Interview Makeover

Our experience has been that people from executives to individual contributors have a difficult time successfully selling their qualifications. The interview samples below demonstrate the power of focused positioning and excellent communication skills.

Client: Sales Director
Question/Statement: Tell me about yourself.

Before
I am a go-getter and people have said that I have great sales abilities and am a people person. I like selling complex deals that require a lot of brain power rather small quick deals. My last company sold e-commerce software into large companies such as Compaq and I closed some of the largest deals. I feel that my success in sales can contribute a lot to this company.

After
Beginning: For the past five years I have been in the computer industry working on creating large corporate partnerships. Two years ago, I began selling into Fortune 50 accounts and sold over 20 million in contracts. During this time, I also mentored a group of rising stars on how to improve their selling capabilities and each of their territory sales increased by 20%.

Transition: My strengths include problem solving, persuasion skills and negotiating tough deals under a tight deadline. I take a difficult customer problem and solve it creatively by looking at the context first. I work well as a team player and as an individual contributor. I am goal-oriented and achievement driven but also seek to live a balanced life.

Current situation: I am excited about the opportunity to interview for the position of Sales Director where I can effectively work with a team to grow the company and the number of new accounts.

Client: General Manager/Executive SBU
Question/Statement: Tell me about yourself.

Before
I am a senior leader with high strategic ability to plan, innovative, lead and execute new business initiatives in functional roles managing SBUs, Marketing, Strategy or Technical Development. I am a strategic change agent, especially talented at the creative and market side of technology businesses. I am a team builder with extensive experience in Enterprise Software, eCommerce and Network solutions, and a results-oriented person with excellent execution, business, technology and customer skills.

After
Beginning: I am a tenacious 28+ year enterprise IT software leader, combining a strategic business perspective with a solid track record of results. I've lead several operational turnarounds, producing billions in new revenue, and a golden rolodex of Fortune 500 customers. I have a keen ability to set a vision and map it to a strategy and executable goals, empowering teams with the tools and technologies for product creation and business growth.

Transition: My core strengths include an ability to develop new, untapped markets and create innovate products that get adopted quickly. I have also demonstrate proven leadership skills by consistently achieving revenue goals and getting high marks from my employees.

Current situation: As the leader of this organization, I would do my best to listen to stakeholders, customers and employees and develop an executable plan that achieved both short- and long-term results.