Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Account Executive at Smith+Nephew, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After a recruiter call, I was pulled into an interview loop that felt pretty structured around sales realities. I did an automated video interview with five prompts, then shortly after I had a brief call with the hiring manager. That was followed by a more casual conversation with a top sales rep, where the tone felt less like interrogation and more like getting a read on how I thought about the job.
My process dragged on longer than I expected. From getting hired into the interview stages to the point where I would’ve been out in the field, it took more than three months, and it felt like they invested a lot of time learning about me, not just rushing through checks.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter call, followed by multiple rounds of video interviews and live conversations with sales managers and territory managers. Some candidates also experienced ride-alongs to assess real-world sales capabilities.
Candidates often faced sales simulations where they had to sell a product or discuss their sales experience in detail, emphasizing practical application over hypothetical questions. Behavioral questions were common, often using the STAR method to assess fit.
Many candidates reported using recorded video interviews, which felt awkward and less personal, limiting their ability to convey their skills effectively. The format often included situational and behavioral prompts.
Candidates experienced varying levels of communication throughout the process, with some feeling left in the dark due to long gaps without updates. Clear communication was noted as a positive aspect when present.
The overall difficulty of the process was described as average, but the length and structure could create a feeling of pressure and frustration, especially when candidates faced long waits for feedback or decisions.
The atmosphere of interviews varied widely, with some candidates experiencing a casual, conversational tone while others faced more formal and rigid questioning styles. This impacted their comfort levels during interviews.