Interview Questions for Pre Need Sales Position

[TwiLight]

If it had low turnover, it's most likely a good spot. When agents have a good position in a good funeral home they never leave. Good income. Sometimes good benefits. Easily earn a great free trip every year.

For the right personality it's perfect.

A good friend of mine went to work for his father-in-law's Life health agency for his Funeral Home.....He is a small GA with 4 agents...

That was 27 years ago. The Agents have been there for 10+ years. All are conference qualifiers for their main carrier for as long as I can remember.

As Newby said, always a good fit if you are lucky enough to latch on to a good Funeral Home.

 

[Newby]

Every pre-need agent wins the annual trip because they just write one company.

They all accept all health and have about the same rates. So the funeral home and agent just select one and start writing business.

 

[tcroddys]

Thanks everyone - decision is coming down to taking a job as a sales manager position in advertising sales with a nice guaranteed salary + bonus dependent on my team hitting goals and going to work in preneed sales.

Guarantee is likely close to what the remaining preneed rep is making but I believe I'm a more qualified salesperson and better closer. Issue really comes down to how to bridge the income difference during the learning period in preneed/funeral services vs the guarantee of a salary. My heart is telling me one thing and my head the other (of course LOL).

 

[xrac]

Only you can make that decision. Sometimes we change jobs for the wrong reasons. However, sometimes there is no perfect answer.

 

[moonlightandmargaritas]

My heart is telling me one thing and my head the other (of course LOL).

Just about every poor decision is made when emotion conquers logic. Be smart. Go with your head.

 

[sunnycal]

I recently completed the interview process (and got the job) with a prominent funeral home in my area for their Advance Planning / preneed sales department.

Based on my experience, I'd also suggest candidates balance the questions suggested earlier in the thread with some that demonstrate you understand that preneed can be a sensitive topic, and the sales approach will be very service-oriented. That is, you want to "serve the community by helping people give their families the priceless gift of peace of mind." <- That's the tone the funeral home wants to convey.

So, if you're going to ask a lot of "what's in it for me?" (e.g. commission, lead sources, etc.) or general business questions (which insurance company, how many sales/yr, etc.) - that's great. But I'd also suggest you ask some softer, service-oriented questions, such as:

-- How do you feel about planners leading educational seminars in the community to share the importance of preplanning, as a representative of ABC Mortuary?

-- Does ABC Mortuary have relationships with religious and cultural groups in the community, which could help me learn how to best serve diverse beliefs with their unique beliefs on funerals?

Also be prepared to answer questions like:

-- Why preneed funeral sales? If you have a personal story you can tell about why you think preplanning is important for everyone to do, that would definitely be better than saying you've heard it pays great and think you'll make a lot of money.

-- Why ABC Mortuary? Since you'll be selling exclusively for them, be prepared with a couple reasons you think they provide better care and service, have the most beautiful facilities, or are a better value than their competitors.