Sales interview presentation: five slides and a timing plan
Got a presentation round coming up? This page covers the presentation itself.
Panels use the presentation to see how you think and sell. They also watch how you handle questions. Ask the recruiter how long you have. Aim for five slides in about 10 minutes, then take questions.
Five slides
- Who you are and what you will cover. One slide, 60 seconds. Give a result with a number, such as pipeline built or quota attained.
- The problem. Describe the buyer's problem in plain words, using what you learned in earlier rounds.
- Your approach. Show how you would tackle the first 90 days. Keep it to three steps.
- Proof. Give one example from your own work, with the numbers and what you learned.
- The ask and next steps. State what you need to start and what you would deliver by day 90.
Timing
- 1 minute: introduction.
- 7 minutes: slides two to four.
- 2 minutes: slide five.
- Total: about 10 minutes of talking, then questions.
Rehearse out loud with a timer. Cut a slide before you cut your questions time.
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What panels look for
- A clear structure they can follow.
- Evidence from real results.
- Honest answers about what you do not know.
- Good questions asked to the panel.
Common mistakes
- Reading the slides aloud.
- Showing a plan with no numbers.
- Skipping the buyer's problem to talk about yourself.
- Running over time.
Prepare the numbers
If the role discusses pay, know your own figures. The OTE calculator shows expected pay at your realistic attainment. The offer comparison calculator helps once offers arrive.
Related: the territory plan guide and the 30-60-90-day plan.
Next step: get the free guide to Amazon's 16 Leadership Principles for a sales interview. It is one PDF and needs no card.
Questions
How long should a sales interview presentation be?
Ask the recruiter for the length and the topic. We suggest about 10 minutes of talking, then questions.
What should I include in a sales interview presentation?
Your background with a number and the buyer's problem. Add your approach, one proof point and what you would deliver by day 90.
What if the panel interrupts my presentation?
Answer the question briefly, then return to your slide. Interruptions mean they are engaged.
Also: 30-60-90 plan for a sales interview, sales role play interview, mock cold call interview, thank you email after a sales interview.
Related guides
Territory plan for a sales interview
The five parts panels expect, the pipeline maths and a 5-slide outline.
AE 30-60-90-day plan
A template and example goals for writing the plan, for AE roles.
Sales OTE calculator
Base, variable and attainment to expected pay and UK take-home.
Run your search like a pipeline
A Notion kit for sellers changing roles. It has a target list and a pipeline board with follow-ups due. It also has recruiter scripts, negotiation scripts and an offer calculator for year-one pay. £14, one payment, plus VAT for UK and EU buyers.
Principled Pitch is independent. Pay, quotas and hiring processes vary by company and country. Check the details of any role with the recruiter.