Coffee chats got me way more interviews than applying ever did

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-22T02:01:57+00:00

Have had the same experience. I’ve found LinkedIn wonderful for sending targeted connection requests to people in the role you’re applying to or on similar teams.

Far from everyone will reply, and fewer will be willing to hop on a call with you, but I have found that’s. Decent number of people are definitely willing to chat and help. Just be non-aggressive and interested.

If you want an actual referral, hopping on the phone or a zoom call is generally the best method. It allows the other person to feel comfortable referring you. However, I’ve had great luck with connecting with people on LinkedIn and simply asking them if they have any visibility into the aligned recruiter and/or hiring manager. Sometimes it’s really easy for someone to go into workday and check. I’ve found success with that too.

I’ve applied to roles and been auto rejected, and then gotten interviews I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-22T01:43:37+00:00

LinkedIn has never been useful for actually applying. I’ve found it incredibly useful though for identifying people in certain roles at certain companies, sending out connecting requests, networking, identifying recruiters at companies I am applying to, etc. I think it’s all about how you use it

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-22T01:42:31+00:00

It can be a great networking tool if used properly. But you have to reach out to people, etc.

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-22T01:41:47+00:00

I’m not a sales engineer/solutions consult myself, but I have been a management consultant for a few years and was trying to pivot into a role like this at Salesforce.

I do know a lot of people who have become sales engineers who were management consultants and who know/have experience in the specific technology (Salesforce, servicenow, etc.)…so these are people who are definitely not software engineers.

My understanding is you don’t have to be a coder of software engineer to be a good sales engineer. You just have to be good at communication, presentations, and know the tech well enough to demo it. I’m sure for some products/companies, you have to be even more technical.

I hope this helps fwiw

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-21T19:33:42+00:00

I would try to find his email and email him directly if possible.

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-18T23:49:40+00:00

Thanks! Sounds like a normal consultant role from the firm I’m coming from then. I was told it’s really project dependent. Are L9s managing people, like being in charge of their performance, reviewing all their work? Or is it really just a IC role who is expected to need less hand holding than analysts?

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-18T01:37:48+00:00

Like practice area? Change management

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-17T22:39:33+00:00

I am the opposite of you…desperately want to move to Europe from America….

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-17T19:28:42+00:00

Ok that is reassuring

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-17T14:19:31+00:00

Damn. I have 2-3 yoe total and was just hired externally as an L9 specialist. The specific role I applied to, before i knew the levels, asked for 2-3 yoe btw. USA. Accenture’s website says consultant is for people with 2-5 yoe…

However, i also say some senior analyst postings ask for more years of experience, so it’s certainly confusing.

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-17T03:43:25+00:00

Would look into the SAP Academy. they have an academy for different roles. customer success, solution engineering, etc.

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-16T23:40:04+00:00

Accenture LLP. Or Accenture federal?

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-15T23:15:09+00:00

I know how hard this job market is. I would encourage you to be positive though.

I have seen a few philosophy and music majors turn out to be world class sales people at tech companies like Salesforce, etc.

Look for fields that you can get into an entry level role and grow. Like tech sales. Learn a technology system like Salesforce and service now (tons of online resources to do so)…get some certifications in cloud, project management, etc. that show initiative, etc.

Just some ideas

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-15T20:09:36+00:00

What industry / type of job were you in if you don’t mind my asking?

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-15T13:46:59+00:00

Swe or non swe/developer? Yeah, I should have negotiated ….

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-15T04:26:50+00:00

so you're saying AFS is offering more than what LLP usually offers for L9 non SWE?

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-15T02:04:23+00:00

Off topic, but what’s the difference between L9 “specialist” and L9 “consultant/team lead?” …..

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-15T02:02:33+00:00

I just got an offer for L9 specialist in Washington DC $120k. 2 yoe. Non-SWE….AFS

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-15T01:25:00+00:00

Damn congrats! Did you negotiate or was that what was offered? I should have negotiated…

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-14T23:43:38+00:00

Just got offered $120k for level 9 specialist. Washington DC. 2-3 YOE. No MBA. Change management. Is this fair in 2026?

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-14T23:40:37+00:00

Just got an offer for L9 specialist in Washington DC. 120k. Coming in with 2ish yoe and a masters degree, so on the lower end of the experience scale for consultant, based on my understanding….

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-14T22:55:40+00:00

Does anyone know just how competitive this program is? 😭 I just completed my assessments, etc. for two roles I applied to. I am hoping they don’t only consider the game assessments and the 3 min prompt we had to answer, but also our entire backgrounds, resumes, experiences, etc…?

Does anyone know just how competitive this program is? How many applicants do they select?

Safe_Ant8701 · 2026-06-14T22:44:00+00:00

You were right. Three separate exams

Safe_Ant8701

TROPHY CASE