peachykeen

sae e-commerce

Valued Contributor

Feeling Crushed and Discouraged #JobHunting

Hi Gals and Pals,

Been awhile hasn't it?

I have been job hunting for a few months now (sales roles obvs), have had several interviews and a few 2nd/3rd rounders. A couple of those came back and said they suddenly don't have funding to hire for the role I was interviewing for and a couple others ... well, just didn't get to next step or to offer.

Sales peeps are meant to be resilient and accustomed to hearing "No" often. But in this position, when you're at a point where you're really needing to secure something and it's like the roles are slipping through your fingers - I'm feeling totally deflated. A few of the companies I've interviewed with would have been amazing. But I am struggling to seal the deal.

My most recent interview was for a killer role, in an industry I've been wanting to get back into and with a company with great perks. I felt that all my "No's" had lead me to this opportunity. Got through 2nd round, didn't get invited for 3rd. Now I'm replaying the interview in my head and ripping it apart. I'm questioning all my work experience and doubting my interviewing abilities (I believe I've always done well in these situations). But the old, "we have chosen to move forward with other candidates whose experience better align..." line - It's tough not getting some constructive feedback.

Not sure what I'm looking to get from you all ... probably some empathy lol. Have been researching interview tips and still applying.

Anyway, just sharing.

Keep at it Savages

✌️ Growing Pains

🤘 Personal Growth

39

43 comments

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RandyLahey

Politicker

14

Account Executive

I'm sorry to hear this. Interviewing can be a soul-crushing process. I'm not entirely sure of how your situation is, but maybe take a day off from the process? Just fuck around for a day and clear your mind?
Good luck.

jefe

Arsonist

8

🍁

Agreed.
Get outside during that day as well.

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

4

Sales Rep

Got to take care of your mentals, whether it be walks, cutting out social media, less technology, having a tea over coffee, or simply seeing your friends/family.

CadenceCombat

Tycoon

10

Account Executive

Be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up.

If you get in a mode where you’re just agonizing over past interviews, take 5 - 10 minutes to acknowledge and absorb what you’re feeling without being critical of yourself.

Then either do something positive for your mental health (can be as simple as going for a walk) or do something productive for your job search (can be as simple as choosing to apply to 1 job before shutting off your laptop for the day).

You know it’s inevitable that you get another job, its just a question of how much time it will take. Beating yourself up is only likely to make the process longer.

Good luck!

Diablo

Politicker

4

Sr. AE

Sorry to hear that, good things would happen soon. Based on your initial convo, when are these companies planning to hire, this or next year?

peachykeen

Politicker

0

sae e-commerce

To my knowledge, this year. No one mentioned the roles would be for next year. However the one I mentioned about funding was looking to pick up hiring next year.

J.J.McLure

Politicker

3

Owner at *redacted*

I feel for ya bud, it’s tough not to take it personally sometimes. It can take time, my search was about 6 months. Keep your head up and keep applying away, see if there’s anything you can do to give yourself an edge.

What kind of prep do you do for the interviews? I was talking to my manager about the other candidates they interviewed and he said the majority knew very little about the company and what we sell whereas I did my research on the company and their competition and it showed.

peachykeen

Politicker

2

sae e-commerce

I always research the companies and people that do/will do the interviewing. I try to create conversation that's relevant to the industry/role in relation to my experience. Most recently, the interviewer had just returned from a conference where they spoke so I mention that and the topic of the presentation they gave. I had direct experience with the products' targets and how to speak about it's relevance "in the field".
The whole process of interviewing is such a headfuck.

J.J.McLure

Politicker

3

Owner at *redacted*

That all sounds great. It is a tough mental game, much harder than getting rejected for a sale. Remember thought that just because someone buys a Ferrari, doesn't mean that Lambo, Porsche and McLaren are sub par. You'll find a place that's the right fit for you and sometimes it's even a blessing in disguise to get passed over, I just checked out one place that I was really bummed out about not getting a position at early on in my search and they just declared bankruptcy!

