This is for anyone interested in Customer Success at Sentieo. The interview process is lengthy, and consists of initial phone with HR, 1-on-1 with direct manager, a presentation/demo of their software, a round of 4 interviews with team, and then a final interview with c-level.
I went through all steps, and have a few thoughts.
1) If you are coming from a true CSM position, this is not for you. The company does not have a customer support team, so the role is very reactive, fielding calls/emails with client questions, and conducting multiple demos per day. To me, CSMs should be more proactive and strategic, looking to account planning and c-level engagement. This is not that.
2) The team is very young. Most seemed to be reading from scripts with “standard interview” questions, rather than actually looking to get to know me and what I offer.
One individual admitted to “zoning out” during one of the interviews, and sat silent for 5-10 seconds after one of my responses. Very unprofessional, and leads me back to the conclusion that the team is very young and inexperienced.
3) I spent hours preparing and interviewing, especially for the presentation phase, where you are required to self learn a portion of their solution and demo. This alone took 6-10 hours of prep. After going through the entire process, I was told that my experience did not fit what they were looking for.
For a company to use that as a rationale, after going through the lengthy interview process, is unacceptable.
I am fine if there are more experienced candidates, but I find it absurd that they had me go through 6 weeks of interviews and not give me any helpful or critical feedback for no offer. With my background and experience working in the same field, 8+ years of client facing roles, and an understanding of their business, this is not the case.