I applied through a recruiter. The process took 6 months. I interviewed at IBM in Jan 2009
Interview
I came prepared with a 30-60-90 day plan that outlined how I would ramp up in a new territory. This including all possible penetration angles, including 1) Networking, 2) Inside Sales, 3) Cross Sell into install base, and 4) Provocative Executive Pitches for the Tier 1 "whitespace" accounts. I also researched the top accounts in the patch and developed a tactical plan to build awareness/interest/sponsorship at different levels of the org chart to schedule an executive meeting by the end of 90 days. Lastly, I rehearsed an elevator pitch for the various roles that would be involved in the sales process, with different pain points and compelling reason to act for each.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
overcoming objections for a solution that is only understood conceptually, not from experience
I had a good time with this interview, it was a nice easy process with some friendly people, they did the most to make sure that I was prepped and ready to go - would recommend for anyone who is looking for a new job.
typical, screen, HR then hiring managers and technical folks and peers. Mostly through zoom. Some in person. Basic hiring questions and no surprises during the process. Did some research to find more about the job
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
sales process and how I had approached it in the past
I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at IBM (Dallas-Fort Worth) in Apr 2025
Interview
Painful. Phone call, then video. Seems like the individual did not want to do the interview. It's taken a long time to get an interview despite all my sales and mainframe experience. I also understand they recently laid off like 5,000 people.l. Are they still wanting to purge older people?