HIRING COLLEGE GRADS

AS SDRs

TOP INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR

We know hiring is hard.It can feel particularly daunting when you are looking to hirecollege graduates who have no previous sales experience.

That's why we met with some of the top sales developmentthought leaders to hear their insights.

Below are their favorite interview questions to ask theseinexperienced applicants followed by what hiring managersshould listen for in their answers.

Richard Harris, The Harris Consulting Group

When you buy something new, do you read theinstructions or just put it together?

Successful sales reps are almost always naturally curious andlove asking questions. This not only helps them navigateconversations with prospects and avoid awkward silences,but also means they will be able to learn their product, tools,and team better and faster.

Trish Bertuzzi, The Bridge Group

What do you know about me and my company?

Applicants should always be able to answer this question. I call it the 45 second interview, if they can't answer it theinterview is over. Since they aren't willing to do the work toget the job, they probably won't do the work to keep thejob.

Jorge Soto, Dashtab

Did you play any competitive sports or wereyou on any competitive teams throughoutschool?

Look for questions and answers that show the applicantshave the determination and love of winning that is requiredfor any inside sales job. Just because these applicanthaven't worked as inside sales reps before doesn't meanthey haven't been in situations which require the same skills.

Lori Richardson, Score More Sales

Tell me about a time when everyone gave upon something except you.

It is important that applicants show that they have grit. Beingan SDR is hard work that can chip away at someone's drive.Look for graduates who have been in challenging situationsthat require perseverance and those who are determined notto give up.

Interviews can be poor indicators of who an applicant trulyis. When they shadow someone, they think the interview isover and it is time to relax. However, this is the time for yourreps to see who they really are and report back on theirpersonality, habits (good and bad), and attitude.

Steve Richard, VorsightBP

At the end of the interview, have the applicantshadow a current sales development rep for anhour or two.

Save each of your SDRs 202 hours per year!

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