SENIOR LEVEL

How do you handle rejection in sales? Can you give an example?

Sample answer to the question

Handling rejection in sales can be challenging, but I have developed a mindset of resilience and persistence. When faced with rejection, I don't take it personally and instead view it as an opportunity to learn and improve. For example, during my previous role as a sales representative, I encountered a potential client who rejected our proposal. Instead of giving up, I asked for feedback to understand their reasons for rejecting. This allowed me to identify areas for improvement in our pitch and tailor our approach to better address client needs. As a result, I successfully closed several deals with similar clients by incorporating their feedback into our sales strategies.

A more solid answer

Handling rejection in sales requires a combination of adaptability, problem-solving, and communication skills. When faced with rejection, I remain focused on the overall sales goal while being open to adjusting my approach. For instance, in a previous position, I encountered a potential client who rejected our proposal due to budget constraints. Instead of giving up, I took the opportunity to engage in a problem-solving conversation with the client. By understanding their budget limitations, I was able to propose alternative solutions that aligned with their financial constraints. Through effective communication and negotiation, I converted this rejection into a successful sale, exceeding our initial sales target.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by demonstrating how adaptability, problem-solving, and communication skills are applied in handling rejection in sales. It also includes a specific example that aligns with the job description's emphasis on strategic thinking, analytical skills, and expertise in sales techniques and funnel management. However, the answer could be further improved by providing more details and quantifiable results.

An exceptional answer

Successfully handling rejection in sales requires adaptability, problem-solving, and exceptional communication and negotiation skills. When facing rejection, I view it as an opportunity to uncover valuable insights and improve my sales approach. For example, I faced rejection from a potential client who expressed concerns about product pricing. Rather than giving up, I proactively conducted market research and identified competitors offering similar products at lower prices. Armed with this information, I approached the client with a revised pricing strategy that was more competitive without sacrificing profitability. Through effective communication and negotiation, I not only secured the deal but also established a long-term relationship with the client, leading to additional referrals and increased market share for the company.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer expands on the solid answer by providing more in-depth details and showcasing exceptional skills in handling rejection in sales. The answer demonstrates the candidate's ability to think strategically, conduct market research, and successfully negotiate pricing. The example provided aligns with the job description's emphasis on strategic thinking, analytical skills, and expertise in sales techniques and funnel management. Overall, the exceptional answer effectively highlights the candidate's qualifications and skills in relation to the job description.

How to prepare for this question

1. Reflect on past experiences of rejection in sales and identify the lessons learned from each situation.
2. Develop a mindset of resilience and view rejection as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
3. Practice active listening and communication skills to effectively address client concerns and objections.
4. Stay updated on industry trends and competitor offerings to anticipate potential objections and objections.
5. Role-play sales scenarios with a focus on handling rejection and developing effective strategies.

What interviewers are evaluating

Adaptability to rapidly changing market conditions
Problem-solving mindset
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills