Insurance Sales Top Interview Questions
Background, Strengths, and Experience
When preparing for an interview in sales, especially in the insurance industry, you should be ready to discuss your work history and experience. If you’ve faced challenges, such as being fired from a previous job, be honest about it. Explain the situation briefly and focus on how you’ve learned from the experience, improved, and grown as an employee.
You’ll likely be asked to discuss:
- How you met quotas and achieved sales goals in the past.
- Your approach to organizing, planning, and prioritizing work.
- Your long-term career aspirations in sales, such as how long you envision staying in the role.
Additionally, expect questions that gauge your fit for a sales environment and how you handle the pressures and rewards of a sales career. Be prepared to discuss your salary expectations and justify them by citing past contributions to company profits.
Industry Knowledge
Your knowledge of the insurance industry is key to your success as a salesperson, so interviewers may ask questions about industry trends and drivers. For instance, they could ask: What market drivers will influence the insurance industry in the next 18 months?
It’s also important to demonstrate your knowledge of the company you’re interviewing with. Expect questions like:
- What do you think a typical day looks like for an insurance salesperson here?
- Why do you want to work for our company?
You may even be asked to provide constructive criticism about the company, so it’s important to frame your feedback carefully and focus on areas where you can contribute positively.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Since communication skills are essential in sales, the interviewer will likely probe into your ability to engage clients and handle tough situations. You might be asked how you differentiate between speaking and listening skills, how you handle rejection, and how you build lasting client relationships.
Be prepared to provide a real-life example of how you managed a difficult client situation. You might also be asked how you approach cold calling and selling insurance.
Lastly, many interviewers will test your skills on the spot by asking you to sell them something in 60 seconds or less. This is a common exercise in sales interviews, and it’s designed to assess how well you can think on your feet and apply persuasive communication techniques.
By anticipating these topics and preparing specific examples, you’ll position yourself as a capable, well-rounded candidate.