The past few days I have been to three interviews and had four phone interviews with companies about open sales positions. The “in person” interview’s I’ve had went well I think. These interviews are always a bit awkward in the beginning. Granted there is nothing that I like to talk more about than myself. They want a good employee and I want to have a good employer. So they ask their questions and I ask my own. The ones that know about the Bobble head asked some questions and want to know if I have one that I keep at my desk. (Of course I do!) All of the companies are possibilities.

Here are some general thoughts I need to run through.

I met with Company A and they had a lot to offer, but was still pretty small and needed more of a phone monkey than anything. A few years ago I would have been all over it, but it’s too much risk to take on now. Responsibilities come first! They knew I wasn’t the best fit so they talked about an outside position or a sales coach for newbies. Like I said not a great fit for now. They were a good company with the right structure to makes things happen so I won’t write them off just yet.

Company B was really nice. A bit further of a drive than I have now, but they really take care of their people. That’s what I want with any company I work for. A company that takes good care of their people will have loyal employees for years. They have a product/service that I have limited experience in, but they have a good market share and are continuing to grow quickly. I can learn just about anything. If the company has good stuff and I can make money selling it, that’s another thing I am looking for. They have an interesting interview process that I actually enjoyed. Fun is always good.

Company C may be the furthest away. Their product/service is very interesting to me. I have some experience with it during my career but the functionality they have added is uber cool. Even if I didn’t take the position, I would tell any company I worked for about it. Too bad their not a public company, I’d by stock.

All of these places seemed interested in me on some level. This whole experience is like creating a personal job pipeline and only being able to close on one deal for the next few years. (Well, I don’t want to do this again any time soon.) I’d rather be making money instead of searching for a job. I am hoping to have a couple to choose from and make a better decision for the long term. Thats the plan anyway. If your going to close a deal, make it a good one.

The phone interviews all went well. I should start hearing back from them soon if they want me to actually come in and meet some people. Some were for field positions and they have small offices around the US for field sales people to go into if needed. Pleasanton, San Ramon, San Francisco. All very easy to get to. Having a position that didn’t require a huge commute would be a bonus.

So I’ll keep filling the pipeline and see what I can get. No decisions until after next week.