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Inside Sales Specialist

Illinois Tool Works · IL · Remote available · $65,000–$75,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a territory you grew mostly by phone and email. What did you do that worked?

What they are checking: Whether they can drive growth from inside sales rather than depending on in-person visits.

Tell me about a time you managed a project with several moving parts, like a large quote or product trial.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the project management side of the role with clear follow-up.

How do you keep your CRM and pipeline up to date?

What they are checking: Whether they have the discipline to document activity so the field team and managers can rely on it.

Tell me about a sale you are proud of. What made the difference?

What they are checking: Whether they understand what actually moved the customer, which shows how they think about selling.

What would you do

A long-time customer has stopped ordering. How do you find out why and win them back?

What they are checking: Whether they investigate lost business directly and with curiosity rather than assuming it is price.

How do you support a field sales rep so they trust you with their accounts?

What they are checking: Whether they see themselves as a partner who follows through, not a competitor for credit.

A customer says a competitor's abrasives are cheaper. What do you say?

What they are checking: Whether they can sell on results and total cost instead of jumping straight to a discount.

About the work

Buehler sells consumables for sample preparation like polishing pads and abrasives. How would you grow repeat consumable orders with existing labs?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that consumables revenue comes from retention and usage, not one-time sales.

What do you know about material analysis or metallography, and how would you learn enough to talk with lab technicians?

What they are checking: Whether they are willing to learn the technical side well enough to be credible with scientific customers.

How do you decide which leads to call first on a busy day?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize by potential value and timing rather than working the list from the top.

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The full job description

As published by Illinois Tool Works.

Job Description: Buehler, a division of Illinois Tool Works, is a leading manufacturer of scientific equipment and supplies for use in material analysis. Over the past 80+ years, Buehler has established sales, manufacturing and laboratory services located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Comprised of world-class products and brands, such as Wilson Hardness, Buehler continues a long history of providing market-leading technology to support our customers in their sample preparation and material analysis applications. Buehler’s parent company, ITW, is a Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturer of value-added consumables and specialty equipment with related service businesses. The Company focuses on profitable growth with strong returns across worldwide platforms and businesses. The businesses serve local customers and markets around the globe, with a significant presence in developed as well as emerging markets. The Inside Sales Specialist is primarily responsible for supporting the field sales team and helping drive consumables sales growth through customer retention, business development, lead generation, and project management. The role requires a proven ability to manage and grow a territory primarily from inside sales, with limited field activity as needed. • Drive consumable product sales with existing and new customers through outbound sales activity. • Meet or exceed territory sales goals by partnering with the Field Sales Engineer to retain and grow business. • Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities. • Manage consumables retention, lead generation, preventative maintenance sales, and outreach to customers with declining sales. • Build relationships with key decision-makers. • Assess customer needs and present solutions that demonstrate the value of Buehler consumables. • Develop customer relationships and provide product and market expertise. • Plan and prioritize daily sales activities using the CRM system. • Work independently while following guidance from sales leadership. • Provide sales forecasts in partnership with the Field Sales Engineer. • Coordinate remote demonstrations and customer sample testing with the lab team. • Support joint selling efforts with the outside sales team on larger opportunities. • Assist with lead qualification. • Participate in sales meetings, training programs, marketing campaigns, and special projects. • Monitor market and competitive activity and share insights with sales leadership. • Track wins and losses and adjust sales approaches as needed. Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in a science or technical discipline. • At least 1 year of technical work experience. • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. • Customer-focused with a collaborative team-oriented approach. • Strong organizational, presentation, and multitasking abilities. • Self-starter with effective prioritization and problem-solving skills. • Positive attitude, persistence, and sound decision-making skills. • Formal sales training is preferred. • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. • Must live within the state of Illinois • This will be a hybrid role during the first year of onboarding Additional Information: • 7.5% 401K match • 4 weeks of paid time off • 10 paid company holidays • Recognition program • Competitive health insurance Compensation Information: The base salary for this position is $65,000 - 75,000 + commissions for those in the Illinois area. Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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