SDR Jobs in Chicago

Explore limitless opportunities for growth and success as a Sales Development Representative in Chicago's thriving tech scene.

Start Your Sales Career in Chicago

Tech companies in and around Chicago need Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) to help grow and maintain their sales pipeline and improve cross-functional teamwork. As an SDR, you'd be sourcing, driving, and establishing connections with prospective clients to open new business and close new deals.

Chicago's tech ecosystem has grown significantly over the past decade, creating abundant opportunities for aspiring sales professionals. The city's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs, combined with strong salary potential, makes it an attractive market for SDRs.

What Are the Responsibilities of an SDR in Chicago?

The measure of an SDR is their ability to move prospects through the sales funnel. Instead of closing deals, they concentrate on nurturing great leads. SDRs are usually the first point of contact for new customers, so an SDR must be able to reach out and respond effectively to potential customers through:

• Researching potential customers and companies
• Cold-calling and sending targeted emails
• Qualifying leads and understanding customer needs
• Building relationships with prospects
• Setting up meetings with Account Executives

SDR Career Path in Chicago

SDRs can explore numerous roles and discover their strengths and weaknesses. As an SDR, you'll research prospects, write emails, book meetings, and nurture relationships. Early awareness of abilities and interests will help direct your sales career.

The following are possible career paths after gaining experience as an SDR:

• Account Executive
• Customer Success Manager
• Account Manager
• Marketing Specialist
• Channel Sales Manager
• Strategic Accounts Manager
• Sales Training Manager
• Sales Operations Manager

Essential Skills for SDR Success

SDRs are in a great position to assist AEs in closing transactions. Here are some skills that SDRs can develop for a successful sales career:

• Conducting Effective Outreach - Learning efficient outreach techniques including cold-calling, sending emails, and leaving voicemails.
• Active Listening - Being highly tuned in to words and phrases that suggest a potential customer would be a suitable fit.
• Resilience - Learning to move on after each rejection and not allowing minor setbacks to ruin your day.
• Building Relationships - Developing sincere relationships with prospects and winning their trust.
• Staying Organized - Planning your days and prioritizing the things vital to your success.
• Self-Awareness - Being conscious of your strengths and weaknesses and seeking input from supervisors.

Chicago SDR Job Market

Finding top SaaS sales talent is getting more and more difficult. As a result, internal and external recruiters are actively looking for competent Sales Development Representatives. Chicago offers a strong job market for SDRs, with competitive salaries and growth opportunities.

The city's tech sector accounts for 87% of all new jobs produced in the area over the past ten years, with almost half of those jobs being in non-technical positions like sales and support.