Blackthorn.io Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process was great, with transparency from start to finish. The team had a good energy and was looking to expand in certain areas and be flexible with job descriptions, focusing on finding the right people for the right spots.

I had to download an app and fill out a form first. Then, I spoke with a founder, which went well. After that, I was asked to submit a reference, and then they set up a second interview. My reference called me right after they were contacted because they were asked some weird questions, like what I would 'warn a potential employer' about me. For my second interview, I joined the conference room and was immediately asked to sell something. They had stressed in the first interview that it wouldn't be a day-to-day sales role, with maybe some small transaction sales, and they weren't looking for a 'salesperson.' I started role playing, but they cut me off and said I misunderstood and asked about my sales process instead. I explained my consultative approach with examples, but they cut me off again, saying they don't train sales people and I wasn't a fit. Given my decade in sales with positive feedback, I was surprised by this. I'm unsure where the disconnect happened, but now I don't know what the actual position is or what they're looking for. It seems like they might not know either, or maybe they don't want to hire anyone. I'd suggest reviewing the job descriptions and making expectations clear from the start. Beware, the role you apply for might be very different from the interview, and it's unclear what's actually being offered.

To apply for this position you must first fallow a few steps and create a form with one of their apps. That was very simple and easy to fallow. Then I scheduled my first interview with one of the co-founders. That went well and very smooth. Flowed like a conversation and not like a question answer interview. During this interview it was explained that this is NOT a sales job, I would "occasionally" handle small sales, but all others would go through sales. I was told that this position had the opportunity to move into sales or support. He explained how this is a business position not tech support or sales. After this conversation I was more convinced this was a perfect position for me to grow with. My references were then checked, the reference I used is an employee of mine and an MBA student at C@rnegie Mellon, she told me the questions were very vague and hard to understand what they were asking exactly. After that I moved on to the second and final interview. I logged onto the video chat and waited. Both co-founders then signed into the meeting. The person I hadn't met with already introduced him self and then told me to sell him something while doing so explain my sales process and my weaknesses. This seemed odd. I wasn't sure if he wanted me to roll play with him or explain HOW I sell. This was the beginning of a very bad interview. The few questions that were asked were so broad and confusing they were impossible to understand what he wanted. At one point he came back at me an argumentative comment. Since I was told this wasn't a sales job I wasn't not prepared to sell anything except now my experience and passion is beneficial to blackthorn. He then told me that I was told to research and prepare to sell one of their apps. I reviewed my 1.5 pages of notes from the first interview and there is no mention of that. Admittedly I did spend more time researching the two co-founders and company than I did the actual products. It was important that I knew the position and company was worth me leaving a 8 year sales management position and taking slight pay cut. Had I been aware this was going to be a roll playing sales interview I'd have prepared for that kind of interview. Overall the second interview was the worst interview I've been a part of. As I type this I wait to board my plane for a work trip where I'll receive 3 sales awards that each one only the top 100 sales managers out of 6500 receive. I believe poor communication highjacked this interview, it could have been a lot better.

A recruiter reached out on LinkedIn, and it was the best interview experience I've had. The initial screening call was standard and fine. The next meeting with the hiring manager made me decide I was all in on Blackthorn, even turning down another offer. After a couple of weeks, this first Blackthorn call was a really refreshing and genuine chat about my career goals, past challenges, non-work interests, and growing in my passion. Kristen's intentional questions and clear explanations were key. It was a great first impression of the people and culture at Blackthorn. There were three options for the 'Challenge' part, with well-written problems based on real-world situations. I enjoyed building solutions and process changes in my Dev Org, which confirmed the role was a great fit. Presenting my 'Challenge' approach to a panel in the final interview was also fun, even though I dislike presenting. Everyone was engaged, asked good questions, and made it a comfortable atmosphere. I accepted an offer from the CRO by the end. I love my job in 2022 and these sharp people make me better. If you're interested in Blackthorn, go for it; you'll at least meet great people who care about your success.