As an Account Executive at Handshake, you'll be responsible for developing and managing a robust sales pipeline while engaging potential clients across various segments. Your role involves prospecting, qualifying, and closing new business opportunities, building strong relationships with key stakeholders, and working collaboratively with internal teams to ensure client success.

To be considered for the Account Executive role at Handshake, candidates should have substantial experience in B2B SaaS sales, preferably within a consultative environment. A proven sales record, particularly selling to HR or Talent Acquisition decision-makers, along with strong communication and negotiation skills, are essential for success in this role.

The Account Executive at Handshake drives revenue growth by prospecting new clients, building relationships, and effectively positioning Handshake as the go-to solution for talent recruitment. By understanding clients' needs and challenges, the Account Executive can craft compelling business cases that showcase ROI and business impact, ultimately aiming to exceed sales targets.

At Handshake, the team environment is collaborative and focused on inclusivity. The Account Executive will work closely with various teams, including Customer Success and Product, fostering a culture of shared goals. Handshake encourages the open exchange of insights and teamwork to achieve collective success while enjoying a hybrid work model.

Handshake is committed to personal and professional development. As an Account Executive, you'll have access to generous learning and development opportunities, including an annual stipend for skill enhancement. With a focus on career growth, you can expect to engage in various projects that will enrich your experience and help you forge your career path.

When building a sales pipeline, I begin by researching potential prospects and categorizing them based on their needs and industry. I employ strategies like networking and leveraging existing relationships to connect with these businesses. Regular follow-ups and nurturing leads is essential to ensuring a robust pipeline.

In my previous role, I was tasked with increasing sales by 20%. By analyzing market trends and discovering new segments, I implemented targeted campaigns that resulted in a 30% increase in sales, demonstrating my ability to focus on results and adapt strategies when necessary.

Building strong relationships involves active listening and genuine communication. I make it a point to understand clients’ specific challenges and align our solutions accordingly. I also utilize regular check-ins and feedback sessions to strengthen these bonds and demonstrate my commitment to their success.

I believe in continuous learning, so I dedicate time to reading industry publications, attending webinars, and engaging with thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn. This helps me stay ahead of recruitment trends and equips me to share valuable insights with clients.

Effective management of the sales cycle requires organization and strategic communication. I employ a CRM to track each stage, personalize outreach based on insights gained during our interactions, and set clear follow-up reminders to ensure no opportunity is overlooked, guiding prospects smoothly towards closure.

Handling objections is a crucial part of sales. I address concerns by first acknowledging the prospect’s viewpoint and then providing data-backed responses. My approach involves framing objections as opportunities to both clarify and demonstrate how our solutions can uniquely address their needs.

In my current position, I regularly collaborate with the marketing and product teams to align our offerings with client needs. This cross-functional teamwork ensures we are presenting our best solutions and enhances client satisfaction, ultimately resulting in long-term partnerships.

I am motivated by the challenge of achieving and surpassing sales goals, as well as the impact I can have on clients’ recruitment success. Additionally, contributing to a company's growth while working with a talented team fuels my passion for sales.

Effective prioritization is key to managing multiple client engagements. I assess urgency and impact, focusing first on high-potential clients or those facing immediate challenges. Utilizing tools such as project management systems allows me to streamline my tasks and maintain efficiency.

A successful Account Executive at Handshake embodies adaptability, strong relationship-building skills, and a profound understanding of client needs. Demonstrating knowledge of the recruitment landscape, aligned with a passion for helping clients succeed, exemplifies the ideal candidate for this role.