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Sales Associate - Western Great Lakes

Illinois Tool Works · WI · Remote available · 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

Why do you want to start your sales career in industrial products and distribution?

What they are checking: Whether they genuinely want this path toward a channel or industrial sales manager role.

Tell me about a time you did hands-on technical work. Do you have experience with welding, tools or industrial equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they have the hands-on aptitude to run demonstrations and troubleshoot equipment in the field.

How do you keep your CRM accurate when you are busy in the field all day?

What they are checking: Whether they have the discipline to document activity, which the posting stresses for pipeline management.

Tell me about a time you taught a group of people something new. How did you keep their attention?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead product training for inside and outside sellers who have limited time.

What would you do

You are running an onsite demonstration and the equipment does not perform the way you expected. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay composed in front of a customer and turn a problem into a credible conversation.

How would you build a relationship with a distributor branch where the reps already sell competing brands?

What they are checking: Whether they earn attention by making the branch's sellers more successful, not by pushing harder.

A branch manager calls because an order is late and their customer is angry. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they expedite and communicate honestly, since solving problems is how trust is built with branches.

This role covers a large region with a lot of travel. How do you feel about that, and how would you manage it?

What they are checking: Whether they have realistic expectations about travel and a plan to stay organized on the road.

About the work

Walk me through how you would prospect for new industrial accounts in a territory you do not know yet.

What they are checking: Whether they can plan prospecting methodically using research, industry events and referrals.

How do you decide whether a lead is worth more of your time?

What they are checking: Whether they understand basic lead qualification instead of chasing every conversation equally.

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The full job description

As published by Illinois Tool Works.

Job Description: The Opportunity The Sales Associate role offers hands-on experience across distributor branches, industrial accounts, and regional sales, building the skills to manage a territory, channel, or industrial segment. Success comes from ownership, field execution, and collaboration with sales and internal teams to drive product adoption and solve customer problems using hands-on skills, while preparing for a future role as a Channel or Industrial Sales Manager. What You’ll Do • Support top distributor branches by managing merchandising programs expediting orders, resolving issues, quoting, and onboarding new reps • Deliver and co-lead product and program training (consumables, equipment, and new product introductions), reinforcing ITW’s value proposition to inside and outside sellers • Conduct onsite demonstrations, support new product introductions, and assist sales managers with troubleshooting and identifying equipment and consumable opportunities • Partner with Channel and Industrial Sales Managers to execute strategic initiatives, grow underdeveloped accounts, and generate new business through prospecting and industry engagement • Generate and qualify leads while maintaining disciplined pipeline management, CRM documentation, and activity reporting to drive opportunity progression and closed/won results • Build critical professional skills including executive presence, storytelling, negotiation, and conflict resolution What Success Looks Like • Demonstrated readiness to contribute to managing a territory, distributor channel, or industrial segment in partnership with the broader team. • Strong engagement and positive feedback from distributors, end users, and regional teammates. • Consistent generation and progression of qualified sales opportunities. • Successful execution of sales programs and initiatives, including new product introductions and merchandising adoption • Growth in technical knowledge, selling capability, and professional presence. • Accurate, disciplined CRM tracking and pipeline management. What You Bring • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; technical, sales, or industrial background preferred. • Experience in sales, customer-facing roles, or technical support in industrial/manufacturing environments preferred. • Strong communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills. • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a field-based, developmental role. • Comfortable presenting technical and commercial content to distributor teams and end users. • Eagerness to learn, develop professionally, and progress into a full sales leadership or specialized industrial role. • Willingness and ability to travel overnight up to 50% of the time. 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. 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.

Apply at Illinois Tool Works