In my interview prepping session today with a highly experienced sales professional, I threw into the mix the question ‘What kind of decisions are the hardest for you to make?’  This question proved a really challenging one for my candidate and the curve ball took them right off guard.

This is a prime example of how important preparation for interview really is – you just never know what question is going to come your way next.  Interviewers will deliberately test you to see how you react under pressure and how quickly you can respond with a sound answer – this curve ball question could the defining one between you getting the job offer or it going to another candidate.

As well as being familiar with your own CV, knowing the process which led to the achievements and results you have clearly conveyed in your CV, it is crucial to consider more testing questions such as behavioural and #situational ones. 

Speaking confidently about yourself and avoiding negative comments such as ‘I think’ is critical to interview success.  You are the sales person of your own career so own it and answer with confidence but not arrogance – nobody likes arrogance.

A few days prior to your interview, take time to plan, prepare and have a mock interview session.  This will amp up your confidence ratings for the big day and help you to avoid any awkward silences or fall into the trap of the challenging question designed to test your ability to think on your feet in a high-pressure scenario.