CRAG112

Account Executive

The Biggest Thing I Have Learned Before Taking A New Sales Gig

If there is one single thing I know that must be done before taking a new role it's this. Ask to speak to someone that is considered a top performer. Ask to speak to someone who is considered not a top performer but will probably be there year after year without issue. Speak to someone that is struggling and/or new (3 or 6 months).

Don't just take the word of what others tell you. Everything you hear needs to be validated with real data.

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funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

I suggest reaching out to people on your own without making the company aware you're doing it. A company might offer up a conversation with someone in the role, but you're not going to get unfiltered answers. One, because that person is likely a management favourite/brown noser, and two because the rep likely won't feel comfortable saying negative things about the company while using company resources on company time.

Find people on LI, tell them you're interviewing, and ask if they'd be willing to chat off the record. I agree it's good to talk to someone who's been there a few years as well as someone on the newer side. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions especially around management and compensation.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

This happened to me recently. We had an opening, and someone who was connected to me on LI based on mutual connections from years past reached out in messenger and asked if I could provide my opinion. We chatted on messenger and ended up scheduling a 15 minute phone call that turned into an hour where I was asked all kinds of intelligent questions about the company, the role, success rate, management - all the questions that I would have asked of someone in a similar position. Since I took the call remotely and on my personal cell, it was as anonymous as it could get, and since I really enjoy working here and the candidate was a fit, it was a great call. I highly recommend reaching out. Worst case, the rep ignores you. Best case, you get a clear, honest assessment of the company.

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

I did this for a candidate recently as well, he approached me on LI and we set up a phone call. He ended up being a great guy to speak with and had a pleasant personality. I actually told the hiring manager he reached out to me, was great to speak with, and although I can't evaluate his experience he seemed to be a nice guy personality wise. If he was a dumbass I would have told my hiring manager that as well lol.

CRAG112

Valued Contributor

Account Executive

Very true stuff. Getting off the record conversations is extremely difficult though.

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

Not really. Most people are happy to either:

- Boast about their great job and encourage great people to join
or
- Help a fellow salesperson avoid a shitty job

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

If you're struggling to get salespeople to talk to you're doing something wrong.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

I have to agree here. That or it's a sign not to work for said company. 👀

bandabanda

Tycoon

Senior AE Mid Market

Agree, this has been super easy for me frankly. Go to company page on LI, go to "what they do" section, filter by sales, and sending blank connection requests has worked just fine for me. Then a quick message:

"Hey [name],

I know you don't know me. I'm interviewing for AE at X and saw you worked there previously (or currently "Looks like you're enjoying it?"). I'm reaching out to current and past employees to hear about their experience.

If this isn't crazy to ask, any chance you'd be open to a quick call sometime this week?"

Doing this with current and past reps. The best situation so far is I'm working with an AE at the company and he's shared the good, the bad, and the ugly. As I reached out to him, I confirmed with him good previous employees to reach out to (example: I talked with one person and the conversation was crazy...not in a good way. He confirmed they were a terrible employee, confirmed what I learned on the call. With another previous AE, the call was great, and after asking my "champion" about them, he said "yes, definitely talk to them. They'll give you great feedback.")

E_Money

Big Shot

💰

Oh yeah I always connect with people on the LI and get the real lowdown on what it's like at a company

bandabanda

Tycoon

Senior AE Mid Market

Solid advice - Linkedin is your friend in this case, most people are happy to share about their experience. Good affirmation for what I'm doing now to prospect future companies too.

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Speaking with a top performer is usually a pretty easy ask.
Speaking with a non-top performer is a bit harder of an ask. Its like them asking you for a reference from an employer you may not want them to speak with.
I have been able to reach out to my alumni network in the past and get some good info on companies I am interested in.

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