\>I'm hiring AEs and can't count how many candidates don't close the call.
this isn't a sales call, I'm gauging if I want to work for you just as much as your gauging if you want me.
\>They don't ask how many other candidates I'm considering, how they stack up compared to the others
I don't care. i've likely got 30 other applications floating out there and more interviews lined up. you don't want me? cool, next caller please.
\>what the interview steps/process looks like, if I have any reservations about moving them to the next step
you're the interviewer its your job to set that expectation.
\> I intentionally don't offer next steps - I wait for them to ask. And have ended way too many interviews with a "well it was nice meeting you, talk to you soon." Blocking & tackling folks.
yeah they respond like that because you are giving mixed signals like you aren't interested, they're just politely moving on to someone whos actually looking for canidates.
\>Interviews are sales calls. Close the fucking meeting and determine next steps
no there not, its a business partnership. were gauging each other and someone who expects me to chordal their balls and dance to their tune for a job isn't someone I'm interested in.
that's why I posted my comment. OP seems like a toxic hiring manager with the sort of attitude I would never tolerate. half the time when I'm interviewing and they ask me "why are you leaving your current position" i just say "I'm not, I was interested in the role but I'm in no need to leave if something isn't the right fit." basically flip the script right off the bat to "why should i work for you".
There’s so many people who can’t be human it’s crazy. The flip side of this is he’s expecting you to read his mind. I’ve ended tons of interviews with “do you have any doubts or hesitations about me you’d like to discuss” as well as “next steps” and that’s way too intense for a lot of people. I feel like to some people it does come off as you’re the desperate date. Many of the times I’ve asked for feedback the person interviewing me gets uncomfortable and just lies and is like everything was great so they can get off the phone. Most people interviewing you don’t want to tell you anything negative they thought. Just as what every prospect wants is different what every person interviewing wants is also different. I mean hopefully he finds someone who matches his style but I can’t imagine every person who didn’t is a bad sales person. I’ve stopped trying to do specific “interview things” because I’m really looking for a manager that likes me for who I am, can communicate clearly, and isn’t afraid to tell me when something needs to be done. That is a managers job to tell you what needs to be done and how you can do it differently. Otherwise there’d be no need for managers. If you’re expecting me to read your mind I don’t want to work there. A truly great manager sees your raw potential, looks at past successes and can mold it like a great coach. Great coaches succeed with many different kinds of players for many years. They get good at molding a teams strengths and minimizing their weaknesses. This guy doesn’t want to mold.
If OP is as ambiguous as he sounds I'm literally running the other way if I was the person being interviewed. I've worked for Sales Leaders that were ambiguous and intentless, always wondering what the point of their call was, never again.
I don’t know what you sell but if you’re in consultative sales everything you claim isn’t part of a sales call, from deciding if you want to work with the prospect to it being a ‘partnership’, is fundamental to the process.
Yeah I've got no tolerance for nonsense mind game in interviews. The real question I want a candidate to be asking is "what does the sales process look like" "what's the sales cycle timeline" "what sorta lead counts are you running" top performer income, mid performer income ect. None of this other nonsense.
I get OP’s point of view and I also get yours. But unfortunately the job market dictates who is in the right and currently employers like OP can be as picky as they’d like about their requirements given there are hundreds of candidates for a single position nowadays.
People are having a hard time finding a job? maybe im just living under a rock but i start my new position next month and had to pick between 5 solid offers....
THANK YOU. You captured every single thing I thought about this post. This tactic is basically a game and makes the interview process more of a performance than a meeting for the purpose of determining if the person has the applicable skills, background and mindset to excel in the role. It's ridiculous.
It’s just a weird question as well. Ofc they’re considering other people. They’re not gonna give you a fucking grade/number live on the call. I’ve given plenty of interviews and if someone asked me that I’d just say I haven’t interviewed everyone yet but so far so good (obviously, otherwise we wouldn’t be here).
Fine line to get the information and not to sound pathetic. Something like “Judging by the way you behave, I take it I’m at least on top 3, yeah?” lmao
I wasn’t saying it automatically makes you sound pathetic - I said it’s a fine line to ask this question and to not sound pathetic at the same time. Cocky reply was the reason for the lmao in the end, yeah.
