www.PassMyInterview.

com
www.PassMyInterview.com

9
Welcome to your guide…

4
12
27 SALESFORCE
08
:0

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
I D

& ANSWERS
er
rd
O

Copyright © PassMyInterview.com. All Rights Reserved.

For personal use only.

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

Q1. Tell me about yourself?
Sample Answer:
I am a positive person who loves working as part of a team where everyone is pushing towards achieving
difficult targets and objectives. Over the years, I have built up lots of transferrable skills and qualities that
are a match for this job description. For example, in my previous role I built up a solid reputation for
someone who could be depended on to complete difficult projects whilst at the same time providing
excellent client service. I am a fast worker and I will always respond quickly to tasks and requests.
Outside of work, I have my own personal goals that are very much dependent on me working to a very
high standard in my role. Basically, if I want to achieve my goals, I have to work hard and help my
employer to be successful. If you hire me to work in this role at Salesforce, I will be a committed
employee who will always put your commercial and financial objectives above everything else.

9
Q2. Why do you want to work for Salesforce?

4
Sample Answer:

12
I want to work for Salesforce for three reasons. Firstly, you are a company that is going places and you
have an impressive track record of achievement. This means I will get the opportunity to work on exciting
08
projects whilst at the same time continually learning and developing. The second reason is, there are
:0

clearly some bright and talented people who work at Salesforce, and this means I will get to collaborate
in a positive and supportive environment. Finally, Salesforce is one of the best places to work. The CEO
D

has a 97% approval rating and over 87% of employees would recommend you as a place to work.
I

Salesforce has a great culture and excellent benefits, and providing I work hard and improve year on
er

year, I am sure I will feel very happy in my role.

rd

Q3. How do you manage difficult stakeholders or clients?

O

Sample Answer:
First and foremost, I always remember that I am representing my employer and as such I will remain
calm and be professional at all times. If a client or stakeholder is being difficult, I will work hard to build a
positive relationship with them and turn the situation around. I will ask them questions to find out what it
is that’s important to them. I will respond quickly to emails or calls and I will always be positive. I will try
and find a way to connect with them, as this always helps to improve relationships. At the end of the day,
stakeholders and clients are crucial to a business such as Salesforce, so I would go out of my way to
improve relations and make sure a high level of service was provided at all times. If they continued to be
difficult despite my efforts, I would simply carry on being positive and provide exceptional service.

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

Q4. You hit a roadblock whilst undertaking a time sensitive project. What would you do to
overcome the challenge?
Sample Answer:
There is always a way around a problem. I would start off by assessing what the exact issue was and
where we wanted to be as a team. Honesty and clarity in respect of project challenges is very important if
you are going to achieve a successful outcome. I would assess the resources I had available within the
team; I would discuss my options with the other team members, and I would think holistically as to how
we could overcome the challenge that was present. For example, if the roadblock was down to a lack of
skills within the team preventing us from completing a specific task, I would seek to outsource those
responsibilities. If the problem was a lack of communication, I would seek to gain clarity and ensure
everyone was aware of our goals and the responsibilities they had. It is important to remember that

9
project roadblocks can be significantly limited if the initial project brief is concise, it is relevant to your end

4
goal and everyone within the team takes ownership of the objectives.

12
Q5. Give me an example when you worked with someone with a different style than you?
08
Sample Answer:
I was working on a project in my previous role and the project coordinator had limited experience. He
:0

was a slow, methodical worker as opposed to my style, which is to work at a fast pace with a view to
D

getting the project completed quickly so we could then move on to a new one. Although I had a different
style and I found it frustrating to work slowly, I embraced the change and supported the project
I

coordinator by completing my own tasks to a high standard and also offering my expertise when it was
er

asked for. The experience actually proved to be a positive one because by working at a slower pace I
rd

saw there were a number of benefits, especially in respect of ticking off each task as it was fully
O

completed to the necessary standard.

Q6. Tell me what you know about Salesforce?

Sample Answer:
Salesforce was established in San Francisco back in 1999 and the goal ever since has been to improve
education, equality, and the environment. A significant amount of time, energy and resources have gone
in to creating a formidable customer relationship management solution that has the one core objective of
bringing companies and customers together. Salesforce is a one-stop solution that includes marketing,
sales, customer service and commerce. Salesforce has a number of core values that are essential to the
future success of the organization. These include TRUST in respect of your customers data; ensuring

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

CUTOMER SUCCESS, because without this, Salesforce would not exist; INNOVATION, in regard to
ensuring you provide your customers with cutting edge products that give them that competitive
advantage; and finally EQUALITY, which stands for ensuring everyone within the busines has a voice
and they are heard.

