What is an Account Executive at Handshake?

The Account Executive role at Handshake is pivotal in driving the company's mission to create equitable job opportunities for all students. As an Account Executive, you will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with educational institutions and employers, facilitating partnerships that directly impact students' career prospects. This role not only contributes to the company’s revenue growth but also enhances the overall user experience on the Handshake platform by ensuring that students receive access to quality job listings tailored to their needs.

In this role, you will engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including college career services and corporate partners. You will be tasked with understanding the challenges faced by these groups and devising tailored solutions that leverage Handshake’s offerings. The position demands a strategic mindset, as you will need to navigate complex sales cycles while also being a passionate advocate for Handshake’s mission to democratize access to employment opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

Candidates can expect to be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and continuous improvement, working closely with product, marketing, and customer success teams to ensure alignment between Handshake’s goals and the needs of its users.

Common Interview Questions

During your interview process for the Account Executive position at Handshake, you can expect a variety of questions designed to assess your skills, experiences, and cultural fit. The following questions are representative of what may come up, drawn from insights shared by previous candidates:

Sales Skills and Experience

This category evaluates your sales acumen, understanding of the market, and ability to close deals.

• Describe your sales process and how you approach a new business opportunity.
• How do you prioritize your accounts and manage your sales pipeline?
• Can you share a successful sales strategy you implemented in a previous role?
• What metrics do you track to measure your success in sales?
• Explain how you handle objections during a sales call.

Behavioral and Cultural Fit

These questions focus on your personal values and how they align with Handshake's culture.

• Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a goal. What was your role?
• How do you handle stress and tight deadlines in a sales environment?
• Tell me about a time you failed to meet a goal. What did you learn from that experience?
• How do you ensure you stay motivated during challenging periods in your sales career?
• What motivates you to work in the education technology space?

Problem-Solving and Adaptability

This section assesses your critical thinking and adaptability in dynamic environments.

• Describe a situation where you had to adapt your sales strategy due to unexpected changes.
• How do you approach problem-solving when you encounter a challenge with a client?
• Give an example of a complex sale you navigated successfully. What steps did you take?
• How would you approach a situation where a client is unhappy with the product or service?
• What is your process for researching and understanding a new market segment?

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

To prepare effectively for your interviews with Handshake, it's essential to focus on the key evaluation criteria that interviewers will use to assess your candidacy.

Role-related knowledge – You must demonstrate a solid understanding of sales techniques and the education technology landscape. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the needs of Handshake.

Problem-solving ability – Interviewers will look for your approach to challenges, particularly in a sales context. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've overcome obstacles and driven results.

Culture fit / values – Handshake values a collaborative and mission-driven culture. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with the company's mission and how you embody those values in your work.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for the Account Executive role at Handshake is structured and designed to evaluate both your skills and your cultural fit within the organization. Typically, candidates can expect an initial phone screen with a recruiter, followed by interviews with hiring managers and potentially other team members. Throughout this process, there is an emphasis on communication, transparency, and the company's mission.

The interviews often include behavioral questions, sales scenarios, and may require you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills through role plays or mock sales calls. Candidates have noted that the interviewers are generally friendly and encouraging, which helps create a comfortable environment for discussion.

This visual timeline outlines the typical stages in the interview process at Handshake. Candidates should use this to plan their preparation, ensuring they are ready for each stage and aware of the overall structure. Understanding the flow of the process can help manage your energy and time effectively, allowing you to focus on presenting your strengths without feeling overwhelmed.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Sales Acumen

Demonstrating strong sales acumen is critical for the Account Executive role. Interviewers will look for evidence of your ability to close deals and grow accounts. A strong candidate will articulate a clear sales strategy and provide examples of successful sales experiences.

• Understanding of Sales Cycles – Be ready to discuss your familiarity with different sales cycles and how you adapt your tactics accordingly.
• Closing Techniques – Share specific examples of how you've successfully closed deals and any methodologies you employ.
• Metrics and KPIs – Discuss the key performance indicators you monitor and how they guide your sales approach.

Cultural Fit

Handshake places significant importance on cultural alignment. Interviewers will assess how well you align with the company's mission and values. A strong candidate will express enthusiasm for the company's vision and demonstrate a collaborative spirit.

• Team Collaboration – Be prepared to highlight how you work with cross-functional teams and share examples of successful collaborations.
• Values Alignment – Articulate your personal values and how they resonate with Handshake's mission.

Problem-Solving Skills

Your ability to navigate challenges will be scrutinized during interviews. Strong candidates will showcase their critical thinking and adaptability when faced with obstacles.

• Scenario-Based Questions – Expect to tackle hypothetical scenarios that test your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Real-World Examples – Share specific instances where you've successfully navigated complex challenges in your previous roles.