This helps you structure your response in a way that has a narrative or storytelling component while including only the necessary details and results, the result being a more complete and understandable communication.
In short, it allows you to get to the point faster.
You definitely want to get a feel for the organization in the interview, but that's not the only reason you should do this as you prepare.
Think of your interview as a sales meeting. Open-ended software managers email lists questions are an important part of the “discovery” or “information gathering” aspect of the meeting. You can exercise your active listening skills to pick up information that can help you in the interview.
At the very least, it gives the interviewer a chance to flex their question-asking skills and imagine you with their prospects.
Tips for sales interviews
Concisely summarize what you've learned about the organization's solutions, who they serve, who they compete with, and what industry experts say about them.
Demonstrating a healthy understanding of your business and your industry shows that you've done your homework.
Your interviewers won't expect you to have followed every move your company has made over the past five years, but knowing your biggest competitors, what sets you apart in the marketplace, and the accolades you've received will impress them and set you apart from other candidates.
Explain why you are interested in this company and this role.
We touched on this above, but it bears repeating. Take the time to really think about this question and come up with an answer that goes beyond “You have such a great culture” or “I think that will be a really good fit.”
Discuss why your product/service resonates with you, what it is about your business model that speaks to a specific skill you've honed, or how you think your sales team can help you grow in a certain area.
Talk very specifically about how you execute your sales function from start to finish.
When it comes to discussing your sales performance, be strict with numbers. Have them ready and explain how you achieved them. Did you exceed your quota three quarters in a row last year? By how much? And how did you do it?
If you can't explain how or why you were successful in your position, it doesn't really matter what you accomplished.
Always cite data to support claims about your past performance.