Q7. Tell me a time when you had to ideal with ambiguity?

Sample Answer:
In a previous role, I was tasked with looking after important customers from the initial point of purchase,
through to them receiving their goods. Whilst all customers are of equal importance, we often had high-
spending clients who demanded a certain level of service. Often, I was required to deal with ambiguity
after customers had place an order for certain niche, hard-to-source products that had limited availability.

9
Understandably, the customer wanted to be kept up to date on the progress of their order. To ensure I

4
provided the right level of service, I would keep in constant contact with the customer, the product

12
supplier and also the logistics company to ensure delivery was as quick and as efficient as possible. I
always found the best way to deal with ambiguity was to remain calm, deliver on your promises and
08
communicate effectively and regularly throughout the entire purchasing and delivery process. Ambiguity
is all part and parcel of working for a large and successful organization such as Salesforce, and I can be
:0

relied upon to meet my objectives within this role.

D

Q8. Tell me a time when you had to make an important decision with limited information?
I

Sample Answer:
er

In a previous role, I was often required to make quick decisions without much information to hand. One
rd

particular situation involved a client requesting important changes to a project we were working on for
O

them and they needed an answer within the hour. Normally, I would take the time to calculate a cost-
based exercise to determine the impact on our budget and the profitable whenever a client requested
additions or changes. However, this was not possible. I weighed up the risks of losing the client for future
projects as they had already spent a considerable amount of money with us over the years. On that
basis, I agreed to the changes but reiterated there would not anymore. I only ever make quick decisions
if the risk of not doing is at the detriment to the organization I am working for. I will always balance risks
versus the benefits in any situation like this that I am presented with.

Q9. Which social media platform do you prefer and why is it ahead of its competitors?
Sample Answer:

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

That’s a good question! I have a few social media platforms I admire but the one I love the most is
YouTube, for the simple reason it is the best at encouraging its viewers to stay on the platform for a very
long period of time, hence increase its advertising revenue. The ads are clever in the way whilst it is
possible to skip them at the start of the video, you cannot once you are part-way through watching it,
meaning you are less likely to leave the video because you are hooked on the content. It’s also a great
platform because it rewards its content creators well with a 40% share of the ad revenue, and it is also
gradually replacing mainstream television because it gives users more control over what they view.
Basically, they do not have to wait to view scheduled programs.

Q10. What are the most important qualities needed to work for Salesforce?
Sample Answer:

9
In my opinion, you need to be a good team worker and somebody who is able to COLLABORATE with

4
others to achieve the commercial objectives of the organization. You have to be ADAPTABLE and ready

12
to EMBRACE CHANGE positively which serves to ensure the Salesforce brand stays at the forefront of
its market. You have to always PUT THE CLIENT AND THE CUSTOMER first in everything you do. This
08
is important because without the client or customer there would be no business. You need strong
COMMUNICATION SKILLS both in writing and when talking to work colleagues or clients. Clarity in
:0

communication is vital. You have to be prepared to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for your actions and be
D

ACCOUNTABLE for all aspects of your work. Finally, in addition to RESPONDING POSITIVELY TO
PROBLEMS you must have a genuine PASSION FOR THE SALESFORCE PRODUCT AND BRAND. If
I

you are passionate about your work, you will continue to improve, and the customers and clients will
er

benefit from this also.

rd
O

Q11. What’s your biggest weakness?

Sample Answer:
My biggest weakness, which has been brought to my attention before, is the fact I find it quite hard letting
go of projects. I tend to get really engrossed in my work and I spend too much time seeking perfection
when I need to learn to let the project go once it’s been completed. Having said that, one of my main
strengths is my ability to take onboard feedback from others as I do genuinely want to improve. On that
basis, if you see an area you want to me to improve upon, I will go away and work on it.

