Work sample test and structured interview for {role_name}

After shortlisting, assess candidates' skills with a work sample task, followed by an assessment and thorough evaluation.

How to structure the interview to assess skills and cultural fit for {role_name}

Work sample test (Home assignment)

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Assess the candidate’s practical skills by assigning a real-world task similar to the work they would do if hired.

Title: Sales Pitch Preparation

Objective: Evaluate the candidate’s ability to effectively present and communicate product benefits and handle objections.

Requirements:

  • Create a 5-minute sales pitch for a designated product.
  • Address potential objections and demonstrate negotiation skills.
  • Provide a brief Q&A session post-pitch.

Time Frame: 48 hours to prepare; 5-minute live or recorded presentation.

Questions based on home assignment : 

Recruitment Bullet

Once done with work sample test evaluate the candidate’s technical proficiency based on the work sample task.

Technical questions

Recruitment Bullet

Duration : 10 minutes/question

  1. Question: How would you handle objections regarding product pricing?
    Expected Answer: Candidate provides clear methods for addressing pricing concerns, demonstrating empathy and reinforcing product value.
    Sample Answer: "I would acknowledge the concern about pricing, reinforce the value and benefits of our product, and compare it positively with competitors to justify the cost."
  2. Question: Can you explain your approach to identifying customer needs during a sales pitch?
    Expected Answer: Candidate should detail active listening, asking relevant questions, and customizing responses to customer needs.
    Sample Answer: "I start by asking targeted questions about the customer's pain points, listen actively, and then tailor my pitch to directly address those specific needs."
  3. Question: What techniques do you use to effectively close a sale?
    Expected Answer: Clear explanation of specific closing techniques, such as summarizing benefits, creating urgency, or proposing a trial.
    Sample Answer: "I often use the summary close, reiterating key benefits and confirming understanding before directly asking for their commitment."

Behavioral questions

Recruitment Bullet

Duration : 10 minutes/question

  1. Question: Describe a time when you successfully overcame a sales objection.
    Expected Answer: Clear, structured example demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
    Sample Answer: "Once a customer expressed concerns about integration complexities. I provided clear examples and testimonials of previous seamless integrations, which alleviated their concerns and secured the deal."
  2. Question: Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult client.
    Expected Answer: Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, patience, and problem-solving.
    Sample Answer: "I had a client who was consistently critical. I maintained patience, actively listened, and worked closely with them to provide tailored solutions that improved our relationship significantly."
  3. Question: Can you give an example of how you stay motivated after losing a sale?
    Expected Answer: Displays resilience, positive mindset, and proactive improvement.
    Sample Answer: "After losing a significant deal, I reviewed what went wrong, sought feedback, and used it constructively to improve my future approach, which led to increased success rates thereafter."

How to evaluate and compare candidates after interviews?

After interviews, it's important to evaluate and compare candidates based on a set of predefined criteria.Use scorecard to evaluate each candidate.

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Sample scorecard based on pre-defined criteria. Here’s an example:

Criteria Rating (1-5) Comments
Sales Techniques
Communication Skills
Objection Handling
Cultural Fit
Resilience & Adaptability
Overall Impression

"Standardize interviews" – Use our customizable scorecard templates

What criteria should be used to make the final hiring decision?

Final decisions should be based on the candidate's overall evaluation score, with a focus on important qualifications. Prioritize technical skills above everything else for a {role_name}, but do not forget about communication and cultural fit.

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How to communicate the decision to candidates

Sample offer letter for {role_name}

Subject: Offer Letter for Sales Representative Position

Dear [Candidate Name],

We are delighted to offer you the position of Sales Representative at [Company Name]. Your skills and experience align perfectly with our team, and we are confident you will make a significant contribution.

[Include salary, benefits, start date, and any other relevant details.]

Please confirm your acceptance by [specific date]. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]

Sample rejection letter for {role_name}

Subject: Interview Outcome – Sales Representative Position

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview for the Sales Representative position at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest and the opportunity to meet with you.

After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate whose qualifications closely match our current needs.

We wish you all the best in your career endeavors and hope you will consider future opportunities with us.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Job Title]

[Company Name]