La909 profile picture
La909 profile picture

La909

SDR

Executive
Executive
Member
+3

Go SDR to AE

been an SDR for 2+ years and have had no luck switching over to an AE role. Have always been a consistent top performer and not a job hopper. In a previous role I was on track to go to AE but then Covid hit and we all got laid off. after that I Tried to apply to AE roles but was told not enough experience because I wasn't closing deals. 

sales savages, curious how do I make this jump to AE? should I keep grinding internally (current SDR lead) or should I apply to external AE roles? 

Also, what are some good resume tips for showing I have what it takes?

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CoorsKing
WR Officer
6
Retired King of the Coors Knights
To be honest, your best bet will typically always be to get promoted internally first. Once you have the title you can go wherever you want. It’s tough (not impossible though) to interview externally for that hop, you may have to look at some really young companies. 

There was a good resume thread (as braintank noted) and once you get the interview there are tons of interview threads on here prepping for mock disco calls. 

Good luck! You got this.
La909
Executive
2
SDR
Appreciate it. Currently like my gig and company so I think I can get the internal promotion.
CoorsKing
WR Officer
3
Retired King of the Coors Knights
It’s always better that way. Plus, if you are going from AE role to AE role you can negotiate a higher salary more often than not when you move
CuriousFox
WR Officer
5
🦊
Apply for AE roles and don't look back.
La909
Executive
0
SDR
AE roles to the moon!!!
braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
Keep applying to AE gigs internally and externally.

Whatever you do don't leave to go be an SDR elsewhere with the promise of a quick promotion.

If you can post your resume anonymously have at it. Most common mistakes are outlined here:  <removed post>
La909
Executive
0
SDR
Thank you! Could you post link again?
braintank
Politicker
0
Enterprise Account Executive
<removed post>
bostonsaasbroad
Good Citizen
3
Senior Commercial Account Executive
If you move, you will definitely be starting over as an SDR. But at the same time, it seems like your current company might be holding you hostage because you are so good in your role. 

Don't be loyal to a company who isn't going to prioritize your growth and career path. 

If you are hitting your numbers and killing it - you deserve at least a conversation about what you can do to hit your AE goal.
godpull54
Praised Answer
2
PDR
Keep applying and stress the part where you say you feel confident in your ability to transition into an AE role. When they say "you don't have enough experience" simply state the reasons why you believe you do, and use examples. That's what sales is all about. You overcome objections, if you just agree with them when they state this you're proving the point that you aren't ready. I would also look for companies that clearly state that with good performance they guarantee AE within a year or two. 
La909
Executive
1
SDR
Truuu I need to be more confident in my experience
Beans
Big Shot
1
Enterprise Account Executive
It sucks, but it sounds like you need to keep grinding.

My advice is to find a mentor whose made the transition internally - SDR to successful AE and ask for coaching (in turn grind some of their accounts on the side).
La909
Executive
2
SDR
We just switched from round robin to actually working with AE’s so this is could be a good way for me to get a quick promotion
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Its been MY experience that to move up you need to move out.  Too many people think you need to go SDR->AE->etc...  This is not true at all.

The reality is you are not selling them on YOU. And if you can't sell them on yourself, they know you can't sell their product.
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