Tell me about a time when you persuaded someone to agree with an idea or take an action they were initially reluctant about. What did you do?
RoleSales Representative
DifficultyEasy
TopicBehavioral
Asked at
Why This Is Asked
Field sales requires convincing clients to apply for financial products. The interviewer wants to see your natural ability to influence without being pushy.
General Approach
Choose a clear example where you changed someone's mind. Outline the initial resistance, your tailored approach (listening, adapting your pitch), and the positive outcome. Show that you respected the other person's position while guiding them to a decision.
General Answer
Start by grounding your story in the other person's specific reluctance, not just your eventual win. Say plainly what they feared or resisted, whether it was the cost, the time commitment, or a past bad experience with a similar product. Then walk the interviewer through how you listened before you pitched. Explain that you asked one or two open questions to surface the real objection, and then you reframed your idea around that exact concern, using concrete numbers or a clear timeline. In a Philippine setting, you can mention how you acknowledged the client's hesitation about processing fees or the length of a loan term, and then showed how the monthly amortization fit their cash flow, not just the total price. Keep your tone respectful but confident, the way you would speak to a branch manager or a corporate client, and avoid any pleading tone. Close by stating the outcome in measurable terms, such as the application they submitted or the meeting they agreed to, and add one sentence on how you maintained the relationship afterward, because in local sales, trust is what brings repeat referrals.
PH Interview Gotcha
Saying 'Ma'am, baka naman po, please lang po' sounds too informal and pleading. Instead, state the benefit clearly: 'Your contribution will directly fund medicine for children in need.'
Sample STAR Answer▾
S
Situation
During my second year in college, I was tasked by our student organization to raise funds for a medical mission. We needed to collect donations from students and faculty, but many were indifferent and busy with exams.
T
Task
My goal was to personally convince at least 50 people to contribute at least 50 pesos each in just three days, despite the campus mood.
A
Action
I identified high-traffic areas, approached individuals with a warm smile, and briefly shared a story of a child who would benefit. I acknowledged their busy schedules and made it easy by offering a QR code scan and a receipt. For those who hesitated, I emphasized how even a small amount could help and thanked them for considering.
R
Result
I exceeded my target, collecting over 3,000 pesos from 60 donors. The medical mission pushed through, serving 200 patients.
Key Takeaway
Persistence and personal connection can turn reluctance into willingness.
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