I recently interviewed for the Partner Technical Specialist role at IBM, and the process consisted of just two rounds. The first was a technical-cum-behavioral interview with a senior PTS, where we discussed my experience with presales, cloud technologies, and partner enablement. They also tested my understanding of IBM’s watsonx portfolio and how I’d position it in partner conversations. The second round was with the hiring manager, which was more strategic in nature—focusing on how I approach partner relationships, handle cross-functional collaboration, and plan my first 90 days in the role. Both rounds were conversational, with a strong emphasis on technical articulation, storytelling, and a partner-first mindset. I got positive feedback and was offered the role shortly after.

I applied directly through the IBM website for a Partner Technical Specialist - Data position. Within a week of applying, I had a phone screen with an HR / talent acquisition person who asked the standard questions (work experience and basic technical background; why am I looking for a new position; why IBM; compensation expectations; etc.) One week after that was a practical interview with a manager from a different team than what I had applied to. The prompt was to present a 5-10 minute sales pitch on an app that I use as if I were a part of that company. The rest of the time was a standard interview with questions around personality, technical background, sales background. I was a little put off by this interviewer making a comment that he was unrelated to the team I was applying to and wasn't sure why he was brought into the process. A week after that was an interview with the hiring manager - again, pretty standard questions and then discussion about the role and team dynamics; no presentation or practical aspect in this one. Overall, I got the impression that they were looking for someone who was more familiar with the data and analytics side of things rather than my more hardware-focused background; and that was confirmed by them ghosting me completely - even when I followed up directly. Two months later I received an automated, boilerplate "position has been filled" message.