GDO

Politicker

3

BDM

The process sucks! I hope you'll find a suitable role soon!

SoccerandSales

Big Shot

3

Account Executive

Keep grinding, job hunting is the hardest process. Might be a tad cliche these days, but I have always liked asking the question "Is there anything about my interview/resume that make you feel that I wouldn't be a good fit for the role?" Really helps you understand where you stand and potentially navigate those objections

3

Retired Sales Professional

The important thing here is to try and keep yourself in a good mental healthy space by remembering that you are unique and where created with purpose.

You can't control what other think or feel about you, but you can control how you feel about the situation. Jobs and companies do not define who you are, in fact, always keep in mind that when a company passes up on you they are actually passing up a solid self-motivated individual and it's their lose not your.

Cut yourself some slack and reward yourself for your achievements, for telling people how you feel (that in it self is not easy). Reward yourself for being you, for waking up in the morning and getting back to the grind.

Reward yourself with something your truly love to do, but never tear yourself down because the only time you fail is when you fail to try. All the best. 👍👍

HVACexpert

Politicker

3

sales engineer

Have you checked out @Gasty ‘s posts on ‘Who’s Hiring’ or Bravado Flex.

Interviewing sucks, good luck to you. If you want us to provide notes on your resume feel free to share with us.

wolfofmiami

Opinionated

3

🐺

Network, not on that LI bullshit and ask for a coffee chat, no.
Go to the nicest bar in your area, I went out to a nice bar the other night I met the VP of alternative investments at a fintech company got his li talked about my experience now I have an interview there. I got drinks with a national sales director the other day from a mutual connection he literally gave my resume to the hiring manager, I will hear back from them soon. Go to Starbucks or your local coffee shop pple go to work, apply to jobs there talk to pple around you, one time found myself in a 3 hr conversation with a recruiter of Phillips healthcare, and she was directly responsible for hiring reps, I had a job so we just talked, but very easily could've just handed my resume right to her. So go outside, talk to people in person, opportunities will come. Especially if you live in a city.
Even if nothing comes out of it, your network just got bigger and best way to become a people person is to talk to people. If youre not a people person sales just might not before you. The more hands you shake the more money you make. @peachykeen I want a see a post this weekend that says I went out to this place, met this person, who knew this guy whos hiring for an AM/AE role and im getting lunch with him this week.
LFG keep that head high big dawg. 👑 I think you dropped this

Sunbunny31

Politicker

2

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

I'm so sorry this is happening. You're getting to interviews, which tells me you've got a solid CV and it's honestly just a matter of time before that right fit comes along. It is a numbers game, as you know, and it's very difficult to stay positive when it's yourself that you're selling.
Somebody said to be kind to yourself, and I wholeheartedly agree. It honestly isn't you, it's a host of circumstances.

peachykeen

Politicker

0

sae e-commerce

Thanks Bunny 🫶

pirate

Big Shot

2

🦜☠️ Account Executive

So it's really really hard mentally and you know in interviews you often get not nice feedback too. Is there a friend or partner whom you can ask to tell you nice things on daily basis? That helps a lot.

peachykeen

Politicker

1

sae e-commerce

I do, and they are immensely supportive.

FinanceEngineer

Politicker

2

Sr Director, sales and partnerships

Right now, there are more insanely qualified people looking for a job or looking to make a move than ever before. I think there are less positions open as well in the field. Don’t beat yourself up if you missed out on a role. I have seen a CRO get laid off and then take 5 months to accept an AE position. You will get something, just gotta work through it (and not look inward/beat yourself up too much).

oldcloser

Arsonist

2

💀

Echoing the previously posted sentiment, friend. It's demoralizing and scary at the same time. So, if its any consolation, we get it. Your reaction and your feelings are 100% normal. Sorry to hear this.