Q12. Tell me a time when you went out of your way for a customer or client?
Sample Answer:

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

SITUATION: In my previous job I was working on the creation and development of a website for a
customer. It was a particularly difficult project because the customer continually altered the requirements
of the website design and specification.
TASK: It was my job to make sure I provided excellent service for the customer, respond to any of their
queries in a timely manner, whilst at the same time ensuring the project was profitable for my employer.
ACTION: Each time the customer requested a change to the website, I tried to accommodate this where
possible, and providing the amendments didn’t affect our profit margin, I was happy to do the work. In
fact, I even spent time working in the evenings and at weekends for free, to help make the website as
effective and functional as possible and to also meet the deadline.
RESULT: Once the website was complete, I handed it over to the customer who was extremely satisfied.
I calculated I had spent an additional 36 hours on the project in my own spare time. To go above and

9
beyond for people is something that comes naturally to me and something I very much enjoy.

4
Q13. How would you resolve team conflict?
Sample Answer: 12
08
Whenever dealing with any form of conflict, I believe it’s important to remember the organization must
come first. On that basis, you have to put aside any emotion or personal feelings and resolve the conflict
:0

as quickly as possible, so the team can get back to full working capacity. I would deal with it by initially
D

speaking to the person or persons whom the conflict is with. I would ask questions and get to the bottom
of the conflict – it’s important to establish the root cause because this then gives you clarity from which
I

you can resolve it. After I had established the conflict, I would look for mutually beneficial solutions to the
er

problem that everyone not only agrees to, but they also commit to with genuine passion for move
rd

forward. I am confident that if conflict did ever occur within a team I was a part of, I would be able to
O

resolve it swiftly.

Q14. Salesforce takes great pride in putting the needs of the customer first. Tell me a time when
you provided brilliant customer service?
Sample Answer:
While working a customer assistant for a major fashion retailer in a previous role, I served a customer
who was unsure about what pair of trainers to buy. He told me that they had been to a few different
stores, but nothing had suited him either in terms of comfort or style. He seemed very defeated and was
worried that there was nothing out there for him, and so I wanted to turn the situation around. I asked the
customer about what their preferences were: what colours and patterns did they prefer, and whether they

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

wanted high-top trainers or low-top trainers. After hearing his preferences, I searched the shelves for two
or three pairs that might take his fancy. He deliberated for quite a while, and I gave him space to decide
one which pair he liked the most. During this time, I made sure I had the product specifications for all
three pairs available, as well as loading customer reviews for them to give him the best possible
representation of each product. Eventually, he decided on a pair of green slip-on trainers. Finally, I
ensured that the customer had the correct size. At the till, I gave him some tips on keeping his trainers in
good condition, so that they would last as long as possible. Three weeks later, the customer had left a
positive review of the product on the website, thanking our store specifically for the information and
service.

Q15. What’s been the toughest challenge you’ve had to overcome in the past 12 months?

9
Sample Answer:

4
During a recent team project for my employer, we were literally seven days away for the project deadline

12
and everything was going smoothly and as planned. Unfortunately, two important members of the team
had to go off without notice; one due to sickness and the second due to compassionate reasons. The
08
project was thrown into turmoil, and it initially looked like the project would not get delivered, having
potentially disastrous consequences for the client. I decided to step up to the plate and search for ways
:0

we could get the project over the finishing line. I started scouting for talent from other departments, and
D

after a day of intense searching, we managed to hire two people to help us complete the project. We all
worked around the clock due to the time already lost and pulled together, dug deep and focused on the
I

project outcomes. At the end of the deadline the project was completed, and more importantly, to the
er

required specification. I believe I am at my bet when under pressure and can always be relied upon to be
rd

resilient, innovative and determined.

O

Q16. Tell me a time when you took at risk at work?

Sample Answer:
In a previous role, I was often required to make quick decisions without much information to hand. One
particular situation involved a client requesting important changes to a project we were working on for
them and they needed an answer within the hour. Normally, I would take the time to calculate a cost-
based exercise to determine the impact on our budget and the profitable whenever a client requested
additions or changes. However, this was not possible. I weighed up the risks of losing the client for future
projects as they had already spent a considerable amount of money with us over the years. On that
basis, I agreed to the changes but reiterated there would not any more. I only ever make quick decisions

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

if the risk of not doing is at the detriment to the organization I am working for. I will always balance risks
versus the benefits in any situation like this that I am presented with.

Q17. Tell me a time when you found a solution to a challenging problem?