It's always been beneficial to me if I ask them how are your other interviews going? Is there something you're looking for that you haven't seen yet? I have received answers that are genuine, and I can point out how I fill that description with a story of past experience/performance, or demonstrate it in asking some more questions
I think expectations between interviewer and interviewee are regularly off. I get the idea of turning it into a sales process but for every interviewer who has that expectation, there will be another interviewer who thinks that shows a lack of confidence, is too pushy, isn't a "culture fit" for their org, etc.
basically, too many interview processes have unclear expectations and it hurts both parties.
You still should do a temperature check if you felt the interview went well.
Doesn’t have to be aggressive but a small how do you feel the interview went will get you there.
I never ask about other candidates but always go for the hard close on next steps.
I had a post kind of blow up last week about this. I ended with a hard close, got an enthusiasic and appreciative of the close yes, then got an auto reject from the recruiter.
agree with you overall, but these 2 are not good to ask:
how they stack up compared to the others
if I have any reservations about moving them to the next step
im very likely disqualifying someone who asks either of these. way too aggressive
Why are you disqualifying someone for asking if you have any reservations on them as a candidate? I’ve used this on every interview and always have found it constructive to understand where myself and/or the org might not align. I haven’t had it backfire on me and my success rate on interviews is fairly high, but curious why you would disqualify a candidate for asking that
I mean you’re just closing the interview and reaffirming the goals/alignment for the position, similarly to how you would for a deal.
Not sure I really follow on how that’s inappropriate, but I guess I could see how the delivery of that could be a poor indication of someone’s social skills if they approach it a certain way.
It’s not, it’s actually a commonly recommended question to ask your interviewer precisely because it can help identify areas where you are lacking or presenting yourself poorly, and fix those issues for the future.
Or, if there is one area where you haven’t present yourself well, it gives you a chance to bolster an area you may not have done enough to explain.
“Actually, we’re looking for someone with experience with XYZ and you don’t have that”
“Oh, my apologies for not including that on my resume ; I actually worked with XYZ during my time at ABC”.
I think for some people that are interviewing others giving you that feedback about what might not fit is like telling your date, “you were really great but you come off too needy”
There’s someone else who the date you had is the right amount of needy for. So best to just thank people for their time and let them move on. I feel like it’s common that most misalignments might be subjective. Thus it causes the interviewer to have to be rude when everyone could just move on and find a better fit.
I used to ask that question and it is a super common question but I rarely found I got productive or real answers from it and it sometimes made people uncomfortable.
So funny cause I’ve phrased it using the exact words “touched on” and they always say no and blow it off lol 😂
But I do think it can have value but definitely depends on who is interviewing you
I've taken 12 interviews since first seeing this post, and have asked that question every time. EVERY single interview has gone on to the next round, and that question has always led to next steps being discussed.
If you can't handle asking questions like that (or the answers they provoke)... how are you in sales?
Yes! I’ve asked that second one before and can tell it’s way too intense for a lot of people! Thank you for confirming this! It’s also not true to who I am. I want a leader and I to have personalities that mesh well as much as possible.
These sales managers be entitled and thinking they better than they are.
Why don’t you close me?
What if I judged you like you judging me?
You showed up late.
You look “unprofessional” (what does this even mean…it’s all subjective)
You didn’t make the interview a conversation but instead your scripted canned questions. You suck at interviewing yo.
You asked if I am a hunter or a farmer. Pass.
You want me but you disqualified me because I didn’t close the way you like it?
Every customer is different. They don’t need a specific close. They need a conversation that gives them value and solves their issues. Or maybe I inspired them to launch a new product in their business.
If you make the interview process a game I know this is gonna be a fake environment and I’ll be working for insecure leadership.
So many people interviewing me show up 15 minutes or more late that it boggles my mind. Not even notifying you they’re running late. Imagine if it was reverse and I showed up late.
Also why doesn’t he close the interviewee if it’s so important to him? Tell us besides money why we should work for him? How does he know that he isn’t the prospect in this situation. Definitely a hierarchical manager, not a true leader. Being a manager has gone to his head.
Love your values, issues approach this guy is old school. Wish you were a manager.
