"Why sales?" is the first filter in a sales interview. Interviewers ask it to separate people with genuine, specific motivation from those who are drifting. A strong answer names the thing about the work that genuinely pulls you — the measurable outcomes, the craft of persuasion, the resilience the rejection requires — and connects it to a real example. A weak answer is "I like people" or "the money is good." The question is also your chance to show you understand what the job actually involves.
In plain English
They want to hear that you chose this, not fell into it. Show them the part of selling that excites you and prove it with a moment where you already did it. Specific beats passionate; evidence beats adjectives.
Why it matters to you
The "why" sets the tone for everything after. A crisp, honest answer makes the rest of the interview an easy yes. Nailing it requires self-awareness — ask yourself why you really want this, then say that. Prepare it like you would any other answer, because it will be asked.