How to Get an SDR Job in the UK with No Sales Experience (Graduate Guide)
You’ve just finished university, you want to earn good money, and you’ve heard sales might be the way in. But there’s one problem: you’ve never worked in sales before. Can you still land a Sales Development Representative (SDR) job with no experience?
The answer is yes and it’s more common than you think. Most graduate SDRs start with zero sales background. What employers care about is your mindset, not your CV. This guide will walk you through exactly how to land an SDR job in the UK without prior experience.
What is an SDR and Why Do Employers Hire Grads?
An SDR (Sales Development Representative) is responsible for generating new business opportunities. You’ll be researching leads, sending cold emails, and making outbound calls to book meetings for Account Executives. It’s a fast-paced, high-output role and it’s the most common entry point into B2B sales.
Employers love hiring graduates because they’re coachable, ambitious, and ready to learn. You don’t need years of experience – just a good attitude, some resilience, and a willingness to pick up the phone.
Highlight the Experience You Do Have
Even if you’ve never worked in sales, you’ve likely built transferable skills through other experiences. Think about:
- Part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or customer service (great for resilience and communication)
- University societies or sports teams (teamwork and leadership)
- Presentations, essays, or dissertations (research and articulation)
You don’t need to fake a sales background. Instead, position your existing experience as proof you’re ready to work hard, speak confidently, and bounce back from rejection.
Learn the Language of Sales
You’ll instantly stand out in interviews if you show that you’ve done your research. Before you apply, take time to understand what SDRs actually do. Learn the basic terminology like pipeline, prospecting, CRM, cold calling, and lead qualification. The best way to do this is to:
- Follow top sales creators on LinkedIn and TikTok
- Read a beginner sales book like The Challenger Sale or Gap Selling
- Listen to a few episodes of sales podcasts like The SDR Handbook or Make It Happen Mondays
A hiring manager won’t expect you to be an expert but they’ll expect curiosity. Show that you’re serious about the industry and eager to learn.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
Generic applications get ignored. If you’re applying without experience, your CV and cover letter need to be sharp. Focus on:
- A short, punchy personal profile at the top (1–2 sentences)
- Bullet points that highlight action and outcome (not just tasks)
- Clear mention of soft skills: communication, resilience, research, time management
Your cover letter should explain why sales interests you and why you think you’d be good at it. Keep it honest and energetic and never send the same letter twice.
Nail the Interview by Showing Potential
In most SDR interviews, employers are assessing three things: your ability to communicate, your coachability, and your attitude. You don’t need the perfect answer — but you do need to show that you’re ready to learn, take feedback, and stay positive under pressure.
Common questions include:
- “Why sales?”
- “Tell me about a time you handled rejection”
- “What do you know about our company and how we sell?”
Practice out loud. Rehearse with a friend. And make sure you ask smart questions at the end- it shows maturity and commercial awareness.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a background in sales to start a high-earning career in it. Most companies hiring SDRs in the UK are looking for raw potential, not polished experience. If you’re confident, curious, and willing to work hard, you’re already halfway there.
Do your research. Be coachable. And don’t let lack of experience stop you from applying because the top performers in sales often started with none.
Want to break into a high-paying graduate sales role?
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