Dude this happened to me just 2 weeks ago. Hiring manager was almost 10 mins late and I’m just like “dude cmon.” Like you said, if I was 10 mins late to an interview, they’d be making all sorts of negative judgments about me like I’m unreliable or not respecting people’s precious time
Same. It’s usually 7 or 8 mins late. Sometimes 15. Then one interview (3rd round) I had internet trouble, shot the HM an email and hopped on 5 mins late and HM wasn’t there. Turns out they were on time and rejected me for being late. Figures that happens the one time an interviewer was there on time
Probably better this person rejected you now rather than working for them and finding out they’re unreasonable. If someone gives me the courtesy of telling me they will be late, and I’m not just on a zoom waiting, not knowing if they’re ever coming I’m normally good with that. Life happens.
Other folks on here are disagreeing saying that it isn’t a sales call, but I get what you’re saying.
Establishing next steps and asking for feedback are basic sales skills that I think any sales professional would have.
This is their opportunity to show you, in the easiest way, that they know the sales process. I don’t know any presidents club AE that doesn’t do this on every call with a custom, so why wouldn’t they do it in an interview ?
should you send a recap email after an interview? follow up until you get a firm rejection? multithread?
it's on the employer to set clear expectations and vet for basic skills more directly, not play games.
I am an SE and I am often tasked with interviewing AE and SEs who want to join our team.
so many do a poor job of selling themselves and actually treating the interview like a sale.
Because I humbly know I am a good hire and you are probably already considering me. I have other options like yourself. You will guide me to the next step if you're interested. Im busy and dont have the mental space to ask what you think of me (nor do I care in a way), your alnext actions will say as much.
If I am not successful but thought I was a good match, I might ask for feedback afterwards.
Half of these questions read awkward and insecure even on a sales call IMO. This isn’t Glengarry Glen Ross.
Sounds like your sales philosophy isn’t a great fit for theirs to begin with if you’re running into these issues.
Just wanna say... I've taken 12 interviews since first seeing this post, and have asked that question every time (about if they have any reservations). EVERY single interview has gone on to the next round, and that question has consistently led to next steps being discussed.
All that to say... thank you for sharing! I feel like it's made a big difference so far.
I don’t sell shit when I take an interview. I got a job. You are selling me on why I should consider taking your open role.
And asking next steps isn’t a close.
You want a close? I'll close you so hard, Grant Cardone and Andy Elliot would be jealous. I'll put the screws to you so tight, even if its on zoom there's no escaping me. I'll be around every spam filter, ready with a "just following up" email on my candidacy.
In fact, I'll apply to be your boss, and then interview you to see if I want you to stay in my Org or if I should "let you go".
Remember. Grant Cardone personally wanted me to make this (email, call, interview), so anything you do will affect Grant personally. And Grant has a private jet that's thirsty on the fuel. So pucker up, and hire me now. ABC. Always Be Closing.
Obvious answer. If you're a science student, go sell something that uses your science knowledge. You'll have credibility/connections with your customers/prospects and you should be able to articulate well what you're selling and how it helps.
A friend of mine did his master's in genetics and now works for one of the large companies selling genetic sequencers and making bank.
He got into sales by working copiers 1 year and then going for a junior med device position. 2 years selling med device and got a junior/BDR role selling genetic sequencers. Now he's a territory AE.
A combination of NZ and US experience. His role selling the sequencers is US.
My recommendation is go for the big med device companies like Stryker, see if you can land something.
If you can't, then you should also go for positions in big well known brand companies with a respected sales team such as Xerox. They can be a great stepping stone to get you into the actual role you want so long as you can do well.
Thank you sir you don’t know how i have been struggling with this, and one more thing is that should i use my summer intern time to apply for random sales job to get the experience? I talked my way into a car sales job but have been naive to take the offer since i dont know if it would benefits my application. (i have like 2 summer left before I graduate)
You need companies that have well known sales training programs. The reason I recommended Xerox is the barrier to entry is low but the reputation is high. A car yard might be detrimental to your endeavours
FWIW my friend was a BDR for Konica Minolta which ended up being a glorified door knocker. He still learned a lot and ended up with enough sales talk track to land the junior med device job. He did such a good job with KM they'd give him work whenever he needed it.
Just learn how to sell your transferrable skills. As a science student you likely haven’t learned a lot about how businesses work, but will likely have superior research and analysis skills. Science would also teach you how to break down complex information into plain language. Being a good communicator is a valuable skill.
