How to Get Your Dream SDR Job

If you are about to kickstart your tech sales career, this guide will simplify the job-hunting process. Most hiring managers have managed several sales development representatives (SDRs), but some unspoken hiring and job-seeking sins exist. Isn’t it better to learn from others’ mistakes? Let’s look them up. 

Overview of the SDR Hiring Process

Before we dive deep, take a moment to imagine the SDR process from afar. This concept also applies to venture capitalists (VC) who are about to invest in a seed round company. In most cases, there is no proof of success, so a VC — in your case, hiring managers — will evaluate the unknowns. They will explore if you have a low enough risk profile with high potential qualities. 

The decision is made with limited supporting data with the hope that with enough training, the decision to invest or hire will yield results over time. Now that you understand what’s at stake, you must position yourself as the most obvious, risk-free candidate. Just follow this process to get (almost always) guaranteed success in the SDR role. 

Explore The Answer To Your “WHY?”

Be honest and answer, “Why are you looking to start a career in sales?” In most phone screenings and interviews, this is the first question. A thoughtful answer will almost certainly move you to the top applicant category. Look at it this way — sales is a difficult process to master. The transition from training to taking calls is usually challenging. Without a purpose for seeking the job, the process gets more challenging. 

Best candidates confidently answer the “why” question. Top candidate usually

  • Do their homework
  • Connect with successful sales professionals
  • Read sales books
  • Attend seminars to gain more knowledge
  • Prepare for the interview with a strategy

A generic answer like “it seems like a great company, and this may be the path to the door”  automatically attracts disqualification. Anyone who is not prepared for the challenges of the sales career will churn out once the ramp period is over. Letting go of an employee is troublesome for both the employer and the employee.

These questions can help you answer “why” sales

  • Are you competitive?
  • Have you faced constant rejections?
  • If yes, how did you come back for more? Why?
  • Do you believe in yourself?
  • Can you tolerate high risk?
  • Is your expectation for income potential too high?
  • Will you be willing to grind yourself for over a decade?

Do You Still Want to Work in Sales?

If you answer NO to two or more of the above questions, you may want to step back and ask yourself if you want to get into such a demanding career. Sales is one of the most meritocratic professions. It’s beyond your neighborhood, school, or network. If you’re confident about it, willing to work hard and commit to finding a way to add value to your customers. 

If you’ve made it this far, then a career in sales could be the right move for you.

Let’s proceed to understand better. 

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