AS
AS

Anthony Smith

sdr

Is cold-calling the hiring manager/recruiter/VP of sales going too far when looking for a BDR/SDR role?

I've had a lot of luck with sending out emails to recruiters directly (and sometimes the hiring manager) stating I'm interested in the role. This alone has gotten me a lot of interviews (which I suck at, but that's another discussion)


But I feel like I need to turn it up a notch because I NEED more interviews.


I feel like I know the answer to this question. I've heard some people say that it might come across as a bit stalkerish...but I mean, I'm just doing what I'd do for the role anyway. If a hiring manager can't see that and has a problem with it (as long as I don't call on the weekends, or early mornings/after work hours) I'd find that a bit strange.

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braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
Can't hurt unless you're really bad on the phone.

But let's focus on why you're not getting past interview stage...
4
sdr
For the few interviews I've had, the feedback I get is this, in order of the most common problems:

(1) I sort of ramble, don't have an organized way of speaking, and it's easy for them to tell that I'm sort of speaking off the cuff and didn't prepare much (even though I do, I think. Maybe I'm not preparing right) - This is my biggest problem, for sure.
(2) I am very monotone. I need to be a little more animated, and seem a little more excited during the interview. Can't be monotone during a sales call
(3) I struggle with explaining how to transfer my current experience in retail into a sales role (I'm a cart pusher, I get the least amount of customer-facing experience at my work)

(2) and (3) I'm getting better at. I'm working at (1) by trying to prepare better, but the nerves still get to me.
braintank
Politicker
5
Enterprise Account Executive
I'd suggest reading books or watching videos about public speaking. I think that'll help a lot with #1 and #2.

My advice for #1 is to slow down. I became a much more persuasive speaker when I consciously focused on decreasing my rate of speech. Prevents you from getting ahead of yourself and rambling.

For #2 I'd suggest standing up and using your body while you speak. I'm usually pacing around the room on calls and gesturing wildly. This has an impact on tone.

#3 I'd suggest a change in approach. No offense but if someone who was pushing carts made some strained analogy about how it was like sales I'd laugh. It's not.

Instead, I'd emphasize your work ethic and coachability. For an entry level job being willing to put in the work and take feedback are important to hiring managers.
1
sdr
>I'd suggest a change in approach. No offense but if someone who was pushing carts made some strained analogy about how it was like sales I'd laugh. It's not.

I get that, but a lot of times the question IS what I think is transferrable from my job to the SDR role. If I begin the answer with 'nothing, but...', I think I've already ruled myself out
braintank
Politicker
0
Enterprise Account Executive
So what are you saying now?
2
sdr
I guess I try to focus on the customer facing aspect of it; customer success/service does have a level of problem solving that comes with it, I think that's certainty transferrable into sales (and I guess I slightly exaggerate how much customer facing time I actually get in my role). I talk about mental toughness in terms having to work in very harsh weather conditions, and having to physically keep up with a fast-paced store.

I wish sometimes they'd let me mention something outside of work. I wish personal life problems I've dealt with or even school were acceptable. When I interviewed with HubSpot, before they had a bunch of layoffs, they specifically told me they love to hear personal, mental health related motivations or experiences. Some of the people who got the job simply literally would talk about resilience through being in abusive relationships...I don't think these would be appropriate answers for most companies, tho.
braintank
Politicker
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Hmmm...

Whats preventing you from telling a personal story?

0
sdr
Well nothing, I just don't think it's appropriate most of the time. I've tried this and I could tell the person on the other side of the phone/screen (either hiring manager or recruiter) was uncomfortable
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Maybe there’s a way to refine the story so that you don’t tell too much. You can speak about resilience and persistence based on personal experience, without providing details that could distract from your goal: which is to be viewed as a great candidate.
HVACexpert
Politicker
3
sales engineer
For the monotone or rambling, I have seen people video themselves give presentations or practicing interviews. Sometimes actually seeing yourself doing these things can be very helpful in changing some behaviors.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
Not a bad idea 🤔
HVACexpert
Politicker
1
sales engineer
Well worked for me at least. Hearing someone say ‘you’re doing this thing while you present’ and then seeing it actually happen helped me be more aware of those behaviors.
ZVRK
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
I feel like it wouldn`t be a problem for the majority of hiring manager, on the contrary - they would appreciate it. When I was a team lead in my previous company (where we did a lot of cold calling) I`d really appreciate if someone cold call me with he purpose of getting hired.

But, this is just how I feel :)
CRAG112
Valued Contributor
2
Account Executive
This is what I would do.

Hi John, this is CRAG112. I know I'm calling you unexpectedly, but this is about the open SDR role, an important opening for your team. I've got X years of closing experience, and X years of working internally across departments such as engineering, finance, marketing, and sales to drive deals forward, book meetings, and close deals.

I'm the type of person that is going to call every single person in your CRM, figure out who answers the phone, and help your team close more revenue every month. Show me the list or ask me to create it, I'll call them, I'll close them.

I want to work here because ______ (FYI, it doesn't hurt to make it about them -- that first part is just letting them know talking to you makes sense)

Are you free right now to talk about this role further? No? Well I have my schedule open in front of me, how about____

If they don't appreciate something like that in any form you want to use it, they aren't looking for sellers. RUN!
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
This is a really great script for a call.
Pachacuti
Politicker
2
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Yes, call them. It’s often the only way to get noticed. And if you’re good at it, it may get you the job.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
2
Sales Rep
If you are prepared for them to answer and you have more to say than I heard you are hiring, go for it
WheelofCheese
Opinionated
1
Sales Executive
I don't see any problem with reaching out to a hiring manager directly. That said, I might invest some time on brushing up on your interviewing skills as well. There are a lot of coaches out there that can help. Getting an interview is great, but you need to get past the first interview as well-- otherwise, what's the point? Good luck with everything!
2
sdr
Did you have any coaches in mind I could reach out to? I wouldn't mind paying.

The way I think of it, the more interviews I get the more chances I get to practice, and eventually I'll get it right (I ask for feedback after every interview, and I've been getting better even though I still struggle)
RandyLahey
Politicker
1
Account Manager
I like the move. It's high risk, high reward but you have to stand out in the interview process, especially as the labour market is shifting back towards employers.
oldcloser
Arsonist
1
💀
There’s a wealth of “how to interview” info out there. Check YouTube. Otherwise, keeping doing what you’re doing. It’s seems to be working for you.
Maximas
Tycoon
0
Senior Sales Executive
Shouldn't be a prob, whoever really needs a job needs to fight for a chance.
detectivegibbles
Politicker
0
Sales Director
Definitely. Call them.
RelationshipMaker
Opinionated
0
Head of Sales
I don’t see it as a problem so long as you listen to the recipient, their tone etc . Some may feel good about your call and some may not, you may need to shorten the call as needed.
Regardless, I’m always impressed if someone demonstrates something different in a job application.
Back yourself! Good luck.
salespanda
Opinionated
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Both of my managers loved that when they were BDR manager, I loved it when I was an SDR Manager. I'll always vouch for this.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
0
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
I would work my way up to that, maybe target an AE or someone in channels/partnership:

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