VMware Inside Sales Representative Interview Questions & Reviews

Interviewed Feb 2009 in Austin, TX (took 2 weeks)

Interview process was surprisingly straightforward, fast, and lacked many of the little mindgames that so many other employers make use of. My process was as follows:

1. Submitted Application Online
2. Phone interview with recruiter
3. Phone interview with hiring manager
4. Face-to-face interview with various managers and senior reps
5. Face-to-face interview with senior manager
6. Extension of offer and negotiation
7. Started!

After submitting my application, the recruiter got back to me almost immediately (submitted on the weekend and had an e-mail by 8AM Monday morning). We had a brief chat about the position and about my experience, he liked what he heard and decided to pass me on to the hiring manager. He didn't have a lot of answers to my detailed questions about day-to-day life in the position but since he was a general recruiter, that was okay.

My phone interview with the hiring manager was likewise straightforward. Basically about my expectations from the company, the requirements for the position, my attitude and background, etc. My knowledge about the product was also useful. My recommendation is to be "salesy," communicate excitement about the product and company, and to make sure to communicate you game plan for success in the position.

The first face-to-face interview was quite simply the best interview I have ever had. There are three people here, two senior sales reps and one manager. They are looking for culture fit, sales competence, and energy. They'll ask you again what your game plan is to succeed- the culture here is very open and much of your success is up to you. They emphasize that there isn't micromanagement or hand-holding and want to make sure you have a plan to succeed on your own. Culture is laid back, as I said before, but make sure to wear a suit and tie- I showed up dressed to the nines and they were wearing polos and jeans. Although I felt awkward they emphasized to me that it was a make-or-break. Demonstrate a passion for sales, an ability to manage yourself, and competency and excitement about the technology and you should do well. Don't talk about anything you aren't that solid on from a technology standpoint because you will get busted.

Last came the one-to-one with the senior manager. This was basically more of the same and they are gauging for personality/drive/culture fit at this point as they will have already flushed out all the people who don't meet the minimum requirements. Again, a go-getter attitude and a familiarity with the sales process and how things are done in IT sales will go a long way.

About an hour later I had a call from them offering me the job. Everything at VMware moved fast in the hiring process, to which I credit my recruiter. He was awesome and never left me hanging when it came to hearing back.

Overall, my hiring process was very very positive and went a long way to persuading me to join the team.