Sample Answer:
I was in a meeting in my previous job where the company’s sales figures were being discussed by the
managers. Although the sales figures were healthy, there was concern amongst the group that the
profitability was not as good as it should be, due to the marketing spend that was ongoing. At the end of
the meeting, I decided to try and find a solution to this problem. I met up with the marketing team, and
they explained to me the bulk of the marketing spend was going on Facebook and social media adverts.
After some investigative work, it became apparent that the team were not using Facebooks tracking

9
pixels that are designed to measure the performance of the advertising spend. I quickly informed them of

4
what I had found, and moving forward from that day on, the organization was able to measure accurately

12
the marketing return on investment. This allowed us to cease adverts that were not giving us any return,
which in turn increased profitability.
08
Q18. What’s your greatest achievement?
:0

Sample Answer:
D

One of my greatest achievements has to be a ‘Black Friday’ sale I was involved in for a previous retail
company I worked for. I was part of the Buying Team, and it was our job to make sure we had enough
I

stock for the sale. The issue we had meant that if we purchased too much stock, we would have to keep
er

it post sale, because the goods were not bought on a sale or return basis, as we did not have that level of
rd

buying power. We decided to buy plenty of stock, but in the build-up to the sale, we canvassed the local
O

area in a big way, and we also ran lots of targeted social media adverts to draw attention to our store and
to also offer customer incentives to come in on the actual day of the sale. The end result was a massive
success! Due to our advertising campaigns, we managed to draw in record customers and make record
sales from entire week’s trading activity. The achievement was one of my greatest because we managed
to overcome uncertainty and ambiguity in order to achieve record sales for our company owner.

Q19. Tell me a time when a project you worked on failed?

Sample Answer:
In my current role as a marketing co-ordinator, I was part of a team tasked with managing an advertising
campaign for a brand-new product. The product was a new type of laundry detergent which was high-

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

performing at lower temperatures, and was more environmentally-friendly than what the market provided.
My team was responsible for organising the production of a radio advertisement, as well as banner
advertisements for websites. These tasks were all completed on-schedule and to a high standard, but
surveys later showed that the adverts were not particularly effective when creating purchases. Initially, we
all felt quite defeated – having spent a lot of time and energy on these two projects. Thankfully, we managed
to learn a few things to improve on. Firstly, we realised that our online advertisements had not been catered
enough to the target audience. This meant that our campaign was not nearly as effective as it could have
been. Secondly, we learnt to keep our excitement and hopes in check during a project. Optimism and
excitement are essential, but it’s important to stay grounded when completing tasks. This way, you can
keep a level head in the event that something goes wrong.

9
Q20. Describe a situation you were in where you had to work under pressure?

4
Sample Answer:

12
In my previous role as a customer service manager I was required to work under pressure on a daily
basis. One particular day, I was presented with a situation where two members of staff had gone sick
08
leaving me with only three other staff members to manage the shop during a busy Saturday. During the
morning we were due to take a stock delivery which meant that I had to perform many tasks without
:0

taking a break. During the day I dealt with two customer complaints, took delivery of the stock, served
D

customers whilst others took their break and also dealt with a fire alarm actuation. I was often required to
perform under pressure and thrive in such conditions. I always adapt well to situations like these and
I

ensure that I still maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. The key to performing well whilst
er

under pressure is to prioritize tasks and also utilize systems so that everybody knows what their role is in
rd

achieving the set goal or task.

O

Q21. If someone in the Salesforce team was not doing their job properly, what would you do?
Sample Answer:
First and foremost, I would try and get them back to full speed as soon as possible. However, before
approaching them, I would clarify that my suspicions were true. The worst possible thing to do in this
situation is falsely accuse someone of not contributing enough. If it was clear that they were not pulling
their weight, I would try to approach them privately and discuss their workload. I would try to express my
concern for their lack of contribution in as polite a way as possible. If there wasn’t a good reason for their
lack of contribution, I would try to emphasise how their behaviour negatively impacts the rest of the team.
Hopefully, trying to help them see things from my point of view will alleviate the situation. If this fails, then

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

I believe it’s important to take the issue higher to be resolved. I would get in touch with my manager first,
and follow their instructions on how to proceed. Under no circumstances would I become angry or
frustrated with the individual – it’s important to remain level-headed in situations of this kind.

Q22. Why did you leave your last job?

Sample Answer:
For the simple reason, I feel it is time for a change. My employer has been fantastic, and I very much
enjoyed working for them, but I feel I have so much more to offer and I've been attracted to your
company since first seeing in the job advert. I will leave my employer on great terms and I will miss the
team, but I am looking forward positively to a new and fresh challenge where my skills and experiences
can be fully utilized.

