AE4x

Account Executive

Valued Contributor

Is it appropriate to reach out to other AE's within a company you are applying to over LI?

I have a 3rd and final interview with a company in a few days, and I was wondering if it was appropriate and/or recommended to connect w/ other AEs within the company to pick their brain? I am interested specifically in quota, team attainment, ongoing sales development and improvement methods.

I have checked them on Repvue, and the company has a 92% score, compared to my current companies score of 60% repvue score. It seems that over 60% of AEs are hitting quota which is refreshing to see.

On one hand if it were someone asking me for my feedback on my company and job, I would voluntarily tell the grim truth about my current AE position with my current company.

On the other hand, I might have a paranoia about getting "secret shoppered" by an actual C suite within my own company. I would hope they would value said feedback and improve, but my company is a culture of I dont give a fuck.

What is everyones thoughts on this?

Also, while I have everyones interest here, what are some good questions to be asking? I was thinking the following:

Asking about the sales culture
Asking about ramp up time periods or 30/60/90 plans
Asking about % of the team hitting quota
Asking if the team members feel supported and have support in developing their skills

Any other ideas?

14

18 comments

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TennisandSales

Politicker

8

Head Of Sales

its not only appropriate i think it should be mandatory. If you take a job without talking to ppl that currently work there you are taking too many risks.

i have done this for every single job ive had and its always been helpful.

The questions you want to ask are the right ones. I would connect with as many AEs as possible and in the connection note, just say

"hey ____ I am interviewing for an AE role at ___ company. I was hoping to ask some questions about your experience. let me know if you would be open to that."

Then when they accept, send a message asking if you could give them a call real quick at some point.

AE4x

Opinionated

1

Account Executive

Awesome thank you. I am doing this now. Appreciate the template as well.

TennisandSales

Politicker

0

Head Of Sales

you got it! keep us posted on how it goes!

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

4

Bravado's Resident Asshole

I have done this multiple times. Reach out and ask, but don't be weird about it. @TennisandSales @braintankI have seen these both share their experiences with doing the same.

AE4x

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

thank you for the references, Im going to search their history and try to get some pointers..

CuriousFox

WR Officer

4

🦊

Yup. It's good research man. Do it.

saaskicker

Celebrated Contributor

4

Enterprise AE

did this recently and the AE asked me about MY company, we both had a laugh and realized neither opportunities were up to par.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

1

🦊

That's amazing 🤣🔥

jefe

Arsonist

4

🍁

Absolutely okay. You can also hit up past AEs. Basically a best practice.

AE4x

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

An even better idea. They'd have no real fear of repercussion spilling the deets! Thank you!

AE4x

Opinionated

2

Account Executive

Got feelers out for 8 AEs within company and eagerly awaiting some connections to talk to them about experience & culture. Thank you all!

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

You absolutely should reach out. Let us know how it goes.

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

0

Rolling 20's all day

It's the best way to truly find out what it's like to work there!

payton_pritchard

Executive

0

RSM

Yes, and also hit up a couple former employees

tightlines

Politicker

0

Account Executive

Definitely do that, I also signed up for a demo so an SDR would call me. Didnt want to waste their time but was curious to say hi and see how quick they were

Gurtsygirl

0

BDM

Is management and stakeholders supporting training, mentorship?

PineappleYa

Opinionated

0

AE

Absolutely-this is how you learn, get the vernacular, and hopefully make an internal champion.

revenuegenerator

Praised Answer

0

Sales Management

Yes, 100%.

But also present those thoughtful, written out questions to the recruiter/hiring manager and ask them for answers.

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