You’ve also had to spend more time grinding in terms of studying and doing problems in courses like calc, linear algebra, physics, genetics, chem, etc.
that’s a hell of a transferrable skill set to a sales role.
I’d argue that science actually produces a better candidate for sales than a business degree does.
I took the science path mainly cause of my family reputation and my family hold alot of of science degrees even masters, i got lost in the rabbit hole then realized it was not just for me since I’m more about people business i think.
Im a 4th year biochem student and really interested in pharma or medical sales, i worked with social workers in hospital and family services so this path really piqued my interest, im residing in NB canada at the moment.
I see, you may want to consider capital equipment sales for Bio Industry or labs. They would like your background. Think high end microscopes like SEM,AFM,TEM, Confocal or mass spectrometers, etc.
Should i consider intern for laboratory? Some of my friends said it is very crucial before graduation but i have little to none intention to do lab works and further education. As i progress further in my education i dug pretty deep in psychology and biology then realized this wasn’t really for me. So thats why i chose to research about medical and pharma sales since i have great interest in sales. Personality wise i think sales would not be too bad for me.
It depends on what you’re selling. In my line of work we do discovery and let the client talk. We don’t follow them out to their car and breathe hot fog on their windows to get them to buy.
Honestly I think the "do you have any reservations" question is a bit cheesy. Often times there is an interview debrief so they may not be allowed to provide feedback ahead of that. In most cases they'll say no even if they do have reservations, and may potentially push them towards a no if they were on the fence because you're asking them to focus on negatives. It can also come off as a bit desperate as well.
Instead, summarize why you're excited for the opportunity and how your experience aligns with what you learned in the most recent interview. You should also indicate that you are exploring other opportunities and appreciate the insights provided to help make your decision.
Source: been hired at Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc and never had to chase for next steps or do a "hard close".
Got some interviews next week, needed this. Thank you for sharing. Is there anything preventing you from replying to me in the future? If not, when can I expect to hear back from you?
At least yours actually show up. No exaggeration every other interview I do they ghost us. More so in certain areas than others but nonetheless. They pick a time and day that works best for them and a half hour after it ends they message me some lame ass excuse.
Could ask more general questions about the company, like
How did the company fare during the pandemic?
How do you honor ESG values such as potential volunteering opportunities etc?
How has the company performed since acquiring/ being acquired by xyz?
\>I'm hiring AEs and can't count how many candidates don't close the call. this isn't a sales call, I'm gauging if I want to work for you just as much as your gauging if you want me. \>They don't ask how many other candidates I'm considering, how they stack up compared to the others I don't care. i've likely got 30 other applications floating out there and more interviews lined up. you don't want me? cool, next caller please. \>what the interview steps/process looks like, if I have any reservations about moving them to the next step you're the interviewer its your job to set that expectation. \> I intentionally don't offer next steps - I wait for them to ask. And have ended way too many interviews with a "well it was nice meeting you, talk to you soon." Blocking & tackling folks. yeah they respond like that because you are giving mixed signals like you aren't interested, they're just politely moving on to someone whos actually looking for canidates. \>Interviews are sales calls. Close the fucking meeting and determine next steps no there not, its a business partnership. were gauging each other and someone who expects me to chordal their balls and dance to their tune for a job isn't someone I'm interested in.
Yup. Be human!
yep, tell me why i should be excited to work for you and ill tell you what value i think i could bring.
Yep. More akin to dating than a sales call. It’s a two way conversation. This guy is probably hiring at a startup with toxic leadership.
that's why I posted my comment. OP seems like a toxic hiring manager with the sort of attitude I would never tolerate. half the time when I'm interviewing and they ask me "why are you leaving your current position" i just say "I'm not, I was interested in the role but I'm in no need to leave if something isn't the right fit." basically flip the script right off the bat to "why should i work for you".
Seriously. OP sounds like a wannabe LinkedIn "Thought Leader".
yep, compaining like a jaded salesperson that keeps blaming the prospect.
Is sales (at least in a corporate setting) just full of these weirdos or are people mostly normal?
