Should I go through the interview process for "training" purposes?

I have connections at a massive brand name saas company, let's call them Company A, and i know my end goal is to get an AE position there. My contact said in the new year they will almost definitely have roles open for my experience level/region etc.


Was reached out by a recruiter from a well known saas company, let's call them Company B, their name is regularly discussed in their industry, etc. Usually don't speak to recruiters often but this one caught my eye so I decided hey why not, let's see what's up, see what kind of questions a bigger player would ask. The role is for a mid market AE position. For reference Company A is 10x bigger than B.


Anyway, I spoke with the recruiter, a day later they email me saying they want to move me into the 2nd round and speak with the hiring manager next week.


If my end goal is Company A, should I still speak to Company B and string them along? Is it worth the "training" or experience of interviewing, or am I just wasting everyone's time? Should I still go through the motion and potentially get an offer so I have a better grip of my market value?


Thanks all!


☁️ Software Tech
👥 Hiring
🚀 Career Goals
15
Incognito
WR Officer
12
Master of Disaster
Yes 
CuriousFox
WR Officer
7
🦊
Go through the interview. You may get a better offer. 🤷‍♀️
braintank
Politicker
5
Enterprise Account Executive
A bird in the hand...

Considering you haven't even talked to anyone at company A who could offer you a job, nor do they have jobs posted, I would definitely pursue company B. 

Worst case you end up with two offers which aids negotiation.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
4
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Exactly.  Not for training, but to get the potential of a good offer, and maybe to have two options.
theweeknd
Valued Contributor
1
Account Executive
Appreciate the feedback! 
DatSaaS
Executive
2
Sales Executive
I personally try to go through at least one interview process a hear. If it’s a great offer, it gives me leverage at my current role. But more importantly for the exact situation you described. If something opens up at my dream company I don’t want to be fumbling my words because I haven’t done an interview in five years and risk losing the opportunity. I would want to come in sharp and ready to capitalize.
theweeknd
Valued Contributor
0
Account Executive
Going to 1 interview/year is a great idea moving forward to keep sharp...thank you
Diablo
Politicker
2
Sr. AE
It's always good to have a back up (Plan B) if you are sure about moving off your current org.
theweeknd
Valued Contributor
0
Account Executive
Never doubt the Plan B
TheOverTaker
Politicker
2
Senior Account Executive
Doesn't hurt 
FormallyUneducated
Opinionated
1
Account Executive
You probably don’t want the first interview in a long time to be with the company you really want to work for.
Worst case you’ll be more polished, best case you’ll have an offer to leverage with company A.
theweeknd
Valued Contributor
0
Account Executive
100% thank you
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
Yes, do not put all your eggs in one basket. Selling for number 2 in a market can have benefits as well. 
DungeonsNDemos
Big Shot
1
Rolling 20's all day
Always keep options open. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush still holds true. 
If company B makes you an offer, you can always decline. Why not give yourself the option and see what they come up with if you make it through the interview process. ( plus it's practice )
theweeknd
Valued Contributor
0
Account Executive
100%, thanks for the insight! 
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
1
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
Always have options, and if it doesn't affect anything you are doing (taking too much time), don't worry about it and see what they offer you.
Arch
Executive
1
Account Executive
Never hurts to speak with recruiters and interview. Good chance you’ll be more excited about company A after learning more about Company B
theweeknd
Valued Contributor
0
Account Executive
Thanks boss!
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