I'd recommend some breathing time too. Your voice was bigger when you started this journey than it is now. Get that voice back. It only takes one good connection.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

2

🦊

🦊 ❤ 🍑

peachykeen

Politicker

1

sae e-commerce

Thanks, Foxy 🫶

SportsSalesGuy

Tycoon

2

Enterprise Account Executive

Going through the same thing man. Super frustrating and annoying. Especially when you think you are killing it. I am unfortunately glad to hear that I am not alone. You have my sympathy for sure. I just keep trying man trying to find ways to set myself apart. It will work out soon man keep goin. Take a break for a day or so and get back to it.

rickyracksRTO

Executive

1

Account Executive | ENT Sales Specialist

I'm right there with you, its a brutal market now. 4 months out since my layoff and I've gotten to the final round three times only for them to go with other candidates. In some cases, I was getting passed up for SDR roles even though I've worked as an SMB & Enterprise AE and have glowing manager reviews from my previous roles.
Don't beat yourself up when reflecting on your interviews, just do your best to identify and broadcast your strengths--remember, noone is an expert in everything. Granted, I'm still looking, but this is advice I received after having similar doubts.
Chin up, just like on the job, it only takes one yes for everything to change. And you aren't alone!

peachykeen

Politicker

1

sae e-commerce

Yeah, been there on getting passed up for SDR and CSM roles despite high level/high responsibility experience - doesn't make sense. It's like they don't think people might want a change of pace bc life happens. I don't care if I'm overqualified, sometimes having a role that promises some security is a breath of fresh air. I'm coming up on 6 months now, ugh. Appreciate the good vibes 🤙

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

1

Director Sales and Market Development

Start over, nothing wrong with looking in the mirror but you have to attack fresh. Forget the past ones and focus on killing the next one. If it feels stagnant or similar to the last one, switch it up

1

to be sdr

in a similar boat. interviewed with 7 or 8 companies this past two weeks assuming i’d have at least one offer.

Gonna take the weekend to recharge and start sprinting again.

TheHypnotist

Executive

1

Sales Manager

In the interviews, are they doing all the interviewing? Or are you treating it like a sale and doing the discovery with them? You haven’t mentioned asking them for the reasons they might NOT want to hire you or NOT invite you to the next round of interviews, so I’m not sure if you might be leaving some stones unturned.

peachykeen

Politicker

1

sae e-commerce

Appreciate this so much. And am super cognizant of this aspect. I do tend to bring my own questions to the table. Could they be better - yes, now I think they could be. I have considered asking these types of questions at the end or intertwined within the conversation. I do always try to create a flow of convo between their questions and my own findings on them personally, professionally or about the company. The more candid a convo the better in my eyes.

TheHypnotist

Executive

1

Sales Manager

When something doesn’t go as you (or I for that matter) planned, looking upstream afterwards it’s normally possible to spot a moment or moments when we could have done things differently in order to walk out of a meeting knowing what is going to happen next, who will do what and by when.
Jesus, if only I took my own advice!!!

SerialBiller

Executive

1

Account Executive

Saying this to be real, at least your getting interviews! I'm getting sweet fuck all, not even a sniff.. you must be doing something right

peachykeen

Politicker

0

sae e-commerce

Thanks friend. I revamped my resume recently on here with the help of everyone. Maybe that’s worth doing on your end? Or some interviewing support?

danorlandop

Good Citizen

1

Channel Manager

My friend, it has been a hard year for many people in tech.
Look at the situation for what it really is, there is abundant talent out there.
Ex Directors taking manager positions and managers taking IC roles to get a job.
I have gone through many interviews as well this year and got to final stages to not have an offer by the end.
This is how a downturn looks like for the space.
Things will hopefully get better but if you are getting interviews and moving past stages then you are a good candidate, just keep going you will get there in the end.

peachykeen

Politicker

0

sae e-commerce

Hate to sympathize but thank you. In a weird way, glad to know that maybe it isn’t me. I know the market is super competitive right now and companies have to make hard choices.