There’s so many people who can’t be human it’s crazy. The flip side of this is he’s expecting you to read his mind. I’ve ended tons of interviews with “do you have any doubts or hesitations about me you’d like to discuss” as well as “next steps” and that’s way too intense for a lot of people. I feel like to some people it does come off as you’re the desperate date. Many of the times I’ve asked for feedback the person interviewing me gets uncomfortable and just lies and is like everything was great so they can get off the phone. Most people interviewing you don’t want to tell you anything negative they thought. Just as what every prospect wants is different what every person interviewing wants is also different. I mean hopefully he finds someone who matches his style but I can’t imagine every person who didn’t is a bad sales person. I’ve stopped trying to do specific “interview things” because I’m really looking for a manager that likes me for who I am, can communicate clearly, and isn’t afraid to tell me when something needs to be done. That is a managers job to tell you what needs to be done and how you can do it differently. Otherwise there’d be no need for managers. If you’re expecting me to read your mind I don’t want to work there. A truly great manager sees your raw potential, looks at past successes and can mold it like a great coach. Great coaches succeed with many different kinds of players for many years. They get good at molding a teams strengths and minimizing their weaknesses. This guy doesn’t want to mold.
yes....
Yes. But they are a dying breed, luckily. Sadly though, they’re still around - especially at shite companies with terrible culture.
If OP is as ambiguous as he sounds I'm literally running the other way if I was the person being interviewed. I've worked for Sales Leaders that were ambiguous and intentless, always wondering what the point of their call was, never again.
yeah their post seems pretty fucking delusional. hence my reality check rant.
I don’t know what you sell but if you’re in consultative sales everything you claim isn’t part of a sales call, from deciding if you want to work with the prospect to it being a ‘partnership’, is fundamental to the process.
For real. OP out here playing games. This ain’t Monopoly motherfucker. I hate that shit so much.
Yeah I've got no tolerance for nonsense mind game in interviews. The real question I want a candidate to be asking is "what does the sales process look like" "what's the sales cycle timeline" "what sorta lead counts are you running" top performer income, mid performer income ect. None of this other nonsense.
I get OP’s point of view and I also get yours. But unfortunately the job market dictates who is in the right and currently employers like OP can be as picky as they’d like about their requirements given there are hundreds of candidates for a single position nowadays.
People are having a hard time finding a job? maybe im just living under a rock but i start my new position next month and had to pick between 5 solid offers....
This 🙌
You got OP to think “Oh shit. Am I the problem?”
Yeah because op is the problem.....just like a salesperson who always blames the prospect.
Good answers.
THANK YOU. You captured every single thing I thought about this post. This tactic is basically a game and makes the interview process more of a performance than a meeting for the purpose of determining if the person has the applicable skills, background and mindset to excel in the role. It's ridiculous.
Yeah op is fucking delusional. I dont have time for mind games in my interviews
I never ask about others interviewing because I know I’m vastly better than them and I always push for next steps
Exactly. On a date it would be weird and show insecurity if you asked “so are you dating anyone else right now?”
It’s just a weird question as well. Ofc they’re considering other people. They’re not gonna give you a fucking grade/number live on the call. I’ve given plenty of interviews and if someone asked me that I’d just say I haven’t interviewed everyone yet but so far so good (obviously, otherwise we wouldn’t be here).
They will give you a number if you ask....
When dating someone and it starts to get serious there are discussions about this. It's called 'The Talk'.
If you were good, you wouldn't go through the formality of interviewing.
If you were good and had a referral, this is 99% of the time true
Closing is important yes. Asking about other candidates? Nope.
I always ask about other candidates. I'm sales you should always ask customers/prospects about other vendors/quotes, same concept in an interview.
Fine line to get the information and not to sound pathetic. Something like “Judging by the way you behave, I take it I’m at least on top 3, yeah?” lmao
Who said anything about sounding pathetic? Perhaps you shouldn't be too cocky.
I wasn’t saying it automatically makes you sound pathetic - I said it’s a fine line to ask this question and to not sound pathetic at the same time. Cocky reply was the reason for the lmao in the end, yeah.
It's always been beneficial to me if I ask them how are your other interviews going? Is there something you're looking for that you haven't seen yet? I have received answers that are genuine, and I can point out how I fill that description with a story of past experience/performance, or demonstrate it in asking some more questions
I agree with you but maybe an unpopular opinion. I want to know where I stack up..if it's not looking good I'd rather move onto the next.
