← HMH
HMH role-play cheat sheet
For the mock cold call at the end of most SDR interviews.
What they sell, in one line
Curriculum, digital learning programs and software for K-12 classrooms in subjects like reading and math.
Who you'd be calling
Curriculum directors, superintendents and assistant superintendents, and principals at K-12 school districts.
Your opener
“Hi [Name], this is [You] from HMH. I'm calling school district leaders about their reading and math curriculum. Do you have a minute to tell me how your district is thinking about that this year?”
Problems you solve for them
- Pressure to raise student reading and math scores
- Teachers need materials that are easy to use and fit the standards
- Tight budgets and a need to prove programs work
Discovery questions to ask
- Which curriculum are your schools using now for reading and math?
- How are you checking whether it's helping students improve?
- When does your district review or renew its curriculum?
Objections they'll throw at you
“I'm busy right now.”
→ I understand, school days are packed. Could we pick a time after school hours, maybe tomorrow afternoon?
“We're not interested.”
→ Fair enough. Is your curriculum already set for the next few years, or is a review coming up?
“We already have a curriculum.”
→ Good to hear. How are teachers and students responding to it, and when is it up for renewal?
“Send me an email.”
→ Of course. Which subject or grade levels should I focus it on, so it's useful to you?
Competitors worth knowing
McGraw Hill, Savvas, Pearson, Amplify
Interview tips for this company
- Learn the school calendar and buying cycle: districts often decide on curriculum in the spring for the next school year.
- Know the words 'adoption', 'standards' and 'district vs. school' so you sound at home in K-12.
Written from public information about HMH to help you practice. Ask an insider what their role play looked like; it's the best prep there is.