1

Senior Consultant

Hey, recruiter here!
Some market info for you, right now no hiring managers are cleared for hiring budget and most of my accounts have now been pushing into january/february for their next hire drive when budgets are cleared and strategy is set in place.
This is because of all of the re-evaluation of portfolios run by investors and funds currently who are advising founders and C-Suite to stretch their budgets into next year (and maybe the year after) - looking at this last year in tech as the example to avoid this happening again.
As far as the "experience is better aligned" - sometimes that is just the truth which sucks but doesn't have too much more to add. I'm not sure if this is the right thing to do when I speak with candidates, but I tell them exactly the experience the other people come from.
Say you have 3 years in your industry, but there is a candidate that worked for a direct competitor for 4 years as an example. Or 1 out of 10000 other reasons to give them a slight edge over the rest of the applicants. This could even be network, a similar career background to the hiring manager, a certain tech stack, the list goes on...

1

AVP, Sales

You da man! Stay persistent like you are on "hot" leads!

lajefa

Good Citizen

1

Enterprise Account Executive

Tbh, it's not just you. The job market is frankly, a shitshow and companies have the absolute worst processes- many post ghost jobs that aren't real, they're just creating a pipeline of candidates for next year, they are secretly interviewing internal candidates...the list goes on.
I would suggest limiting your job search to a definite time block. Anything more will burn you out completely. I have gotten into the habit of just deleting those 'no-reply' subject line emails, there is no point reading them as they just screw with your psyche.
I think it's time to be brave when we're applying and interviewing. I interviewed for a role today, we got to the $ discussion, it was WAY below market rate and I told them so. I said - *Let's not waste either of our time - if you can reconsider the salary to something more in line with market rate then let's talk at that time*
Here's questions to ask once you get the initial interview:
1. When are you targeting the role to be filled (is it real)?2. Are you considering internal candidates for this role3. Are there any other candidates in the latter stage of the process (ie - have other people done test presentations yet, are offers being considered)4. What are the 30/60/90 day expectations for the role5. Runway? 6. When were the last company layoffs? Why is this role open7. What is the allocated AND APPROVED BUDGET for this role8. How is this organization ensuring company growth is sustainable
I ask all these questions to make sure I'm not wasting my time. If the answers are unsatisfactory, or they don't have the answers or refuse to give them to you, thank them and keep it moving.
I understand everyone needs to work but at some point we have to start taking control of the process for ourselves.

peachykeen

Politicker

0

sae e-commerce

Appreciate your contribution here, I’ve tossed out questions like this in interviews. They’re great and show you’re very serious about the role - as you do. No reason why the heavy interview can’t go both ways.

ComTruise

Catalyst

1

Sales Specialist

This is literally me last week. I was so crushed. I had put in so much energy into that last 3rd round interview.

This role would have been the best thing ever for me for soooo many reasons. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be.

Like everyone else said, take a day off, maybe even a couple.
I took a week. I didn't even want to look at another job opening.

Good luck my friend. Stay savage.

Tres

Politicker

1

Account Executive

Keep it up!

SalesManiac

Valued Contributor

1

Manager - Sales

This surely does happen. You know what? Let it be, take a day off. Not every day is going to be great! You really can't do a lot when it comes to the "decision coming from the other side of the table". Learn from your mistakes but most important here would be to consistently increase energies in yourself as every subsequent day will get harder but your energy needs to be higher. Of course, it will be a trade-off but HEY! You got this! Try new ways of applying, like making the CV's company focused or clear out some things in the first round of interviews only! to understand what kind of a Sales person they are looking for.

All the best and don't doubt yourself, doubt the process and see what si lacking where - work for it. win it.

peachykeen

Politicker

0

sae e-commerce

Appreciate all the good vibes everyone 💃

0

Ambassador and Member

Hi, Hope you are well. So sorry to hear that. Whilst you look for a great opportunity (Percerverence is in your blod as a sales professional and i feel you understand as well if not better than many of us)

You may explore platforms like Upwork that offer short term AE and SDR roles. Enough to give you inflow of cash and keep you busy whilst you apply and interview for the next role. Wish you the best for this year and yes go take a long walk and listening to your favourite music and have some lindt swisse chocolate the one with milk chocolate and hazelnut especially. that shit will do wonders at times.

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