BlueJays2591

Federal Business Dev Director

Knowing everything before an interview

Am I the only one that only does a brief amount of research before heading into initial interviews? I've had 2 interviews now that I was looked at like I kicked a small child for not knowing everything about the company's multiple solutions. Isn't it enough to know what they do from a 10k ft view? The amount of time expected of a candidate that isn't being paid is getting a bit out of hand in my opinion.

👥 Hiring

19 comments

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braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

You can never be over-dressed or over-prepared.

If you were the hiring manager would you go with the candidate who did research or the one who didn't??

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

This right here. How are you going to separate yourself from the rest with the bare minimum!?

Or by looking sloppy

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

You need to know what their products do and how they help. Check their value and mission statements.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

While I sympathize, because we certainly have seen some outrageous requests from hiring teams throughout the process, it sounds like having this knowledge in this market is going to be important.

I’m curious about the questions you were asked, if you can recall, and how broad the gap was between your research and their expectations. Hopefully we can provide some guidance on responses!

In general, I make sure to read their mission statement, financials - as they talk about risks in the market and their direction - and customer testimonials, which are usually written in compelling ways. I also think that if you can weave in a mention that you saw the benefit provided to x company (which shows you did research) and and how excited that made you to talk to the company, it can help.

BlueJays2591

Politicker

Federal Business Dev Director

It was a company with a large amount of solutions, and I wasn't told what section of the business I would be in, so I did research on the company as a whole. They asked about a specific and brand new section of their business and wanted me to list off all product features. Slightly insane in my opinion

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Thank you for the additional details. Yeah, that does seem over the top, but only because you weren’t given info that would help you be ready. Sounds like there was a disconnect between the recruiter who set up the meeting and the interviewer. I’d have been hard pressed not to say something to the interviewer about how you were not advised of the business unit you’d be talking to, so you didn’t know to go deep on that side. I’d unfortunately probably come across as irritated, which may not be optimal.

A way to try and get ahead of this in the future is to be up front with the recruiter, and ask if the interview is with a specific division so you can prepare, which will help. Run some discovery on the recruiter/scheduler so that you have a better chance of being prepared.

Outside of that, how did the interviews go?

BlueJays2591

Politicker

Federal Business Dev Director

Appreciate the advice. Not used to interviewing with companies that working in completely separate parts of the business is an option.

One went ok, the other not so great. Had a hard time connecting with the hiring manager. She read off a script the entire time and then abruptly ended the interview. Very strange.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Sounds like the hiring manager was as unfamiliar with the solution as you were.

The whole which division/ department/solution will be particularly relevant at companies like Salesforce, where they have a fair number of solutions and go to market plans that will vary. Hiring managers are often focused on filling a specific open rec, so it will be a good idea to find out what they are hiring for. Many hiring managers will be up front about this, others will not, as you have found.

Hope this all helps you a little and that you find something great very soon.

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

"I wasn't told what section of the business I would be in"

You also didn't ask...

BlueJays2591

Politicker

Federal Business Dev Director

Didn't think I needed to. Haven't been in a company that was large enough to have sections as im used to selling anything the company offers.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

And now something has been learned.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Right - and now you know. I bet you ask every time now. :)

Fenderbaum

Politicker

Retired Choirboy🪕

First impressions...

Oops, I just saw your additional details provided to @Sunbunny31 . I wouldn't hire myself from my hurried response about first impressions.

So yeah, I get what you're saying and agree that "the hiring manager was as unfamiliar with the solution as you were."

Your question is valid. Good luck in the future.

Coastal_crusher

Politicker

Sales Director

Hmm depends on the company, if it’s a whole bunch of offering maybe not. Either way as competitive as things are rn, you’d definitely want to know things like their target market, problems they solve heck even competition. A lot of good folks looking to work now so I’d try to give myself that edge with knowledge if I were you

aenima

Celebrated Contributor

Principal Account Manager

At first blush, I wouldn’t hire you. Your attitude appears in a not so pleasant light — unless you can disclose more details. Details do mater.

Interviewing for a job is the largest commission check you can compete for, and you have the nerve to tell me you will only get to know my company at a surface level?

How the hell are you going to dive deep into my customer’s businesses and help them? If you aren’t willing to do this for this job, then you sure aren’t willing to work for our customers.

I’d challenge you to have better expectations of yourself.

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

um, no its not haha. every interview I have done I have done a TON of research. and its ALWAYS helped me.

interviewers shouldnt expect you to know everything, but they also know what is out there and are expecting you to know what is going on.

Also, if you are not doing extra research, someone else is and will have a leg up on you. at least thats how i look at it.

IndianaShep

Politicker

Director of Sales and Marketing

I think there are some very strange points, and don't get me started about the RIDICULOUS soapbox that some markets stand on (they know who they are) in regards to the unique nature or model of their products. Doing your research, connecting, organizing your and their thoughts, and following up is really all any of us do.

WhoDey

Opinionated

VP of Sales

I wouldn't waste my time or theirs going into an interview without having done fairly extensive due diligence. I'd want to demonstrate to them how I do pre-call planning for a sales call.

Maximas

Tycoon

-1

Senior Sales Executive

You're right, somehow research is needed.

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BlueJays2591

Knowing everything before an interview

19 comments

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