Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Sales Joke of the Day (March 5) The Applicant.

To check the character of the prospective salesman, the Vice President of sales says:  "Let's assume you go to my house to pick up some important papers, and you ring the doorbell.  My wife invites you in.  She tells you that I won't be home for another two hours.  What would you do?"

The applicant hesitates, and then asks, "Could you let me see a photo of your wife?"

Moral of the story.  True sales professionals know, that when being interviewed, you need to show character, not be a character, to get the job.   Second, if you asked a question that is inappropriate, suggest that the question is inappropriate, rephrase the question into an appropriate one, and answer it.   You will have given the interviewer an out of a potentially embarrassing situation while also displaying your ability to think on your feet and take control of an awkward situation.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."                                                                     -  Abraham Lincoln