Last week, we featured a blog about how PreSales leaders should hone their interviewing and hiring process for greater organizational impact.

‍

In this blog, we shift our focus to the job seekers — those aspiring to secure coveted roles as a Solutions Consultant (SC). As an SC, you’re entrusted with technical validation, but your role can encompass a wide range of responsibilities, tailored to the organization, team dynamics, and overarching goals.

‍

To succeed in this multifaceted position, candidates must not only possess the necessary technical expertise, but also demonstrate their ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment. 

Best Practices for getting hired

Polish your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn serves as a virtual resume and professional networking hub in the modern job market. Regardless of whether you’re active on LinkedIn, make sure your profile is complete, with a high-quality photo, updated work experience, and a compelling summary. The more unique and personal you can make the summary, the better look potential employers will get at not just your abilities, but who you are. Include as much detail to your different roles as possible to showcase responsibilities and achievements as a Solutions Consultant or in a related role. Use related keywords to make your profile easily discoverable by recruiters and hiring managers.

Identify and promote your skills

As an SC, you possess a unique set of skills that enable you to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. During the interview process, show that you’ve got the skills needed to carry out the demands of the job. These include hard and soft skills like:

‍

• Product knowledge
• Technical competence
• Presentation skills
• Problem-solving
• Project management
• Emotional intelligence
• Curiosity
• Empathy
• Teamwork

‍

Emphasize these skills in your resume, cover letter, and interviews. Be ready to provide concrete real-world examples of how you’ve successfully guided potential clients through their decision-making process.  

Get diverse references

Having strong references can significantly impact your likelihood of moving further along the hiring process. Aim to collect references from a variety of sources, like supervisors, teammates, account executives, and colleagues from other departments. Ensure that these references can speak to your technical acumen, communication skills, and ability to build strong relationships. Your references should also validate the claims you make in your resume and during the interview process. A well-rounded set of references enhances your credibility and can differentiate you from other candidates.

‍

Hot tip: You can leverage your LinkedIn profile to collect recommendations from managers, colleagues, classmates, professors and more that support your skills and past experience.

Be inquisitive

A crucial aspect of being a Solutions Consultant is the ability to understand customer pain points and provide tailored solutions. During an interview, don’t hesitate to ask thoughtful and inquisitive questions about the company’s products, customer base, and challenges they face. Demonstrate your interest in their business and your ability to gather crucial information and present relevant solutions effectively. Engaging in a meaningful conversation with an interviewer can showcase your consultative approach and leave a lasting impression.

Show you’re a cultural fit

PreSales representatives work closely with both technical and sales teams. Research a company’s culture and values ahead of an interview to demonstrate how your personality and work style align with their organization. Showcase your adaptability, teamwork, and customer-focused mindset. Additionally, illustrate how you can contribute to the company’s success beyond your core responsibilities, such as collaborating with other teams to improve overall processes.

What about entry-level candidates?

Securing a PreSales job as an entry-level candidate may seem challenging, but it’s not impossible. Talk about transferable skills gained from internships, part-time jobs, or academic projects. Highlight your ability to learn quickly, your passion for technology, and your eagerness to work closely with customers. During the interview, demonstrate your communication skills, aptitude for problem-solving, and enthusiasm for understanding customers’ needs. Additionally, discuss challenging situations where you’ve had to handle pressure and take initiative.

‍

While you may not have direct PreSales experience, you want to show your learning potential and past experience that can be leveraged in this profession. 

Conclusion

Securing a PreSales job requires a combination of technical prowess, communication skills, and a customer-centric mindset. Job hunting is not typically the most fun experience, but by following these best practices, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job in PreSales. 

‍

And remember, PreSales Collective is here to offer connections and resources to support your journey every step of the way. 

‍