My process started with a recruiter outreach from LinkedIn for an SMB Account Executive role. The call felt oddly mismatched from the beginning—the recruiter didn’t seem to know who I was or anything specific from my resume. When I tried to answer, the questions that came up didn’t really get into the sales org, and the answers I was given back were broad and a bit hand-wavy, like how commission was “uncapped” and that “everyone” hits and exceeds quota.
Even though I felt I had enough relevant experience, I didn’t get past that early step with the sales team. It was genuinely frustrating, because it never reached a sales hiring manager round where my actual approach would have been tested. Overall, the experience felt like a huge time sink and left me with a negative impression—especially given how outbound the role was supposed to be.
3 months ago
Difficult Positive Spain
After a recruiter interview, I moved into a more involved stage that included a business case plus a cold-call component. What surprised me was the amount of in-person expectation around the cold call: I had to come into the office and run the cold call twice with management so they could watch me apply feedback in real time.
Once the cold-call portion was done, I went back through my business case with them, essentially tying what I’d written to how I’d think and operate in a sales environment. The last step was a culture fit conversation, which was more about how I aligned with the company and how I viewed the role. End to end, it felt like a serious, time-consuming process—though I ultimately didn’t land the offer.
4 months ago
Average Positive Barcelona
My hiring journey started with a recruiter screen that felt like a proper setup rather than a vague chat. I talked through my background and experienc…
5 months ago
Average Negative Barcelona
My process felt unfair from the start, and it only got worse as the rounds stacked up. I went through an initial set of interviews where the cultural …
6 months ago
Average Negative Barcelona
I went into the process for a new markets division feeling optimistic because my first interview was actually very strong. I met with an HR team membe…
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What to expect
Distilled from the reports
Recruiter Screening
The initial recruiter screening varies significantly in quality, with some candidates experiencing vague and generic questions, while others find it structured and engaging. Candidates should prepare for both general fit questions and specific sales-related inquiries.
RecruiterFit AssessmentInitial Screening
Practical Assessments & Role Plays
Candidates often face practical assessments, including cold-calling exercises and role plays, where they must demonstrate their sales skills in real-time. Preparation for these scenarios is crucial, as they are a key part of the evaluation process.
Role PlayCold CallPractical Assessment
Cultural Fit Interviews
Interviews focused on cultural fit and alignment with company values are common, with questions aimed at understanding candidates' motivations and how they connect with the company's mission. Candidates should be ready to articulate their personal values and how they align with the company.
Cultural FitValues AlignmentMotivation
Interview Structure & Flow
The interview process is generally structured and can involve multiple stages, including assessments, manager interviews, and discussions with senior leadership. Candidates should expect a thorough evaluation with a clear progression through the stages.
Candidates report mixed experiences with communication throughout the process, with some feeling well-informed and others experiencing delays and lack of clarity. It's important to follow up and seek feedback when necessary to gauge progress.
CommunicationFeedbackFollow-Up
Outcome & Decision-Making
Candidates often express frustration with the final decision-making process, particularly when offers are rescinded or when they feel their performance was not adequately considered. Understanding that external factors may influence outcomes can help manage expectations.