Business Wire Account Executive Interview Questions
& Process

This was a pretty standard sales interview process. I had two phone interviews before meeting the Regional Sales Manager and one of the VPs of Sales/Operations from NYC. Later, I met with the VP of Sales and the COO. There were other communications between these meetings. After 14 days of silence, I reached out and was told they were 'going in another direction.' It was disappointing given my prior relationships in the industry. I asked for feedback but received none. I later learned they changed the role's requirements after interviewing candidates, essentially using me as a test subject. While I was considered, it showed a lack of respect for my time and theirs. It's probably for the best if they're that indecisive.

I liked the folks I met and the start of the interview process. The hiring manager was great - professional, nice, and quick to respond. I was really interested in the company because it's a Berkshire Hathaway company, and I trust Warren Buffett's business choices. The process included 1 phone screen, an initial in-person meeting with the hiring manager, another chat with other team members, and then a sales presentation to management. Everything felt professional and respectful. After that, I got an email asking me to complete a final project to help them decide, which involved writing an email pitch based on a given scenario. They sent this request midday and wanted it by the end of the day. Since I'm already working, I replied saying I'd get to it the next day. I finished it the following day and sent it to the hiring manager who asked for it. However, the hiring manager didn't acknowledge receiving it, and then it went silent. I waited a few more days, emailed for an update, and got a call from the hiring manager saying they decided to change the skills needed for the job and are restarting the process. Seriously? They wasted at least 10 hours of my time leading me on, and at no point did they suggest I wasn't qualified. It's even crazier that just 2-3 days before they made this change, they asked me to do more work. Not only did they waste my time, but they also wasted valuable company time because of their indecision and changes. This indicates poor leadership, and I'm not interested in working for them. I think Warren Buffett would be disappointed.

Standard sales role interview. Submitted resume, got a call in 5 days. Had a nice 30 min pre-interview phone call, then set up a face-to-face interview. The sit-down interview was great, made me feel comfortable. Came back another day to meet office staff. That second interview was informal and laid back, with open questions and a chance to learn about company culture. Final interview was with the Regional VP of Sales. It was the hardest part, formal, detailed, and results-driven.