Inside Sales Engineer, SLED

An Inside Sales Engineer at Fortinet is responsible for supporting the sales team in technical matters, assessing customer project requirements, aligning client needs with suitable Fortinet solutions, and delivering compelling presentations. They work closely with partners and internal teams to pursue sales opportunities, provide guidance on networking and security, and ensure ongoing customer satisfaction.

To qualify for the Inside Sales Engineer position at Fortinet, candidates should possess either one year of relevant pre/post-sales experience paired with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or three years of experience in a related field. A strong understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals, networking protocols, and critical thinking skills is also essential.

Key skills for an Inside Sales Engineer at Fortinet include a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, proficiency in network operations, critical thinking, and excellent professional communication. Additionally, familiarity with cloud technologies, breach detection, and identity management will be advantageous in effectively addressing client needs.

Inside Sales Engineers at Fortinet can pursue various career growth paths, including advancement into senior technical roles, product management, or account management. Continuous self-improvement and learning about emerging technologies will help engineers expand their capabilities and open doors for new opportunities within the company.

Fortinet offers a comprehensive benefits package for its Inside Sales Engineers, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, vacation time, and sick leave. Additionally, employees are eligible to participate in Fortinet's equity program and can earn commission based on the Sales Compensation Plan.

In an interview, explain that you start by asking open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses from clients, actively listen to their needs, and summarize the key points to clarify understanding. Demonstrate your ability to empathize with their business challenges and align them with suitable Fortinet solutions.

Prepare a specific example where you identified a technical challenge faced by a client and how you resolved it by proposing a tailored solution. Highlight your communication skills and technical expertise that helped in ensuring client satisfaction.

Discuss your philosophy on collaboration, emphasizing regular communication and shared goals. Provide examples of how you engage with both sales and technical teams to drive successful outcomes in pre-sales engagements.

Illustrate that you simplify complex concepts using relatable terms and analogies, focusing on the solution’s benefits rather than the technical details. Mention how you gauge the audience's understanding and adapt on the fly.

Share your organizational strategies, such as prioritizing tasks, using project management tools, and setting timelines to balance multiple projects without compromising quality or client satisfaction.

Discuss your commitment to professional development through attending webinars, obtaining certifications, or following industry publications that keep you informed about current trends and emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape.

Emphasize how critical thinking is pivotal in assessing client needs, troubleshooting issues, and proposing innovative solutions. Share an instance where your analytical skills led to a successful outcome.

Mention strategies such as gathering client feedback, monitoring key performance indicators, and conducting follow-up meetings to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented solutions and ensure ongoing customer satisfaction.

Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with Fortinet's product offerings, particularly those relevant to the role, and how you have previously used them to address client challenges effectively.

Convey your enthusiasm for the position by discussing Fortinet’s impact on cybersecurity and how your skills align with their mission. Mention your passion for technology and commitment to helping clients through innovative solutions.