What are the top 5 research topics for Sales Engineers before an interview?

1 Company Research

The first and most obvious topic to research is the company you are applying to. You want to demonstrate that you are interested in their mission, vision, values, culture, and goals. You also want to learn about their products, services, features, benefits, pricing, and differentiation. How do they position themselves in the market? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What are their current challenges and opportunities? How do they measure success? How do they support their Sales Engineers? By researching these aspects, you can tailor your answers and examples to align with the company's needs and expectations.

2 Industry Research

The second topic to research is the industry that the company operates in. You want to show that you have a broad and deep understanding of the trends, issues, regulations, innovations, and best practices that affect the industry. You also want to identify the key players, segments, customers, and competitors in the industry. How is the industry evolving and changing? What are the drivers and barriers for growth? What are the pain points and goals of the customers? What are the value propositions and strategies of the competitors? How do you compare and contrast them with the company you are applying to? By researching these aspects, you can demonstrate your industry expertise and insight.

3 Customer Research

The third topic to research is the customer that the company serves. You want to show that you can empathize with their problems, needs, wants, and expectations. You also want to understand their demographics, psychographics, behavior, preferences, and decision-making process. Who are they? What are they looking for? How do they use the company's products or services? How do they perceive the company's value proposition? What are their objections and concerns? How do they evaluate and choose a solution? By researching these aspects, you can craft your pitch and presentation to address the customer's pain points and goals.

4 Competitor Research

The fourth topic to research is the competitor that the company faces. You want to show that you can differentiate the company's products or services from the alternatives in the market. You also want to know their features, benefits, pricing, positioning, strengths, weaknesses, and strategies. How do they compare and contrast with the company you are applying to? What are their unique selling points and value propositions? How do they market and sell their products or services? How do they handle objections and challenges? By researching these aspects, you can highlight the company's competitive advantages and edge.

5 Market Research

The fifth and final topic to research is the market that the company operates in. You want to show that you can identify and analyze the opportunities and threats that affect the company's performance and potential. You also want to know the size, growth, structure, dynamics, and segments of the market. How is the market changing and developing? What are the current and future trends and demands? What are the gaps and niches in the market? What are the risks and challenges in the market? By researching these aspects, you can suggest ways to improve and optimize the company's products, services, and sales processes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?