Sales Advisor Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a Sales Advisor job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Sales Advisor question bank of 25 questions, written for UK employers at apprentice/entry level.

Eight Sales Advisor interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Why do you want to be a sales advisor, and what does a typical day look like?

Why they ask: They want to see you enjoy selling and understand the balance of service and targets.

2. Can you take me through the stages of a good sales conversation?

Why they ask: This is the foundation question for sales roles.

3. What kind of questions do you ask to find out what a customer needs, and why do open questions matter?

Why they ask: Needs discovery is what separates good advisors from order-takers.

4. What is the difference between a feature and a benefit, and how do you use them when selling?

Why they ask: Benefit selling is a core technique.

5. A customer says 'I'm just looking'. How do you respond?

Why they ask: Almost every advisor hears it, so they want practical technique.

6. How do you handle the objection 'It's too expensive'?

Why they ask: Price objections come up in nearly every sale.

7. How do you upsell and cross-sell without mis-selling, and what is the difference between the two?

Why they ask: Commission and targets create temptation, so they test your ethics.

8. Tell me about a time you exceeded a sales target.

Why they ask: They want evidence of drive and effective technique.

A sample answer to question 1

Why do you want to be a sales advisor, and what does a typical day look like?

I enjoy helping people choose something they'll be happy with, and I like that in sales you can see the result of what you do. A typical day starts with checking the sales target, new offers and stock, and making sure my area is tidy and displays are right. Then I'm on the shop floor greeting customers, asking about what they need, demonstrating products, suggesting suitable options and taking the sale through to payment, or finance and delivery where it applies. Between customers, I'd restock, follow up enquiries and update customer records. I'd also keep my product knowledge up to date. I'm motivated by targets, but I think the best results come from honest advice and good service, which brings people back. I'd like to build a career in sales and eventually move into team leader roles.

Common mistake to avoid: Saying you just like talking; focusing only on commission

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 25 questions are on the Sales Advisor interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.