CRAG112

Account Executive

Valued Contributor

Final Interview and Presentation - Very different from past experiences

Sooooo,

I have a final upcoming interview where they are expecting me to discuss the following:

What my approach to the role would be, goals,timelines, risks, what success looks like.

What I need/need to do in order to be successful.

They are asking for a detailed view of my current network as well (i am a bit adverse to this idea....like, here's my network for free, ummmmm, wtf?)

And a detailed plan of attack for several different logos.

1: I feel like I just need to send some questions back, specifically how they will evaluate this presentation -- an RFP and its evaluation metrics basically.

2: I don't know if my existing network will matter or not, but they are focused on you having one in the space to leverage for meetings and see some quick wins (never mind they have a ton of SDR's who are supposed to be booking these meetings and keeping you swamped).

Any advice or thoughts on what to add or how best to respond to all of this?

I'm basically being asked to come up with my account strategy, show off my network, and help them see how I can help win deals quickly.

Red flags to keep in mind:

Over 10 SDRs booking 20+ meetings a month per person......why would network matter v your sales skills and processes?
Company still needs more effective sales processes
wants to hit the next series of funding
wants to double sales team

Am I just crazy for pursuing this?

🤝 Interviewing/Offer

🗣 Interviewing

6

10 comments

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DataCorrupter

Politicker

2

Account Executive

I've got a few thoughts for you:

Firstly, sounds like they want you to present an 30/60/90 plan. I'd fill this out the best that you can, but I'd also ask some questions about how they're gonna get you up to speed too (because they should...).

Secondly, the network thing seems weird. That signals to me that they NEED reps with a network, like they've only seen those types succeed... I'd double check the SDR numbers because if they're booking meetings the network thing shouldn't be a big deal. This being a point of focus before getting hired throws up red flags for me.

Third, it's totally cool/normal for them to ask for an attack plan for one logo, but multiple? Good god. How long is this interview? This sounds like a place that will take you for everything you're worth and fire you in a year. Like a sugar baby/gold-digger situation.

Phillip_J_Fry

Opinionated

2

Director of Revenue

Agreed. If your network is going to be a major factor in the decision, it sounds like they're going to bleed those connections dry, and then let you go once those conversations die down.
I'm also curious, are you coming from the same industry? If not, I imagine your connections could potentially be worthless if they aren't at an ICP.

CRAG112

Valued Contributor

1

Account Executive

Was in the industry in the past. Not crazy active for a while. But I’ve also consistently entered areas that were red oceans or just plain open and passive and had success.

GDO

Politicker

0

BDM

Yeah they partially pay you for the network

CRAG112

Valued Contributor

0

Account Executive

Yes. Your last paragraph is what I am concerned about the most. The pay is very good. And they have a few people killing it, while others are ramping successfully. I have a technical background in the space and know more than others that have started and I do understand the space from an engineering standpoint and needs stand point.

I spoke to sales people internally and they told me they are swamped with demos and meetings, but that could be changing based on future company goals.

Interview is just one hour. I’ve done the territory plan while working a job before. So that’s ok.

I was considering asking them flat out what their expectations are for a network. Because I don’t feel comfortable giving when I don’t work there. Also, it’s my network, not yours. So more discovery to that point is definitely required.

I could reach out to more sales people specifically but that could always backfire as well. Not everyone is sales to sales let’s keep it to ourselves culture types.

CRAG112

Valued Contributor

0

Account Executive

I will say they’ve got tenured reps. Longest there has been nearly 8 years. Others are around 2+ or less than one year as they’ve been adding more sales people.

DataCorrupter

Politicker

1

Account Executive

Maybe I'm a skeptic, but I always wonder when people say "everyone is killing it and everyone else is ramping successfully" (not at you, but them). I've never been at a sales org where everyone is 100. Even more so in this selling environment. I'd maybe call another sales guy there who isn't the longest tenured, may be more willing to give you more of the real real.

Seems like a lot of info to ask of you for only one hour. That part gives me weird vibes because if they ask for more info than you can provide in the hour, how much more will it be once you start? Also, when will you be able to ask questions if you're just answering their's?

Maybe you can leave out names in the networking part as a show of good faith instead, "manager at large electric company."

CRAG112

Valued Contributor

1

Account Executive

Right now my focus would be how I would approach the role along with a quickly built presentation using AI.

Offering a mock discovery call and how I would identify fit, pain, and a prospects understanding of the current solution. Where they are at in their own journey so to speak.

wolfofmiami

Opinionated

2

🐺

if your concerns outweigh the benefits just keep looking, dont stress too much about the interview. I'd say do what they ask of you but just come loaded with questions that address the red flags

CRAG112

Valued Contributor

1

Account Executive

My thoughts exactly.

6 month ramp period. Ok.
Lots of SDRs and meetings they should be booking, ok.
They want quick wins and are clearly trying for that next round of funding. Ok.

Let’s do some discovery and find out what’s really going on.

Competitive space. Sure. But if you don’t support sales it won’t become less competitive.

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