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icepick

BDM

Need SDRs that are technical, having a hard time getting applicants!

Need SDRs that are technical, having a hard time getting applicants! Not sure what's going on, we are just not getting any traction. There was a good push a few moths ago, now nothing. Any advice? Comp is good, great global small company with amazing tech. I am going through and completely revising the JD's. Any advice?

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Gizmo
Politicker
7
AE
Why do you need the SDR to be technical? SDRs should be focused on setting meetings and qualification as opposed to deep dives with prospects/customers. It would be hard to find someone with technical chops at a standard SDR salary/comp plan. You’re likely better of revising the JD to be for a solutions architect/sales engineer.
icepick
1
BDM
Yes typically I would agree with you. This software is very niche but very powerful. I have fond that SDRs with some sort of tech background can have the understanding of the SDLC enough to be able to set a meeting. The one who are not, typically are failing. 
Gizmo
Politicker
2
AE
I work in the devops space at a fairly well known company to those in the field. Our SDRs aren’t expected to have a technical background because you don’t really need one to set discovery meetings.


A SDR’s job isn’t to discuss technical details, it’s to sell the meeting using the benefits of the product (saved time, dev productivity, ops overhead etc). They shouldn’t be getting into the weeds on the first cold call - if they want to hear more, the prospect can do so in the discovery meeting.



If you’re trying to cram in a full pitch and demo on the first call you’re missing out on opportunity to qualify fit, do discovery, and build value.
icepick
0
BDM
I 100% agree. I need to really push back on this then. The company is UK based and they have no issue with the talent pool there. If they post the same job they will get 200 applicants in a week. So they don't understand why its not working here. 
Gyro25
Notorious Answer
2
Account Executive
What exactly do you mean by "technical"? A lot of entry level BDR's don't have much techinal knowledge, but have good people skills, phone experience etc. What level of technicality do you require for an entry level role? 
icepick
0
BDM
Yes typically I would agree with you. This software is very niche but very powerful. I have fond that SDRs with some sort of tech background can have the understanding of the SDLC enough to be able to set a meeting. The one who are not, typically are failing. 
Gyro25
Notorious Answer
0
Account Executive
Is it worth it to have a very niche software only "technical" people can use? It sounds the JD should address this as non negotiable requirements if this software is whats driving your meeting pipeline. Like the others said, this sounds like more like a SE role with the level of technicality you require. 
icepick
0
BDM
Good insights!
BurnedOutSalesman
Good Citizen
2
Co-Founder
That's because you can make close to 6-figures or more for an entry-level software engineer role. If you raise the base/comp, I'm guessing you'd have more luck
icepick
0
BDM
Good points. 
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
Something is off here.  Are you looking for an engineer or a SDR? 🤔
icepick
1
BDM
You know, I said the same thing. I started as an SE back in the day. The company is founded by engineers so they want everyone to be technical. A bit of an uphill battle, but I am working on it. 
TennisandSales
Politicker
0
Head Of Sales
yeah, dont make the SDRs be technical. if you want them to know alot about the product/tech, then have good training and looks for ppl that can learn things quickly. 

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