8 Tips to Land Your Dream SDR Role at a Top Tech Company

When I started preparing for a career in tech sales, I quickly realized that landing an SDR role isn’t just about sending out resumes. The competition is fierce, and standing out takes more than just having a strong LinkedIn profile or answering a few interview questions. It’s about showing that you understand the role, the company’s needs, and that you’re ready to hit the ground running.

If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—I’ve been there. These are the steps I followed (and wish I knew earlier) to break into tech sales. Let me share them with you.

1. Understand the SDR Role and Why It’s Critical to Tech Sales Success

One of the first things I did was dive deep into understanding what an SDR does. An SDR (Sales Development Representative) is the engine of the sales pipeline. You’re prospecting leads, reaching out via email, calls, and social media, and qualifying those leads so Account Executives can focus on closing deals.

It’s not just about filling the pipeline—it’s about driving revenue growth. Top tech companies prioritize candidates who understand this connection. I found that researching the company’s sales process and products gave me an edge. During interviews, I framed my understanding by saying something like:
“As an SDR, my goal would be to generate high-quality leads by understanding prospects’ needs and aligning them with the company’s solutions. This enables Account Executives to focus on closing deals and increasing revenue.”

2. Craft a Results-Driven Resume That Stands Out

Your resume is your first chance to make an impression. When I crafted mine, I made sure it focused on results, not just responsibilities. For instance, instead of saying, “Assisted customers in a retail environment,” I wrote, “Resolved 50+ customer inquiries weekly, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate.” Numbers speak louder than vague statements.

Another key move was tailoring my resume to each job description. I mirrored the company’s language and made sure to highlight transferable skills like communication, time management, and resilience. Don’t forget to include a concise, compelling summary at the top. Mine read:
“Motivated and results-oriented professional with a passion for driving business growth. Skilled in lead generation, customer engagement, and adapting quickly to new challenges.”

3. Leverage LinkedIn to Make an Impact

LinkedIn is a game-changer. I made sure my profile was optimized with a professional photo and a headline that captured my career goals, like:
“Aspiring SDR | Passionate About Solving Problems and Driving Revenue Growth.”

The “About” section became my storytelling space. I highlighted my skills and passion for sales, writing something like:
“I’m an aspiring Sales Development Representative with a knack for connecting with people and driving results. My experience in [insert relevant experience] has equipped me with the communication and organizational skills needed to succeed in tech sales.”

But LinkedIn isn’t just a static profile—it’s an engagement tool. I started commenting on posts from sales leaders, sharing insights, and even posting about my own journey. Last but definitely not least, I turned on the “Open to Work” feature to let recruiters know I was actively searching. This one step alone got me a ton of interviews.

4. Build Relationships and Secure Referrals

Networking felt intimidating at first, but it became one of my most effective tools. I identified key contacts on LinkedIn, like SDR Managers or Directors of Sales Development, and sent personalized messages. For example:
“Hi [Name], I admire your experience at [Company] and would love to learn more about your journey. I’m currently exploring SDR roles in tech sales and would appreciate any advice you could share.”

Engaging with their content helped me build rapport before asking for referrals. When I felt it was the right time, I would say:
“I noticed an open SDR role at [Company], and I’m excited about the opportunity. If you’re comfortable, would you consider referring me? I’d be happy to share my resume.”

Referrals made a huge difference, and the connections I built also gave me valuable insights into the industry.

5. Prepare for Role-Specific Interviews

When interviews came around, preparation was everything. I practiced answering behavioral questions like: “How do you handle rejection?” using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For example:
“In my previous role, I faced frequent objections. By focusing on understanding their concerns and offering tailored solutions, I turned 20% of initial ‘no’ responses into successful sales.”

Roleplays were also part of the process, so I practiced mock cold calls and objection handling. Researching the company’s products and target audience helped me craft relevant messaging during these exercises.

Lastly, I prepared thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Instead of asking, “What does a typical day look like?” I focused on topics like their sales tools, processes, and team culture.

6. Create a Brag Book to Stand Out

This was a game-changer. I created a brag book—a portfolio showcasing my readiness for the SDR role. It included sample cold emails, recorded mock calls, and metrics from past achievements. For instance, I included an email template that had led to a 30% reply rate during a previous project.

Having this tangible proof of my skills helped me stand out and demonstrated that I was proactive and prepared.

7. Connect with Other SDRs on LinkedIn

I learned so much from connecting with current SDRs. They were generous with their time and advice, sharing what worked for them when they broke into tech sales. I often asked questions like:
“What advice would you give someone looking to follow your career path?”

These connections sometimes led to introductions to hiring managers, and even when they didn’t, they gave me invaluable guidance on succeeding as an SDR.

8. Let People Know You’re Looking

Lastly, I made sure to let my network know I was actively pursuing an SDR role. I wrote a LinkedIn post like:
“I’m excited to be pursuing a career in tech sales and looking for opportunities as an SDR. If you have any advice, resources, or opportunities to share, I’d love to hear from you!”

The post gained traction as people liked and commented, which boosted its visibility. Engaging with others’ posts and sharing milestones, like completing certifications, further demonstrated my commitment to tech sales.

Your SDR Journey Starts Here

Landing your dream SDR role might seem challenging, but trust me, with the right approach, you can absolutely make it happen. These eight steps aren’t just tips—they’re the proven strategies that will help you stand out in a crowded market, showcase your skills, and break into tech sales with confidence.

The journey doesn’t stop once you land the role. Succeeding as an SDR means continuously learning, growing, and sharpening your skills—and that’s where Rise & Close comes in. Every week, I share real-world advice, actionable insights, and strategies designed to help ambitious professionals like you thrive in tech sales.

Ready to rise to the occasion and close the gap between where you are and where you want to be? Subscribe to Rise & Close now and let’s make your sales career unstoppable.