Can you describe a time when you successfully persuaded someone to buy a product or service?
RoleSales Representative
DifficultyEasy
TopicSales & Service
Asked at
Why This Is Asked
AXA wants to see if you have the natural ability to influence and close, which is essential for a financial advisor role. They are screening for resilience and a consultative sales approach.
General Approach
Use the STAR method: set a specific context, show how you identified the customer's pain point, tailored your pitch, and overcame hesitation. Focus on listening and adapting rather than just pushing the product.
General Answer
Start by grounding your story in a specific moment, not a vague summary. Say plainly that you began by asking questions to uncover what the client truly valued, whether that was security, growth, or peace of mind for their family. Explain that you listened more than you talked, and once you heard their hesitation, you addressed it directly instead of ignoring it. For example, if they worried about cost, you showed how the long term value outweighed the upfront expense, or if they doubted the need, you connected the product to a real life scenario they recognized. Be honest about the moment of resistance, because that is where the interviewer sees your resilience. Describe how you adapted your tone and language to stay professional and respectful, avoiding any pressure tactics or vague promises. In the Philippine context, this often means switching from casual Taglish banter to a more formal, consultative register when the conversation turns serious, which signals that you take their decision seriously. Close by stating the outcome clearly, whether they bought, referred someone, or simply thanked you for the honest advice, because that shows you measure success beyond the sale itself.
PH Interview Gotcha
A common mistake is translating Taglish sales talk directly: "Ma'am, ito po maganda, promise, bili na kayo." Instead, use professional English: ask about her needs, then explain how the product meets them. Avoid over-familiarity and vague claims.
Sample STAR Answer▾
S
Situation
In my part-time job at a cell phone kiosk, a walk-in customer was only looking for a basic prepaid phone, and she seemed hesitant to consider anything else.
T
Task
I had to shift her mindset from a low-cost device to a smartphone with a data plan, which better fit her needs for staying connected with family abroad.
A
Action
I asked about her daily habits and learned she often called her children overseas. I then demonstrated how a smartphone with a video call app and a lightweight data plan would save her money over international call cards. I let her hold the phone and practice a call. After seeing the clarity, I broke down the monthly cost versus her current spending, and highlighted its convenience.
R
Result
She upgraded to the smartphone and the recommended plan, adding 15% to my daily sales target. She returned the next week to thank me and referred a neighbor.
Key Takeaway
Understanding a customer's deeper needs makes persuasion natural, not pushy.
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