Behind the Scenes of a Sales Interview: Lessons from a Zomato Mock Interview

Behind the Scenes of a Sales Interview: Lessons from a Zomato Mock

When you’re preparing for a high-stakes role at a company like Zomato, your interview isn’t just a conversation—it’s a pitch, a pressure test, and a reflection of how well you understand the business. Here’s how a 1:1 mock interview session with GoCrackIt mentor Siddhartha Banerjee helped one student turn instinct into insight and preparation into confidence.

Student: So, nothing much since our last interaction about Hawkins. I thought that interview went really well, it was completely behavioural and focused on interests and hobbies. I didn’t fumble or mess up at all. Still not sure what went wrong.

Siddhartha: That happens. Sometimes, someone else just fits better. Did someone else get selected?

Student: Yes, they did. Probably just a profile match.

Siddhartha: Exactly. Let’s shift focus to Zomato. What’s been the process so far?

Student: They asked for a video submission—basic questions like “Tell us about yourself,” “Your favourite restaurant chain,” and “Why Zomato?” Now it’s the interview round.

Siddhartha: Got it. This is for the dining out vertical, not food delivery?

Student: Yes, specifically dining.

Siddhartha: Great. Have you used Dineout or EazyDiner?

Student: Quite a bit. I usually check them when I’m in a new area. I’ve also booked tables and paid through the apps for discounts.

Siddhartha: What’s Zomato’s version called?

Student: It’s just a tab inside the main Zomato app—called Zomato Dining.

Siddhartha: Make sure to get that name right. If a restaurant asks why offer discounts to people already coming in?

Student: To attract new customers. When I visit a new area and search for food, listed restaurants pop up first—that visibility helps them grow.

Siddhartha: Correct. Because if they rely only on repeat customers, they aren’t growing. That’s a red flag. You’ll likely get this in mock interviews, too.

Student: Got it. So it’s a chance to pitch expansion, not just retention.

Siddhartha: Right. Now, which types of restaurants do you think benefit most from this model?

Student: Fine dining spots. People usually don’t order from these, they go there for the experience. Dining platforms help them attract more footfall.

Siddhartha: And if a premium restaurant says discounts hurt their brand?

Student: We could offer things like priority bookings or loyalty rewards. That way, we help them enhance the experience instead of reducing value.

Siddhartha: Great thinking. What are some issues restaurants might face after listing?

Student: They may feel the visibility isn’t enough, or that the discount structure doesn’t work. Some might even struggle with the tools Zomato provides.

Siddhartha: And from the customer side?

Student: Unclear promotions, lack of grievance redressal, or restaurants missing from the listings.

Siddhartha: Also, mismatched expectations, a deal shown on the app but misunderstood by the restaurant. And customer no-shows after booking.

Student: Right. Those are tricky situations.

Siddhartha: As a Key Account Manager, you’ll handle multiple restaurant partners. So, beyond visibility, how can you increase their footfall?

Student: Smart promos, targeted offers, and using analytics to identify and fix operational issues, like service delays or poor ratings.

Siddhartha: What else?

Student: Work on branding and experience—menus, ambience, inventory. Zomato’s tools can support that.

Siddhartha: Exactly. Now think about Zomato’s existing data, users who frequently order in the area. Can you market restaurant events to them?

Student: Yes, through personalised campaigns or app notifications. Zomato already sends great alerts. We can use that system for our partners.

Siddhartha: Good. In mock interview practice, always show how your thinking impacts the bigger business. That matters.

Student: One more thing—how should I answer “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” I’m unsure of the growth path from this role.

Siddhartha: Typically, you start with managing more restaurants. Then you lead a team of CAMs, scaling up from a district to a region or even nationwide. Check LinkedIn for real examples—that helps in mock interview preparation.

Student: So, I can talk about growing into a sales leadership role?

Siddhartha: Yes—owning a portfolio, leading teams, and shaping strategic direction.

Student: Makes sense. Am I answering things the right way?

Siddhartha: Absolutely. Just polish a few examples. Also, bring in local context—like which restaurants are listed where, or what chains you personally use. That shows involvement.

Student: I’ll do that tonight.

Siddhartha: Great. Practice interviews like this are meant to sharpen your lens. You’ve done well—just work on structure and a few refinements.

Student: Thanks a lot. This helped a lot.

Siddhartha: And remember, online interview practice is about more than right answers. It’s about alignment, business sense, and reflection. Use tools like mock interviews online or do a dry run with a friend. Even a Google mock interview approach can help—clarity and structure always win.

Student: I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks again!

Behind the Scenes of a Sales Interview: Lessons from a Zomato Mock

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