Outside Sales Representative - Springfield

The Outside Sales Representative at Richards Building Supply is responsible for engaging prospective customers, managing relationships, and building a self-sustaining client network. Key duties include assisting customers with credit applications, responding to inquiries with accurate product information, and utilizing sales reports to identify opportunities. The role also involves cold calling, following up on leads, training customers on product lines, and ensuring timely payment collection.

To qualify as an Outside Sales Representative at Richards Building Supply, candidates should ideally have a minimum of 3 years of outside sales experience, particularly within the building materials industry. Strong interpersonal skills, a professional presence, proficiency in MS Office products, and the ability to adapt to varying customer needs are essential for success in this role.

Richards Building Supply offers a comprehensive benefits package for their Outside Sales Representatives, including a competitive base salary with uncapped commissions, 20 paid days off during the first year, holiday bonuses, and significant employer contributions toward health benefits. They also provide a robust 401K program with industry-leading company match, along with various voluntary benefits to cater to employees' needs.

Career advancement opportunities are abundant at Richards Building Supply. This family-owned company values growth and development, allowing employees to explore various paths based on industry experience and personal development. Continuous training on new products and sales strategies ensures that Outside Sales Representatives can progress within the organization while enhancing their skill sets.

The sales environment for the Outside Sales Representative at Richards Building Supply is fast-paced and dynamic. Representatives engage with a diverse client base, and their days can involve a mix of cold calling, client meetings, and problem-solving. Team collaboration is encouraged, providing supportive synergy among sales professionals passionately focused on delivering high-quality products and service excellence.

When discussing cold calling strategies, it's essential to mention your preparation process. Highlight researching potential clients, using a tailored pitch, and establishing rapport quickly. Emphasize your ability to listen to client needs and how you manage follow-ups for ongoing engagement, which shows your proactiveness and commitment to building relationships.

For handling objections, share your approach of listening carefully to the customer’s concerns and addressing them with empathy. Provide examples of successful resolutions where you've worked collaboratively with clients to find suitable solutions, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and dedication to customer satisfaction.

In your response, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to share a specific example. Explain the context of the lead, the challenges you faced, the steps you took to nurture the relationship, and the successful outcome of securing the sale. This method helps convey your thought process and successes effectively.

Prioritize mentioning communication and trust as key factors in long-term customer relationships. Discuss how you proactively follow up with clients post-sale, offer support, and value their feedback. You can also illustrate your commitment to client needs with examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond for them.

Highlight any previous roles specifically in the building materials industry, elaborating on your responsibilities and achievements. Discuss your knowledge of products, customer preferences, and how this background equips you for excellence as an Outside Sales Representative. Show your passion for the industry and how you stay informed on trends.

In answering this question, share your tools and methods for staying organized, such as using CRM software or scheduling regular time blocks for calls and client meetings. Discuss how you prioritize tasks based on customer needs and sales goals, ensuring you maximize productivity while providing exceptional service.

Discuss your personal motivations, whether it's achieving sales targets, building relationships, or helping customers find solutions. Your passion for sales should shine through in your answer, along with how these motivations align with Richards Building Supply’s values and goals, creating a compelling narrative for your fit with the role.

Explain your methodology for forecasting sales, including how you analyze past data and current trends to set realistic goals. Describe the tools you use for tracking performance and how you reflect on this data to adapt your strategies, highlighting your analytical mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.

Emphasize the importance of collaboration and communication in sales, noting how working with colleagues strengthens customer service and increases sales potential. Provide examples of successful team projects and how you supported fellow team members in achieving collective goals, showcasing your commitment to a team environment.

In your response, express admiration for Richards Building Supply's family-owned culture and its commitment to quality products and customer service. Discuss how their values align with your own, and mention specific aspects of the company—such as their community involvement or employee development initiatives—that resonate with you personally.