Kosta_Konfucius

Sales Rep

Acclaimed Answer

Panel Interview Advice

I have an interview coming up this week, and it'll be the third round out of four. It's gonna be a panel interview, but it's a bit different from the ones I've done before. Usually, I meet with the person currently in the role, the hiring manager, a peer of the hiring manager, and the Director. But this time, there's also going to be a Sales Engineer involved.

I've never been interviewed by a Sales Engineer before, so I'm trying to figure out what they'll be looking for in a future representative that aligns with what the sales team wants to hear.

I'm thinking about how to emphasize the importance of having a good relationship with a Sales Engineer. I want to show that I'll go above and beyond to make sure they feel confident in the person they'll be demonstrating to and the key features they should focus on.

Aside from that, I'm not sure what to expect from the interview with the Sales Engineer.

🤝 Interviewing/Offer

🗣 Interviewing

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8 comments

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saaskicker

Celebrated Contributor

5

Enterprise AE

Sales Engineers love processes. Have a great answer with how you will qualify an opp, prepare a doc to share with the Sales Engineer pre-call, throw 15 minute sync on the cal before to prep them and answer outstanding questions so they have all the information they need going into the call.

Even better if you can walk through a real deal where this helped you close it. They are valuable resources, your tone and answers in my opinion should reflect that you respect their time and expertise vs. trying to brown nose. Go beyond the "good relationship" and into the processes of how you get there.

Maximas

Tycoon

0

Senior Sales Executive

Definitely agree!

Pachacuti

Politicker

3

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

They want to know that you’re cool and easy to work with. Have a couple of examples of how you made your previous SE life easier and made them look good.

Good luck!!

Gasty

Notable Contributor

3

War Room Community Manager

I agree with @Sunbunny31. To me, it also shows that this sales team might be thoughtful and strategic in the way they do things. I don't know if it's still true, but 5 years ago Google had a process where one interview was scheduled with a "to-be colleague" in the team to test for collaboration and team-fitment.

The SE on the panel is a very healthy sign for the interview and things to follow once/if you get selected. Good luck!

braintank

Politicker

1

Enterprise Account Executive

Emphasize partnership and collaborating

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Sales Engineers are the MVPs of the sales cycle. You can ask them what they would like to have in a sales partner, and how to best work together. I love that you have the SE attending. I’d take it as a good sign.

Justatitle

Big Shot

0

Account Executive

Obviously check the sales engineer work experience, tailor questions to them showing you’ve worked with engineers before and discuss with them how they best work with AEs.

Taco

Fire Starter

0

Sales Manager (Mid-Market)

Look up the company values on their website and prepare examples of how you are aligned with the values - they will likely be interviewing for a cultural fit and how you work with others

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