Getting a Job at Salesforce
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Salesforce is an American cloud-based computing company that offers customer relationship management (CRM) software. Salesforce has become one of the most popular CRM platforms and was named the top CRM for the 8th year running in 2021, serving a range of companies worldwide, from small businesses to large multinational corporations.
Salesforce employs around 56,000 employees at their headquarters and offices across the world. Being one of the top CRM platforms, the hiring process at Salesforce is a very competitive one. However, this should not dissuade you from applying as with a thorough understanding of the application process you can maximise your chance of success.
Salesforce Values
Throughout the application process, Salesforce will be looking for evidence that you embody its core values. It is therefore worthwhile familiarising yourself with these early on and keeping them in mind throughout the process.
Salesforces' core values are:
- Trust
- Customer Success
- Innovation
- Equality
Types of Roles At Salesforce
Salesforce has a range of positions across several different areas including Sales, Employee Success, Finance, and Technology. Salesforce has offices in several countries and regions, so there are opportunities available across the world.
There are also programs and roles available to interns and recent grads across the globe. Programs are available in all different segments of the company such as marketing, research, and customer success. This gives students and graduates the opportunity to kickstart their careers, gaining valuable experience at a company with global recognition.
The internships usually run during the summer, however, there are also some off-cycle internships during the academic term available. The internship programs are typically 10-12 weeks in length.
Graduate programs offer an excellent point of entry into the company for those who have graduated within the last 12 months. Salesforce is usually hiring throughout the year for these programs, so it is a good idea to be on the lookout.
Hiring Process at Salesforce
Positions at Salesforce are highly competitive and, as such, the hiring process is rigorous and multi-stage, consisting of an online application, interviews, and possibly technical tests and/or aptitude tests, depending on the position.
Salesforce Online Application
Once you have found the position you would like to apply for on the Salesforce careers website, you will be required to submit an online application. This will involve providing some personal details, uploading your CV/resume, and giving some information on your previous work experience and education.
Your CV/resume will be your first impression on the hiring team, so it is important to ensure it is up-to-date, free from grammatical errors, and tailored to the role you are applying to.
Salesforce Video Interview
If your online application meets the eligibility criteria for the role, you will be invited to the next stage of the recruitment process, the video interview. This will usually be with a team leader or a hiring manager.
The video interview is an opportunity for Salesforce to get to know more about you, your reasons for applying to the company, and what you can bring to the role you are applying to.
It is important to test your video, audio, and internet connection before your interview to avoid any interruptions. Remember to treat it the same as an in-person interview by dressing professionally, being punctual, and maintaining eye contact with your camera.
Salesforce Technical Tests
The technical assessment is used for candidates that are applying to a position that requires technical expertise. The test is usually taken online and is used by the Salesforce team to assess whether you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the position.
The specific test you will receive will be dependent on the area you are applying to, for example, if you are applying to be a Salesforce Developer you may be asked to take a coding assessment. You will be informed by the recruitment team of the test you are taking well in advance, giving you time to prepare for it.
Salesforce Aptitude Tests
You may be asked to complete some online aptitude assessments as part of the recruitment process, depending on the position you are applying to. Some of the tests that you may be asked to complete include:
Salesforce Numerical Reasoning Test
A numerical reasoning test assesses your proficiency in working with numbers and data. You will typically be presented with numerical data presented in the form of graphs, charts, or tables, and will need to answer some multiple-choice questions relating to the information.
The test will require you to read, analyse, and interpret the information and apply some basic mathematical operations to come to the correct answer. This test does not involve advanced mathematics, instead, it is testing you on your ability to think analytically and reason with numerical data.
Numerical reasoning tests are often timed, so working quickly and accurately is essential to ensuring you answer all the questions. To prepare we recommend practicing sample numerical reasoning tests and brushing up on your basic mathematical knowledge such as percentages, ratios, and fractions.
Salesforce Verbal Reasoning Test
Verbal reasoning tests evaluate your ability to understand and analyse written passages. You will typically be presented with a paragraph of text, followed by a statement relating to the text. You will then need to decipher if the statement is 'true', 'false, or 'cannot say'.
The test is also timed, so it will require you to identify key points in dense text at speed in order to answer all the questions. The best way to prepare for this test is to practice timed verbal reasoning questions.
Salesforce Logical Reasoning Test
Logical reasoning tests evaluate your ability to think conceptually. The test typically presents a series of shapes or images, from which candidates must use logical thinking skills to determine the underlying relationship and select the next item to follow in the sequence or the missing item.
The test assesses a candidate's ability to use abstract, non-verbal information to solve problems, which is a highly useful skill in many roles.
The timed nature of the test is often the most challenging part, so making sure you get used to the pace at which you will need to work at by practicing sample tests is essential.
Salesforce Diagrammatic Reasoning Test
Diagrammatic reasoning tests are similar to logical reasoning tests, except they make use of more complex question types, where sequential rules are applied to multiple stages of a process and used to determine several possible outcomes.
Typically, you will be presented with a diagram and accompanying keys showing inputs, operators, processes, and outputs. In each question a part of the diagram is unknown, and you must use the rules in the key to determine the missing item.
Diagrammatic reasoning tests are used to evaluate how you cope with solving problems under pressure. The test does not require any pre-existing knowledge, however, practicing sample tests will help familiarise yourself with the question style and format.
Salesforce Interview
If you pass the online assessments you will be invited to one or more interviews. Once your interview is confirmed, your recruiting coordinator will manage the interview logistics for you.
You will be interviewed by several different interviewers related to the position you have applied to. This can include a future colleague, the hiring manager, the team leader, or another key stakeholder to the team.
The interview(s) will likely consist of plenty of competency-based interview questions, which are used to identify whether a candidate has the right skills and competencies for the role.
Typical competency-based interview questions are:
- Describe a situation in which you led a team?
- Tell me about a time you failed
- Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation
For these interview questions you will need to provide real-life examples to back up your responses, so have a think about situations in your previous work experiences, academics or another area of your life that you can draw on.
It is important to try to link your responses back to Salesforces' four core values, so make sure you are familiar with these.
What is it like to work at Salesforce?
Salesforce is a great company to work for, being rated as number two on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For and rated 4.4 stars on Glassdoor. The company invests in the professional and personal growth of its employees, with a set of diverse programs available from learning new technical expertise to developing your soft skills.
Employees are encouraged to find a comfortable balance between their work and home life and are even given the opportunity to attend yoga, meditation, and massages. Employees also enjoy a range of benefits including a comprehensive healthcare plan, parental leave, and discounts to several shops.
Top Tips To Getting Hired At Salesforce
Have An Active, Up To Date LinkedIn Profile
Before applying, make sure you have a LinkedIn profile that is complete with up-to-date information. This can help showcase your skillset, experience, and qualifications, whilst also showing off more of your personality to the hiring team.
Get to know Salesforce
Throughout the application process, Salesforce will want to see that you are knowledgeable about the position you are applying to, the company, and the wider industry. Doing some research before the application process will prepare you with the information you need to effectively demonstrate your knowledge.
Good places to find information are on the company's careers site, social media pages, and company review websites like Glassdoor.
Learn The Values
Salesforce will be looking for evidence that you are aligned with their company values. It is therefore important to familiarise yourself with these and keep them in mind throughout the application process to demonstrate to the hiring team why you are a good fit for the company.
Take Practice Tests
The best way to prepare for the assessments is to practice sample tests. If possible, take the tests under timed conditions in an area free from distractions - this will help you become accustomed to the time pressure in the real test. Make sure to also review your answers after you complete a test to identify your weaker areas that you may need to focus on.
