AMA: HubSpot Head of Corporate Sales, West Coast, Sarah Mercedes (Osborne) on Sales Interviews

* Not doing enough research on the company they're interviewing with * Not anticipating the questions the interviewers will have * Not coming prepared with their own questions for the interviewer * Not coming with multiple examples prepared or not having results and metrics at the ready to speak to in the interview * Not leveraging their recruiter as a resource to adequately prep for the interviews * Not asking for feedback from their interviewer to apply to the next interview * Not closing their interviewer * Not sending a follow up email post-interview * Not practicing concise answers ahead of the interview

* Commitment to Win/Figure it Out Factor * Total Ownership * Quick Learner The nuances of the role can be learned. Candidates with the above attributes will overcome any potential skill gaps and always find a way to be successful. When interviewing a candidate, I'm always looking for multiple examples of stories where these attributes are showcased.

I think finding ways to give yourself an edge is always in your best interest. You want to avoid creating too much work for yourself, but there are needle-moving ways to get this edge that don't require a massive lift. If you're in a role play interview, treat it like a real sales process. Send a pre-call email with the agenda and goal of the call outlined and send a follow up email in the format you typically would in an active deal. Prepare thoughtful and custom questions to ask each of your interviewers that show how you think, what you care about, and your business acumen and/or natural curiosity.