4 9
Q23. What are your three greatest strengths?
Sample Answer:
12
My top three strengths are my ability to work hard to complete a task even when under pressure; my
08
loyal attitude and approach to work, which means I will never let you down, and my adaptability to
change. I fully realize that change is important if a business is to grow and develop. Other strengths
:0

include my ability to provide outstanding customer and client service and also the fact that I view diversity
D

as an integral part of organizational progression.

I

Q24. Why should we hire you?

er

Sample Answer:
rd

There are a number of reasons why I believe you should hire me. I am extremely hard-working, I am very
O

passionate about my work, and I love collaborating with others on new and exciting projects. I want this
job at Salesforce because not only will I be tested and challenged continuously, but this is an
organization where I can be creative and innovative at the same time. I have lots of transferrable skills,
qualities and experience that are a match for the job description. For example, in my previous job, I
constantly worked on projects whereby we needed, as a team, to overcome difficult challenges and also
work alongside stakeholders and contractors to all achieve the same goal. I understand working at
Salesforce means I will have to rigorously maintain high standards, and I will have to put the long-term
vision and objectives of the organization at the forefront of everything I do.

Q25. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

Sample Answer:
In five years’ time, I see myself progressing within the company to the point where not only am not only
well-respected in the role, but I’ve also taken on further responsibilities. I believe that, in five years’ time, I
will have proven myself as an invaluable member of the team. I would also take great pleasure in
assisting the training and development of newer colleagues who occupy a similar role.

Q26. What are your salary expectations in this role here at Salesforce?
Sample Answer:
I have carried out some research in relation to the average salary for this position, and the general range
is between $48,000 and $65,000. Whilst I do personally feel I am worth the higher end of the salary scale,
I understand and appreciate I need to prove to you my worth. On that basis, I would be comfortable with a

9
salary of $60,000.

4
NOTE: Please conduct your own research into the general salary range for the job you are applying for
with Salesforce.
12
08
Q27. That’s the end of your Salesforce interview. Do you have questions for the panel?
Sample Answer:
:0

QUESTION – What would you need me to concentrate on in this role within the first 30 days or so of
D

commencing work here at Salesforce?

QUESTION – What, if anything, has disappointed you about people who have worked in this position
I

previously?
er

QUESTION – What’s the culture like here at Salesforce? I’ve heard some great things about the working
rd

environment.
O

How to Use These Interview Questions and Answers:

These interview questions and answers are intended to guide you in your preparation for your job
interview. These questions have been picked by the PassMyInterview team because we believe
that they are the best representative of what you will face in your interview.

The sample answers in this resource are collated from years of experience and research in the
recruitment sector. The answers confidently display the appropriate qualities and competencies
that the interviewer expects from successful candidates.

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

Read the sample answers carefully, and take note of what skills and competencies they
demonstrate. You might notice that, when the question asks for examples, the answer uses the
STAR method to construct the response:

Situation. Start off your response to the interview question by explaining what the ‘situation’ was
and who was involved.

Task. Once you have detailed the situation, explain what the ‘task’ was, or what needed to be

9
done.

4
Action. Now explain what ‘action’ you took, and what action others took. Also explain why you
12
08
took this particular course of action.

Result. Explain to the panel what you would do differently if the same situation arose again. It is
:0
D

good to be reflective at the end of your responses. This demonstrates a level of maturity and it
will also show the panel that you are willing to learn from every experience.
I
er

In order to get the best possible results, apply this system to your own examples and experiences
rd

in working life. These sample answers are intended to inspire you to create your own responses
O

to the questions.

Disclaimer:
PassMyInterview is not responsible for anyone failing any part of any selection process as a result
of the information contained within this resource. PassMyInterview and their authors cannot accept
any responsibility for any errors or omissions within this resource, however caused. No
responsibility for loss or damage occasioned by any person acting, or refraining from action, as a
result of the material in this publication can be accepted by PassMyInterview.

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW
 www.PassMyInterview.com

Get more guides, books and training courses at the website www.How2Become.com.

Copyright © PassMyInterview.com. All Rights Reserved. For personal use only.

4 9
12
08
:0
I D
er
rd
O

SALESFORCE INTERVIEW