Dave Pekarcik’s Post

Transitioning into Tech Sales can be challenging, especially without any SDR experience. Hiring Managers, what are the key factors you consider when evaluating candidates who lack real SDR experience?

Hiring Top Sales Talent? 🔍 Here's How to Identify SDR Superstars 🌟 Evaluating SDR candidates can be tricky, but getting the right sales reps on your team is crucial for driving revenue growth. At ClearDesk, we've developed a proven process to help our clients find and hire the best sales development representatives. From conducting thorough multi-stage interviews to leveraging data-driven assessments, we know what it takes to spot top SDR talent. Want to learn our secrets? 🤫 What's your biggest challenge when hiring sales reps? Let us know in the comments! Ready to build an unstoppable sales team? Contact ClearDesk today to learn more about our specialized services. #SDRs #HiringTips #SalesHiring #SDRHiring #SalesAssessments #SalesInterviews #SalesTeamBuilding #SalesGrowth #RevenueGrowth #SalesRecruitment #SalesHacks #SalesAdvice #SalesSuccess

Hiring for your org, what do you look for?🤨
 I recently attended an SDR dinner and was happily surprised that a lot of leaders were currently hiring for both inbound and outbound SDR roles right now.👏🏽

 What threw me off though, was that a lot of them (especially those leading outbound teams) were ONLY looking for folks that have done the job. 😳

 This shocked me as I personally love hiring those who haven’t done the role! 🤩I know ya’ll are probably already building out your pros and cons list in your head. 📝 I don’t blame you, that’s also what I did when I heard this.👇🏽

 Cons: - Very green 🌱 - No track record in the role 🫥 - Lack of industry knowledge 📕 
Pros: - Moldable 👷 - Hunger to win and prove themselves🐅 - Not watching the clock for the next promotion ⏰ Recently, I’ve seen our highest performers coming from non-tech backgrounds. 🙌🏽 This doesn’t mean I don’t think if you hire someone with SDR experience that they won’t do well. I would definitely hire someone with SDR experience as it should be easier right? However, things to consider… - They might be stuck in their ways 🥱 - They might be burnt out in role🏚️ - They might be thinking of how to get to that next role 💭 *all mights but just something to consider when posing questions during the interview process. 
 What do ya’ll look for when hiring outbound SDR’s? 🤔 #sdr #hiring #growing #experience #newlygrads #industryjump #sales

The Ins and Outs of Tech Sales: A Career Path Guide Are you considering a career in tech sales? 1) Start as an SDR: Cold calling, targeting clients, and setting up appointments for AEs. 2) Progress to Account Executive: Conduct field sales, demos, and close deals. 3)Advance to Senior Sales Director or VP with experience. Success in software sales doesn't always require a tech background; persistence, effort, and consistency are key. It may take time, but with diligence, you can thrive lucratively in this industry. #TechSales #CareerGrowth #SalesSuccess

Less total SDR hiring. More focus on smaller number of 'Super SDRs'. That's the prediction from SaaStr and one that we've already seen evidence of the past 18 months. We've seen more demand and made a number of placements for 'Super SDRs'. Here's what they look like typically: ✅ +2 years experience in a SDR, BDR role. ✅ Hybrid but mostly outbound prospecting. ✅ Prospecting enterprise/ account based. ✅ Paid about the same as SMB Account Executives. ✅ May do some closing of small deals alongside prospecting. The relatively high earning potential, plus exposure to some closing make these opportunities unique versus tradition BDR/ SDR. I expect more to come this year. #saleshiring #salesrecruiter

More good news: I'm hiring! Outbound SDR, not afraid of the phones. Fully remote. OTE is competitive. More important, goal is achievable. Avg. attainment for ramped reps last month was 101%. One rep hit 150%, another hit 110%. We've promoted a handful of SDRs forward in the org. Culture is bumping. Coaching is regular. Professional development (beyond this role) is a frequent topic. The role is hard. Don't get me wrong. But your team, product-market fit, and potential for growth are top-tier. If you have prior SDR experience, you know what to do. ***If you don't do the job to get the job, you won't get an interview*** "Jack that's so mean and unfair" - no it's not, lol. If you've been an SDR, you know exactly what you need to do to be an X in a sea of O's. Being average won't cut it. Don't be average. If you don't have prior SDR experience, no worries, linked below is a guide I wrote on how to land an SDR role with no experience, take it and run with it, I believe in you! Talk soon. #sales #saas #outbound #sdr #prospecting #hiring

The SDR role is no longer truly an 'entry level' role. Here's what SDR leaders want in a new SDR:   ✅ Coachable ✅ Graduate / entry level  ✅ Eager and willing to learn Here's what they’re told to hire by C-Suite:    ✅ Experienced SaaS SDRs ✅ Industry specific experience  ✅ Proven track record of hitting targets    There’s been a big shift in the past couple of years; sales targets are harder to hit, prospects are more difficult to engage. Experience is highly valued.   This makes me wonder; where will future AEs/ Sales Leaders come from if the entry point is so high? #sales #hiring #SDRs

At 30, my husband decided to make a career shift from Government -> Software Sales Having no software sales experience, he knew he had to start at the bottom and began applying to SDR roles He faced multiple rejections from hiring managers but he didn't let that stop him Instead, he emailed the CEO of a 3,000+ person company, explaining why they should give him a chance Shortly after, the CEO introduced him to the SVP of Business Development Within a week, he started as an SDR Fast forward 3 years, and he's gone from BDR -> Enterprise AE, closing 7 figure deals In sales (and life), we face far more "no's" than "yes's" The "yes's" we get are important But what truly shapes our careers and our growth Is how we handle and what we learn from the "no's" #careerpivot #change #sales #goforthegold

When I am looking for a new SDR on my team, one of the most important skills I look for is curiosity. Sales is an ever-changing world, especially in software. Curiosity drives SDRs to keep up to date with industry trends, product knowledge and just overall keeps them informed/ahead of others in a competitive market. Curious reps also are the most adaptable. They are open to new approaches. Their willingness to experiment and learn from their experiences will keep them on top of the leaderboard. Curiosity also helps in other areas like: problem-solving, understanding customer needs, building rapport, etc. My top performer is always asking thought provoking questions, staying ahead of industry trends, experimenting with new messaging, and their curiosity has led them to a lot of their current success. To all SDRs or aspiring SDRs - how do you leverage your curiosity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world we are in?! ✋🏻 PS. My team at Deel is hiring right now for SDRs! ⚡ If you would like to learn more about the opportunity, reach out/apply! #SalesDevelopment #SDRs #Hiring #Sales #SalesTips #Curiosity #SalesSkills

Be honest with why you need experience for your SDR/BDR role? You could be saving yourself huge amounts of money for the same results by going with an entry level hire. Legit reasons for needing experience - Complex sell with a tough buyer profile (CISO, CTO, CRO etc) - You don't have an outbound process or manager who can train. Non legit reasons - You're too lazy to train - You think hiring with experience improves your retention (it's the opposite) Analyse your SDR culture, could you be going with no experience?? #sdrjobs #sdrteam #salesjobs