SaasSlingin profile picture
SaasSlingin profile picture

SaasSlingin

Sr AE

Politicker
Valued Contributor
Opinionated
+5

Experience applying in this market

Sheesh, is it that rough out there?  
While I have yet to proactively apply anywhere, I've had initial screenings after hiring managers & internal recruiters reached out, only to not even advance to the next round.  pretty discouraging tbh (happened 4-5x's so far). gettin the standard "we're moving forward with canidates more aligned for this position". i think asking for feedback after a 15-20min initiatial conversation is pretty unwarranted, so I haven't.
prior experience interviewing has gone smoothly: I typically make it to round 3-4 and get sliced then or receive an offer. 
context: overperformed every quarter of my career except this last one. decent at interviewing. When they ask if I'd consider the switch I don't have a great reason. haven't sat and formulated one, I'm deep in the trenches atm but maybe I start b.s'ing once I seriously want to jump ship?
ya'll let me know, what is most compelling as to why we'd join a new org?

more curious what others' experience has been applying and interviewing in this market.  similiar to what I've described above? 

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15 comments

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CuriousFox
WR Officer
6
🦊
Take 10 minutes out of your day and figure out what would make you take another role. Only you can answer that question.
jefe
Arsonist
0
🍁
Yea. I'd view that as red flag were a candidate not able to answer this question.
TennisandSales
Politicker
4
Head Of Sales
yeah you HAVE to have a good story to go with that question.

it forsure has to be more than "well my current role sucks and this might suck less" haha.

start BSing one for sure. Do some research on them, figure out some cool things they are doing and explain how those things get you excited and you want to be apart of a team like that. you might actually find some good stuff doing that!
SaasSlingin
Politicker
1
Sr AE
Awesome advice considering i did minimal research going into these (assumed it matters rounds 2 and beyond).
Thing is my current role doesn’t suck and company’s notable enough that these ppl know it. It’s almost like my reason needs to be especially compelling or something, idrk
Diablo
Politicker
3
Sr. AE
I think you have to formulate or conclude that compelling reason as everyone’s goal is different :)
money, work life back, remote working, ic role and most importantly do you really want to change the job blah blah ….

the market seems to be at its low right now (based on the outreach I get) but I am in Canada, not sure how it’s in the States.
HappyGilmore
Politicker
2
Account Executive
I have had a similar experience. Also seeing a lot of jobs wanting 3-5+ years of SaaS experience (I've got just under 2 of full SaaS closing experience).
SaasSlingin
Politicker
2
Sr AE
Same and same. Funny cause i’ve landed roles that required 3+ yrs back when i had less closing experience
HappyGilmore
Politicker
0
Account Executive
I've been applying to those specific roles that require it and a lot of times getting the rejection email upfront after applying.
GreenSide
Politicker
2
Sales manager
If you can’t answer why you’d consider a switch, the hiring manager can probably sense that and that might be why you’re not moving on. No reason for them to spend time convincing you.
SaasSlingin
Politicker
1
Sr AE
I also recognize it’s real competitive out there and the last couple times I’ve applied markets were hot
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
I had a similar experience. Seems like its a recruiters market.
SaasSlingin
Politicker
0
Sr AE
Not sure if i should be comforted or concerned hearing this from you
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
I wasn't going hard, just put some feelers out there. some standard easy applies. One interview I had didn't like that I had 6 months exp as an AE and was ready to bounce. I should of provided a better reason for wanting to leave other than our company is scamming its users. Something more like, I'm not neccesarrily looking but was open to seeing what was out there if the money and fit is better than what I'm currently being offered.

Haven't cold called or dmed any sales leaders, havent left any comments on posts, haven't done the usual, just been busy.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
I'm not interviewing, so can't provide intel from the trenches, but the pendulum seems to have swung from reps having the upper hand back to companies. Fewer jobs being posted means they can be a lot more selective.
LordOfWar
Tycoon
1
Blow it up
Every interview I've had in the past 2 years has gone nowhere. I'm comfortable where I am and need a lot to leave so I'm not upset.

I'm at the point now where I ask for comp details upfront to save time.

My response to the "why switch?" question is that I've outgrown my previous roles and want to maintain momentum. I explain that there are issues preventing the company I'm at from keeping pace with the growth I'm bringing, and since I don't think I've hit my ceiling yet I want to work with an org that is ready to go to the next level. Seems to go over well.

50% of the time they say I'm not old enough or need more experience. The other 50% is usually them not wanting to hit my minimum comp requirements and filtering me out.

Its a tough go out there. Recruiters are just ticking boxes and wasting everyone's time.

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