I only got the opportunity to go through the phone screening. Overall the experience wasn't too bad i just wasn't the ideal candidate, If given the chance i would do it again.

Started with a screening call from one of their recruiters, which then led to an on-site interview with the hiring manager. Once passing those two phases I was brought on-site to do a full day ride along. All 3 processes were not difficult in my opinion. You even get to speak with the VP during these processes. During each phase I was a very likable candidate from my purview, as well as from their peers. I was even told from one of their AEs that if I made it this far, it’s clear I fit in with the culture and the team likes me. I have over 6 years as an AE, SAE and enterprise AE. After the ride along I was told to email them whether or not I would like to move to the final stage which would ultimately be an offer letter and meet with the CEO. I did so, and had not heard back in almost a week, so I followed up with the recruiter. The recruiter called me back saying they would rather have me start as an SDR, which to me caught me off guard by a long shot. It was clear I understood their processes, and sold a similar tech solutions in the past. The process was not positive to me because, if you were not looking to hire an AE from the start, why not just say that? You had me go through such an arduous hiring process just to tell me last minute to take an enormous pay cut, and start in a role I did over 8 years ago? To me that is very unprofessional, and an utter waste of my time, considering I had other offers and ultimately wanted to land here. I do wish them the best, but I share this experience as a warning to anyone else looking to apply as an AE.