve my negotiation and closing abilities. Additionally, I utilized market analysis to identify new opportunities and adjusted my approach accordingly. As a result, in the following months, I not only met but exceeded the sales quota by selling an average of 12 devices per month. I learned the importance of adaptability and comprehensive market analysis to ensure consistent sales performance.
Here is a more solid answer:
In my role as a medical device sales representative, there was a month when I didn't meet the sales quota for a particular device. The target was to sell 10 devices, but I only managed to sell 7. To address this, I conducted a thorough analysis of my sales approach and performance. I identified that my focus had been too narrow, primarily targeting a specific market segment. In response, I developed a new sales strategy that targeted a broader range of healthcare professionals and institutions. I reached out to my more experienced colleagues for guidance and mentorship to enhance my negotiation and closing abilities. Additionally, I conducted extensive market analysis to identify untapped opportunities and adjusted my sales approach accordingly. As a result of these actions, I not only met the monthly sales quota in the subsequent months but exceeded it by selling an average of 12 devices per month. This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability, continuous improvement, and comprehensive market analysis in ensuring consistent sales performance.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides more specific details and expands on the candidate's actions to address the situation. It includes a thorough analysis conducted by the candidate, the development of a new sales strategy, seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, and conducting market analysis. The outcomes are also provided, stating that the candidate not only met but exceeded the sales quota. The answer could be improved by incorporating more details on customer relationship management and after-sales support.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my tenure as a medical device sales representative, there was a month when I fell short of meeting the assigned sales quota for a specific device. Despite my meticulous planning and execution, I was only able to sell 7 out of the targeted 10 devices. In response to this setback, I conducted a comprehensive evaluation of my sales performance to identify areas of improvement. Through this analysis, I recognized that my customer relationship management could be further strengthened. To address this, I implemented a proactive approach in nurturing relationships with healthcare professionals, regularly engaging with them to understand their evolving needs. Additionally, I prioritized after-sales support, ensuring that customers received prompt assistance and guidance to maximize the benefits of the medical device. Furthermore, I invested time and effort in market analysis to stay informed about the latest trends and competitive landscape in the medical device industry. Armed with this knowledge, I refined my sales approach and tailored it to meet the specific needs and preferences of diverse healthcare institutions. By combining effective negotiation and closing strategies with a deep understanding of the product, I consistently exceeded the sales quota, selling an average of 12 devices per month. This experience taught me the value of proactive customer relationship management, prioritizing after-sales support, and staying abreast of industry developments to drive sales success.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive response to the question. It includes specific details on the candidate's evaluation of their sales performance, recognizing areas for improvement in customer relationship management and after-sales support. The candidate implemented proactive measures to nurture relationships with healthcare professionals, prioritized after-sales support, and invested in market analysis to refine their sales approach. The answer also emphasizes the candidate's expertise in negotiation and closing strategies and their deep understanding of the product. The outcomes are stated as consistently exceeding the sales quota. This answer addresses all the evaluation areas specified in the job description and provides a well-rounded response to the question.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past situations where you didn't meet a sales quota and think about the specific actions you took to handle the situation.
  • Consider the evaluation areas specified in the job description and ensure that your response addresses each of them.
  • Highlight the importance of adaptability, continuous improvement, and market analysis in sales performance.
  • Discuss specific strategies you implemented to enhance customer relationship management and after-sales support.
  • Demonstrate your expertise in negotiation and closing abilities, emphasizing the techniques and approaches you utilized.
  • Provide measurable outcomes to showcase the effectiveness of your actions in exceeding sales quotas.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Sales performance
  • Strategic sales planning
  • Customer relationship management
  • Market analysis
  • Negotiation and closing abilities

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