Your Questions Answered: Entry Level Sales Roles in Startups

Interested in a role in sales or commercial, but not sure what’s out there? 

We’ve curated a list of the top roles you can expect to go into as a recent graduate or entry-level applicant in sales!

In this article, we discuss the types of entry level sales roles that commonly pop up in the startup sector, what they look like on a day-to-day basis, and what salaries you can expect.

Looking for a job in sales? Apply now for our commercial stream.

Types of sales roles, explained

Job titles and descriptions can vary hugely from company to company, but based on our experience, startups will typically be hiring juniors for one of three positions: 

1. Sales Development Representative (SDR): this role is most common in tech startups, where SDRs play a critical role in scaling the company’s growth by sourcing new potential customers or clients. This type of role is a great fit if you’re ambitious, target-driven, and excited by the opportunity to kickstart your professional network.
2. Sales Executive: in this role you go one step further, and is all about closing deals and bringing in new business for your company. If you’re confident, outgoing and love a bit of healthy competition then this role could be a brilliant fit.
3. Account Executive: in this role, you’re responsible for maintaining and growing existing client relationships. It’s all about making sure your clients are happy and using your product to its full potential, as well as identifying opportunities to grow their accounts. If you’re a great listener, problem-solver, and confident communicator, then this might be the role for you!

Check out this article if you’re looking for more information about what sales in startups (or SaaS sales) can look like!

What does progression in sales role look like? 

Once you start your career in sales, progression is FAST. Especially in a startup environment, you’ll likely be one of the first members of the company sales team, which means you’ll quickly be moving up the ranks as the company grows. 

Your salary will also progress quickly. If you’re consistently hitting your targets, you’ll be well-rewarded. It’s definitely not uncommon for high performing SDRs to be making 6 figure salaries in their first 5 years on the job!

When you’re looking to take the next step in your career, experience in sales can also take you anywhere. The skills and experiences you develop in a junior sales position can equip you for a variety of different roles in the future, not just in sales. 

We’re talking marketing, partnerships, business development, strategy – you name it!

Do I need experience to work in sales?

Nope! It’s a common misconception that you need to have studied sales, or have professional work experience to thrive in a sales role. Being good at sales is all about character. 

In fact, some of the best salespeople learn everything they need to know on the job. If you’re: 

• An excellent communicator 💬
• Highly driven and outcome-focused 🧑‍💻
• Proactive and happy to get stuck in to anything and everything 🙋
• Excited about working for a mission-driven company 🚀

Then it’s likely a sales role might be for you!

What salary can I expect to earn in a sales role? 💸

In a junior sales role at a startup, typical starting salaries range from £30-50k. And this doesn’t include equity or commission/bonuses you could receive on top of that!

At Jumpstart, we can guarantee that your starting salary falls within this range, and help you negotiate to make sure you get a job offer you’re satisfied with. 

“I think a sales role is for me” – what next?

Apply to the Jumpstart Commercial programme! Every 1-2 months, we match brilliant people with 0-3 years experience with sales and commercial roles at top startups. 

We flip the job search on its head and bring in 40+ startups to pitch their sales roles to you. You will then have the chance to quiz them on their company and role before even interviewing!

Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis – so apply now!