3rd party recruiter reached out on LI., spoke briefly.
Internal recruiter reached out, set up time with another recruiter.
2nd internal recruiter call was informative, set up interview with VP of Sales.
So far, the HCO cultural framework was highly promoted.
VP of sales interview straightforward, pleasant, seemed to build good rapport, high level of alignment. Was keen on leveraging sales methodologies, Challenger in particular.
Next step was a project, to be delivered to VP and team.
Project description was poorly written, but essentially they wanted to see how I would approach selling to a net new prospect (even though the role is for a SAM).
I spent several hours working on the PPT, hit every point on the "rubric".
The project team interview included:
- VP of Sales
- Senior SAM
- Sales Director
- Pre-sales Specialist
I presented my deck, fielded their questions, but quickly got the sense that they didn't think that I was "good enough" for the job.
The feeling was mutual as I experienced them as brash and hyper-critical. Their HCO seemed to go right out the window.
They spent most of the time picking apart how I use the Challenger Methodology, and offered very little in terms of feedback, and time for me to ask them questions.
They said they would meet internally, and give me a decision the next business day.
Next day VP sent me an email letting me know that they were not interested in making me an offer. I wasn't surprised.
At least they made good on their promise to get back to me.