How to Ace Your Sales Interview at Equifax: Insider Tips from a Hiring Manager

Looking to elevate your career in sales? Equifax could be the perfect fit. Landing that dream job starts with acing your interview, and who better to give you the inside scoop than an experienced hiring manager? We sat down with Shae Bernhardt, who leads the Inside Enterprise Sales Credit Union Team at Equifax, to get her firsthand advice on how to shine during your sales interview. 

Tune in as Shae walks us through the Equifax sales interview process and reveals the key qualities that make a candidate stand out.

Shae’s Story: Growing at Equifax

Shae’s career journey at Equifax is a testament to career growth and work-life balance. After a year dedicated to being a stay-at-home mom, she returned to the workforce in 2021 as an Inside Sales Account Executive. She actively worked with Equifax recruiters to secure a non-travel sales role, a decision that allowed her to balance her professional aspirations with family life. She knew this opportunity was a stepping stone into becoming an influential leader in sales at Equifax.

Her talent and drive were quickly recognized. Within six months, she was promoted to Strategic Hybrid Account Executive, followed by a promotion to manager after just one year in that role. Her commitment to fostering talent is evident through her leadership with the Sales Breakfast Club, her role in heading the first sales Rotational Development Program, and her co-chairmanship of the Women's Career Development Network. Today, Shae leads a large team and manages a substantial multi-million dollar revenue portfolio, consistently seeking new challenges and opportunities for professional development.

As Shae herself notes, “One thing I really love about Equifax is the career progression. If you come in and do a great job, the career opportunities are endless.”

The Interview Process at Equifax

So, what's the interview process like for sales candidates at Equifax? According to Shae, it typically begins with an initial screen with a recruiter, followed by a meeting with the hiring manager. Subsequent rounds include a panel interview with other managers and a final interview with an SVP.  For candidates based in Atlanta, the final interview will be conducted in person.

Shae's Top 5 Tips for a Powerful First Impression

Navigating the interview process means introducing yourself to several individuals. Making a strong first impression is crucial, and Shae has observed some common pitfalls. Here are her top five tips to help you make a memorable and positive impact:

1. Dress to Impress: Dress professionally to show respect. For virtual interviews, ensure a quiet, well-lit setting and keep your camera on to build rapport and engagement.
2. Bring Your "Brag Book" to Life: Don't shy away from highlighting your achievements and demonstrating why you're the ideal candidate. Shae recommends having a readily available list of your accomplishments and key performance indicators. Review the job description, connect your achievements to the requirements, and practice incorporating metrics that highlight your impact on client engagement and revenue growth. And don't forget thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer! This shows genuine interest and engagement.
3. Know Your Audience and the Company: Research Equifax – check their website, LinkedIn, and recent news. If you know your interviewers, look them up on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds. This demonstrates business acumen and preparedness, which are essential qualities in a sales professional.
4. Show Coachability: Highlight your eagerness to learn, adapt, and contribute to the team's overall success. Share examples of how you've embraced feedback and grown professionally.
5. Address Concerns: At the end of the interview, don't hesitate to ask if there are any reservations about your candidacy. This shows confidence and gives you an opportunity to address any doubts directly.

Following Up After the Interview

Shae emphasizes the critical importance of a prompt and personalized thank-you email after each interview. Tailor your message to reference specific points discussed, and if any concerns were raised, reiterate how your skills and experience can overcome them. If you haven't heard back within a week, don't hesitate to send a polite follow-up.

By following Shae's advice, you'll be well-prepared to ace your sales interview at Equifax and take the next step in your career!

Learn more about available opportunities at Equifax.