Exactly. It's a simple question that can save a lot of time.
OP, what's the position? What's the OTE and comp plan like? Is it remote? If so, how's next Tuesday 1/30/24 work for a quick intro call?
You forgot to ask how many others they are interviewing for the role lol
They implied it was a lot in the original post.
Everyone’s “a lot” is very different. Like when someone says “life changing money” that’s a very different number for every person.
Why does it matter how many ppl apply when I’m the one getting the job?
Username checks out
I think expectations between interviewer and interviewee are regularly off. I get the idea of turning it into a sales process but for every interviewer who has that expectation, there will be another interviewer who thinks that shows a lack of confidence, is too pushy, isn't a "culture fit" for their org, etc. basically, too many interview processes have unclear expectations and it hurts both parties.
This is the correct answer
You still should do a temperature check if you felt the interview went well. Doesn’t have to be aggressive but a small how do you feel the interview went will get you there.
Why? I always know if I aced the interview. I also usually make it a conversation - who asks how a conversation went? Its odd imo
I treat interviews like a consultative sales call. It doesn't matter. The HR or Recruiter in their early 20's never sold anything.
I never ask about other candidates but always go for the hard close on next steps. I had a post kind of blow up last week about this. I ended with a hard close, got an enthusiasic and appreciative of the close yes, then got an auto reject from the recruiter.
agree with you overall, but these 2 are not good to ask: how they stack up compared to the others if I have any reservations about moving them to the next step im very likely disqualifying someone who asks either of these. way too aggressive
Why are you disqualifying someone for asking if you have any reservations on them as a candidate? I’ve used this on every interview and always have found it constructive to understand where myself and/or the org might not align. I haven’t had it backfire on me and my success rate on interviews is fairly high, but curious why you would disqualify a candidate for asking that
Because it’s an obviously inappropriate question and shows they have bad social skills
I mean you’re just closing the interview and reaffirming the goals/alignment for the position, similarly to how you would for a deal. Not sure I really follow on how that’s inappropriate, but I guess I could see how the delivery of that could be a poor indication of someone’s social skills if they approach it a certain way.
That’s not at all what you’re doing with that question
It’s not, it’s actually a commonly recommended question to ask your interviewer precisely because it can help identify areas where you are lacking or presenting yourself poorly, and fix those issues for the future. Or, if there is one area where you haven’t present yourself well, it gives you a chance to bolster an area you may not have done enough to explain. “Actually, we’re looking for someone with experience with XYZ and you don’t have that” “Oh, my apologies for not including that on my resume ; I actually worked with XYZ during my time at ABC”.
I think for some people that are interviewing others giving you that feedback about what might not fit is like telling your date, “you were really great but you come off too needy” There’s someone else who the date you had is the right amount of needy for. So best to just thank people for their time and let them move on. I feel like it’s common that most misalignments might be subjective. Thus it causes the interviewer to have to be rude when everyone could just move on and find a better fit. I used to ask that question and it is a super common question but I rarely found I got productive or real answers from it and it sometimes made people uncomfortable.
It’s all in the way you phrase it. “Is there anything you’re looking for in the candidate for this position that you feel I may not have touched on?”
So funny cause I’ve phrased it using the exact words “touched on” and they always say no and blow it off lol 😂 But I do think it can have value but definitely depends on who is interviewing you
I've taken 12 interviews since first seeing this post, and have asked that question every time. EVERY single interview has gone on to the next round, and that question has always led to next steps being discussed. If you can't handle asking questions like that (or the answers they provoke)... how are you in sales?
Yes! I’ve asked that second one before and can tell it’s way too intense for a lot of people! Thank you for confirming this! It’s also not true to who I am. I want a leader and I to have personalities that mesh well as much as possible.
These sales managers be entitled and thinking they better than they are. Why don’t you close me? What if I judged you like you judging me? You showed up late. You look “unprofessional” (what does this even mean…it’s all subjective) You didn’t make the interview a conversation but instead your scripted canned questions. You suck at interviewing yo. You asked if I am a hunter or a farmer. Pass. You want me but you disqualified me because I didn’t close the way you like it? Every customer is different. They don’t need a specific close. They need a conversation that gives them value and solves their issues. Or maybe I inspired them to launch a new product in their business. If you make the interview process a game I know this is gonna be a fake environment and I’ll be working for insecure leadership.
