I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Keyence (Manchester, England) in Jun 2025
Interview
Multiple stage interview process.
1st stage - 3 minute recorded interview where you are asked to answer a question like “why keyence?”
2nd stage - Online assesment, basic common knowledge test like bennets test.
3rd stage - First stage interview, done online with HR manager & a sales rep. Basic interview questions, such as “why sales?” “What skills do you have that would be beneficial?” Etc.. also asked to then do a roleplay cold call sale as a marketing manager trying to sell a events hall in a hotel, just make sure to close the deal (e.g. book an in person meeting)
4th Stage - In person interview with two regional sales manager, this is where it gets tricky. Interview lasts around 45 min to 1 hour.
First part of the interview they basically disect every part of your CV, ask questions about your past experiences, & skills and how they can be brought into the sales role.
They also mention how difficult the role can be and try to work out whether you have the mental strength to survive and be “micro managed”. And whether you would prefer to work in a team with young people & no structure or a team of managers etc. be careful for trick questions
2nd part of the interview is a roleplay, you are asked to sell their LRZH sensor to a engineer at a pizza manufacturer, you are given some info about the laser but that is it, they then try catch you out about info regarding the laser that isn’t available anywhere to see how you deal with it. The aim is to try and close the deal, (e.g try get them to secure in a trial demo of the laser on one of their production lines)
Top tip, do lots and lots of research about the laser or whatever product they give you, this is basically make or break on whether you get the job or not. You need to know the product inside & out, they don’t care about your experience if you cant learn and sell their product to them in the interview you have no chance of getting the job.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Role play “Sell LRZH sensor to an pizza manufacturer”
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Keyence (London, England) in Sept 2024
Interview
Started with online application with resume. Very straight forward. Followed up by submission of online interview recordings. Again straight forward. Next stage was a Bennett test, trickier and requires good understanding of physics. Followed by two interviews with colleagues via teams, Easy going.
Applied, filled out personality test, joined a group zoom call with other applicants, and then completed a one sided video interview. The video interview gave you a few seconds to view the question and then time to answer the questio. You couldn't redo your answer
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
When was a time you faced a challenge and how did you overcome it