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thegreatjimbino

SDR (Sales Development Rep)

Executive
Contributor
Fire Starter
+2

Trouble overcoming the "experience" hurdle while looking for SaaS AE roles

Looking for some tactical advice here...


Tried breaking into the SaaS industry two years ago from Medical Device. Was aiming for AE roles as to continue earning similar compensation for my family.


However, after much effort and discussing with others in the saas world, it seemed the best way would be to step back and take an SDR role. Which I did.


I need to get back into closing. After being in a closing role for 8 years, the SDR role leaves a lot to be desired. Need to make more of an impact. And- would like to start contributing to my retirement again!


I've interviewed with close to 15 companies in the past 3 months. It has always come down to "industry experience". Not going to lie- it's leaving a bad taste in my mouth of the SaaS industry. Especially after preparing for mock disco or demo calls! But I am also self-aware enough to realize it could also be that I am failing to tell a compelling enough story about my past experience and how it translates.


So if anyone has any advice or is willing to connect certainly let me know! Thx

☁️ Software Tech
🧠 Advice
😋 Job Searching
14

24 comments

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Sunbunny31
Politicker
10
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
You have the experience, so that's just a line that they're feeding you because they have no imagination. It's a numbers game right now, and there are lots of applicants out there looking to get a job in "SaaS". SaaS is tech sales, that's all. SaaS is a delivery model for software - so if you're comfortable talking about software and platforms, you can do this - don't let them tell you you can't; they're just spoiled for choice right now.

TennisandSales suggested what I was going to recommend - there are lots of companies selling into LifeSciences space, to companies like Medtronic, Stryker, etc. Your industry expertise should be viewed as a benefit, as you can position yourself as someone who has been on the other side of the buying process, and you understand key drivers in the industry.
jefe
Arsonist
2
🍁
10000% this.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
6
Sales Rep
What level of AE roles? You might have more success in SMB compared to Mid Market or Enterprise.

What are you hearing from the current company on getting promoted, what is their feedback?
ChumpChange
Politicker
3
Channel Manager
Great call out. Typically, for an ENT AE gig companies look for experience and tenure in a similar/same vertical. I recommend what @Kosta_Konfuciusis stating and start at the smaller segments and build your way up.
thegreatjimbino
Executive
2
SDR (Sales Development Rep)
That’s where I’ve been looking understanding it would probably be best for me to start there. Hasn’t been enough opps to justify adding roles and company just went through layoffs
Douglo
Opinionated
4
Sr Account Executive
Don't think of SaaS as a monolith. There are quite a few companies like Toast or Datadog that hire BDRs or reps from other industries into AE roles and there are companies that require extensive software knowledge. It all depends on how they've set up their org, target the companies that have orgs compatible with your background.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
3
Officer of ♥️
What I lack in experience I make up for in drive, grit, & adaptability. I will outwork and outsmart your best performers. The reason I have been so successful is because I don’t let lack of experience get in my way and I dont make excuses. If experience is the only factor I can guarantee I will makeup for that tenfold with my other traits so that it is a non issue. That bejng said, would you have any hesitations to moving forward with me?
ventox35
Politicker
2
Sales Leader
solid. it's just an objection to the product (yourself)
thegreatjimbino
Executive
0
SDR (Sales Development Rep)
Fantastic! Thank you!
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
so you were in medical device sales before, I would look to see what Saas companies play in that space.

I am in the life sciences world which is a LITTLE different but maybe similar enough. send me a DM if you can.
justatopproducer
Politicker
2
VP OF SALES -US
HR for many of these companies are about as useful as marketing is at 8am on Monday.
SoccerandSales
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
Is there the potential to get promoted out of your current SDR role? Usually it is easiest to get internal promotion than to make the external jump
thegreatjimbino
Executive
1
SDR (Sales Development Rep)
It looks bleak. Have had discussions in months past and never amounted to anything due to opportunity count/head count
SoccerandSales
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
Won't sugar coat it, it will be extremely tough. I think your best bet is to leverage your success as a SaaS sdr as well as your success closing deals in med device. The combination of the two aren't perfect, but makes you more of an ideal candidate than sdrs with no closing experience
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
1
Bravado's Resident Asshole
Why did you go backwards? curious
thegreatjimbino
Executive
1
SDR (Sales Development Rep)
Was running into the same industry experience issue. Was willing to make the change for the betterment of my mental health/ being a better dad/husband. As well as figuring I could learn and grow from a manager who’s since left.
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
1
Bravado's Resident Asshole
That makes sense then. This might be a question you will have to answer, so make sure you have a short answer ready.
ventox35
Politicker
1
Sales Leader
in the same boat. what seems to help, is treat interview processes and job hunting as a sale. the product-yourself. i make the cold calls, the cold emails, then treat interviews as a discovery, then a demo, then a close. if that's not good enough, then yea they lack creativity and are just saying that your experience matters to be lazy
thegreatjimbino
Executive
1
SDR (Sales Development Rep)
Good perspective. I’m sure there’s plenty in the same boat. Especially with the unfortunate layoffs there’s plenty of “experience” out there looking for new gigs
Plssign
Good Citizen
1
Account Executive
Show you have a structure that can be replicated and applied successfully. Knowing sales methodology definitions and tying them to your experience helps.

And translate whatever you did into the lingo that they use every day.

For example, let’s say you’re interviewing at salesforce:
You generated x amount of revenue through account based prospecting and rather than focusing on selling additional licenses, you would sell additional products. Etc
sealteam6
Good Citizen
1
Vice President
Sunbunny31 said it best, "they have no imagination." My advice is to chop wood and carry water...meaning keep moving forward and someone that has a decent brain will give you an opportunity.
thegreatjimbino
Executive
0
SDR (Sales Development Rep)
Only takes on right? Trying to find that one. They won’t be disappointed I’m confident in that
SaaSyMum
Executive
1
AE (Account Executive)
I had 8 years experience in advertising media sales. I tried to break into the SaaS/tech field when I am became a furloughed employee during covid. To set myself apart from others who were more qualified than me, I personally reached out to the CEO of a growing reconciliation platform company. I gave him my value proposition, a ppt on how my skills and the type of salesperson i am can translate into the tech field. It worked bc he sent my email to the hiring manager who took my call. That initial call with my future boss was all about building a great relationship. I wasn’t qualified, at all, for the position. But I showed my true sales colors by being able to get creative and not be afraid to go to the top. I landed the job over many other qualified candidates. I’ve been with the company 2 years now and recruiters hit me up all the time now that I have a substantial amount of saas experience on top of my media experience. Don’t give up. Try figuring out your value proposition and send personalized emails out to the top execs. You can’t lose. Good luck and hit me up if you want to know more!
mastersfan
Opinionated
1
Account Executive
SaaS hiring managers are major POS's. Experienced the same thing. Consider all the "no's" a blessing in disguise

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