Describe a time when you had to generate new business leads from scratch. How did you identify and approach potential clients?
Why This Is Asked
This checks your resourcefulness and ability to build a client base independently, which is core to the branch sales role where you must actively find new clients.
General Approach
Use the STAR format to describe a specific instance. Focus on your process: how you identified leads, the tools you used, and how you turned cold contacts into warm prospects. Emphasize numbers and outcomes.
Sample STAR Answer▾
Situation
When I was a sales intern at a local insurance company, I was given a target of 20 new client meetings in one month with no existing leads.
Task
I needed to build a pipeline from zero by identifying prospects who might need insurance and securing appointments.
Action
I started by researching local small businesses and professionals through online directories and social media. I created a list of 50 potential contacts and prioritized them by likelihood of need, such as new homeowners and young families. I then cold-called each one, introduced myself briefly, mentioned a relevant market trend, and offered a free financial health check. For those who declined, I requested permission to follow up in three months.
Result
I secured 18 meetings, converted 5 into clients, and generated P120,000 in premiums. My manager praised my initiative and I was offered a full-time role after graduation.
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- •STAR Structure
- •Specificity & Numbers
- •Ownership Language
- •PH Workplace Context
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