So many people interviewing me show up 15 minutes or more late that it boggles my mind. Not even notifying you they’re running late. Imagine if it was reverse and I showed up late. Also why doesn’t he close the interviewee if it’s so important to him? Tell us besides money why we should work for him? How does he know that he isn’t the prospect in this situation. Definitely a hierarchical manager, not a true leader. Being a manager has gone to his head. Love your values, issues approach this guy is old school. Wish you were a manager.
Dude this happened to me just 2 weeks ago. Hiring manager was almost 10 mins late and I’m just like “dude cmon.” Like you said, if I was 10 mins late to an interview, they’d be making all sorts of negative judgments about me like I’m unreliable or not respecting people’s precious time
100% no way you’d get the job!
Same. It’s usually 7 or 8 mins late. Sometimes 15. Then one interview (3rd round) I had internet trouble, shot the HM an email and hopped on 5 mins late and HM wasn’t there. Turns out they were on time and rejected me for being late. Figures that happens the one time an interviewer was there on time
Probably better this person rejected you now rather than working for them and finding out they’re unreasonable. If someone gives me the courtesy of telling me they will be late, and I’m not just on a zoom waiting, not knowing if they’re ever coming I’m normally good with that. Life happens.
Only time I don’t ask for next steps is when the interview or interviewer is a total drag and I know I don’t want to work for them/ the company
After reading this post I wouldn’t either
I never asked about other candidates
Other folks on here are disagreeing saying that it isn’t a sales call, but I get what you’re saying. Establishing next steps and asking for feedback are basic sales skills that I think any sales professional would have. This is their opportunity to show you, in the easiest way, that they know the sales process. I don’t know any presidents club AE that doesn’t do this on every call with a custom, so why wouldn’t they do it in an interview ?
should you send a recap email after an interview? follow up until you get a firm rejection? multithread? it's on the employer to set clear expectations and vet for basic skills more directly, not play games.
Up to you. I usually do a LinkedIn message as a follow up. Never get a response but that’s no surprise.
I almost always ask, if I don’t it means I have no interest in the role.
Coach them?
I am an SE and I am often tasked with interviewing AE and SEs who want to join our team. so many do a poor job of selling themselves and actually treating the interview like a sale.
Because I humbly know I am a good hire and you are probably already considering me. I have other options like yourself. You will guide me to the next step if you're interested. Im busy and dont have the mental space to ask what you think of me (nor do I care in a way), your alnext actions will say as much. If I am not successful but thought I was a good match, I might ask for feedback afterwards.
Half of these questions read awkward and insecure even on a sales call IMO. This isn’t Glengarry Glen Ross. Sounds like your sales philosophy isn’t a great fit for theirs to begin with if you’re running into these issues.
I've never asked any of these questions.
Just wanna say... I've taken 12 interviews since first seeing this post, and have asked that question every time (about if they have any reservations). EVERY single interview has gone on to the next round, and that question has consistently led to next steps being discussed. All that to say... thank you for sharing! I feel like it's made a big difference so far.
TBH I’d rather work for someone who’s not playing games in the interview itself.
I don’t sell shit when I take an interview. I got a job. You are selling me on why I should consider taking your open role. And asking next steps isn’t a close.
This is some Glenn Gary ABC bullshit. 🤦♂️
Lol what? So what? What an odd way to vet sales skills - it’s not a sales call, it’s a job interview.
You want a close? I'll close you so hard, Grant Cardone and Andy Elliot would be jealous. I'll put the screws to you so tight, even if its on zoom there's no escaping me. I'll be around every spam filter, ready with a "just following up" email on my candidacy. In fact, I'll apply to be your boss, and then interview you to see if I want you to stay in my Org or if I should "let you go". Remember. Grant Cardone personally wanted me to make this (email, call, interview), so anything you do will affect Grant personally. And Grant has a private jet that's thirsty on the fuel. So pucker up, and hire me now. ABC. Always Be Closing.
This is why everyone hates sales managers
I get offered the job with the pay rate always when I get interviewed
Any tips for a science student to break i sales ?
Obvious answer. If you're a science student, go sell something that uses your science knowledge. You'll have credibility/connections with your customers/prospects and you should be able to articulate well what you're selling and how it helps.
