Here at TruPath, we often interview people for VP of Sales roles. That’s why we have compiled a comprehensive list of the top 6 VP of Sales interview questions.
You can use these questions as a guide during your next search for a VP of Sales.
Exceptional VP of Sales Interview Questions
How well do you work with other departments?
Alignment between the Sales department and Marketing, Account Management, and Customer Success is highly crucial to any organization’s success. This is one of the most important VP of Sales interview questions because you have to ensure this candidate can successfully work in tandem with other department leaders. Ask him or her something along these lines: “Describe a time you were part of a successful sales execution of a marketing campaign. What challenges did you face and how did you personally put in an effort to overcome them?
Tell me about the teams you have directly managed, and how you built them.
If the candidate fails to describe how he or she has built a team, chances are the candidate probably cannot put their process into play at your company.
Sell me my product.
Have the candidate run through a sales pitch with you in the interview. During this, mention your top objectives your current sales team must overcome in their own pitches.
How do you manage sales metrics & employee performance?
Your new VP of Sales should be comfortable managing sales metrics and employee performance using CRM. Excel simply will not cut it any longer. How has the candidate employed metrics to manage and grow his or her prior sales team? What specific sales tools has the candidate used, and which ones work for his or her initiatives? What are the top sales metrics any VP of Sales should measure? These are some of the best VP of Sales interview questions to consider.
Can you please tell me in your own words what we do—and if you could today, what would you change about our company?
This double-barreled question separates individuals committed to your company’s vision from those who are just looking for a job. The top-quality hires will have thoroughly researched your business, determined the general and specific impact(s) they could have on the organization, and expressed this to you confidently in the interview.
What are your communication skills like?
Question his or her communication skills. If a new hire is joining your organization in a senior role, he or she must know how to effectively communicate with superiors, colleagues and direct reports. This is a necessary trait if the candidate will join the company as an executive.
What VP of Sales interview questions have you asked, or been asked? Let us know! If you’re curious what to look for in a VP of Sales candidate’s resume, read this.
As a trusted recruitment source for more than a decade, TruPath has the industry knowledge and a proven model to help our partners feel comfortable in their search for a candidate.
Through our TruProcess, we are able to consistently deliver exceptional candidates that help organizations continue down successful paths. Contact TruPath today to tell us about your staffing needs.