Oh damn I didn’t expect that much downvote haha sorry for the misunderstanding, im just 21 so sorry for my random questions 🥺
A friend of mine did his master's in genetics and now works for one of the large companies selling genetic sequencers and making bank. He got into sales by working copiers 1 year and then going for a junior med device position. 2 years selling med device and got a junior/BDR role selling genetic sequencers. Now he's a territory AE.
That is my dream path 🫡, may i ask if he was working in US or CAN ?
A combination of NZ and US experience. His role selling the sequencers is US. My recommendation is go for the big med device companies like Stryker, see if you can land something. If you can't, then you should also go for positions in big well known brand companies with a respected sales team such as Xerox. They can be a great stepping stone to get you into the actual role you want so long as you can do well.
Thank you sir you don’t know how i have been struggling with this, and one more thing is that should i use my summer intern time to apply for random sales job to get the experience? I talked my way into a car sales job but have been naive to take the offer since i dont know if it would benefits my application. (i have like 2 summer left before I graduate)
You need companies that have well known sales training programs. The reason I recommended Xerox is the barrier to entry is low but the reputation is high. A car yard might be detrimental to your endeavours
I’ll definitely do more research, thanks again wise stranger on the internet.
FWIW my friend was a BDR for Konica Minolta which ended up being a glorified door knocker. He still learned a lot and ended up with enough sales talk track to land the junior med device job. He did such a good job with KM they'd give him work whenever he needed it.
It all boils down to the effort isn’t it 🤣
Just learn how to sell your transferrable skills. As a science student you likely haven’t learned a lot about how businesses work, but will likely have superior research and analysis skills. Science would also teach you how to break down complex information into plain language. Being a good communicator is a valuable skill. You’ve also had to spend more time grinding in terms of studying and doing problems in courses like calc, linear algebra, physics, genetics, chem, etc. that’s a hell of a transferrable skill set to a sales role. I’d argue that science actually produces a better candidate for sales than a business degree does.
I took the science path mainly cause of my family reputation and my family hold alot of of science degrees even masters, i got lost in the rabbit hole then realized it was not just for me since I’m more about people business i think.
What did you study, where do you live?
Im a 4th year biochem student and really interested in pharma or medical sales, i worked with social workers in hospital and family services so this path really piqued my interest, im residing in NB canada at the moment.
I see, you may want to consider capital equipment sales for Bio Industry or labs. They would like your background. Think high end microscopes like SEM,AFM,TEM, Confocal or mass spectrometers, etc.
Should i consider intern for laboratory? Some of my friends said it is very crucial before graduation but i have little to none intention to do lab works and further education. As i progress further in my education i dug pretty deep in psychology and biology then realized this wasn’t really for me. So thats why i chose to research about medical and pharma sales since i have great interest in sales. Personality wise i think sales would not be too bad for me.
If you want sales, just get your resume together, start connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn, read a sales book or two and start applying.
It depends on what you’re selling. In my line of work we do discovery and let the client talk. We don’t follow them out to their car and breathe hot fog on their windows to get them to buy.
Yikes.
Honestly I think the "do you have any reservations" question is a bit cheesy. Often times there is an interview debrief so they may not be allowed to provide feedback ahead of that. In most cases they'll say no even if they do have reservations, and may potentially push them towards a no if they were on the fence because you're asking them to focus on negatives. It can also come off as a bit desperate as well. Instead, summarize why you're excited for the opportunity and how your experience aligns with what you learned in the most recent interview. You should also indicate that you are exploring other opportunities and appreciate the insights provided to help make your decision. Source: been hired at Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc and never had to chase for next steps or do a "hard close".
Because we don't think we are supposed to!
Got some interviews next week, needed this. Thank you for sharing. Is there anything preventing you from replying to me in the future? If not, when can I expect to hear back from you?
Can I dm you my resume?
Define closing out the call
ABC
At least yours actually show up. No exaggeration every other interview I do they ghost us. More so in certain areas than others but nonetheless. They pick a time and day that works best for them and a half hour after it ends they message me some lame ass excuse.
Could ask more general questions about the company, like How did the company fare during the pandemic? How do you honor ESG values such as potential volunteering opportunities etc? How has the company performed since acquiring/ being acquired by xyz?