Remote sales roles — particularly Sales Development Representative (SDR) and Business Development Representative (BDR) positions — are among the most in-demand entry points into tech and SaaS sales. Even if you’re just starting your career, the right strategy can help you stand out and land a remote role.
This guide explains exactly how to get hired as a remote SDR or BDR in 2026, step by step.
1. Understand the Role
Before applying, know what SDRs and BDRs do:
- SDRs: Focus on inbound and outbound prospecting, qualifying leads, and booking meetings for account executives.
- BDRs: Primarily outbound-focused, responsible for generating new business opportunities and researching target accounts.
Tip: Tailor your resume, cover letter, and interview responses to match the responsibilities of the role.
2. Build Transferable Skills
Even if you don’t have formal sales experience, hiring managers look for:
- Communication skills: Customer service, support, or client-facing roles.
- Persistence and resilience: Handling rejection or difficult interactions.
- Tech literacy: CRM tools, email outreach platforms, and remote collaboration software.
- Organization and time management: Ability to prioritize and manage tasks independently.
Example:
"In my previous role as a customer support agent, I resolved 30+ client inquiries daily while tracking metrics in Zendesk. This experience taught me persistence, problem-solving, and attention to detail — all directly relevant to SDR/BDR roles."
3. Learn Sales Fundamentals
Even basic knowledge will set you apart:
- Lead qualification (BANT: Budget, Authority, Need, Timeline)
- Multi-channel outreach (email, phone, LinkedIn)
- CRM and pipeline management (HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive)
- Key metrics (meetings booked, conversion rates, quota attainment)
Tip: Free courses and YouTube tutorials can give you a quick crash course in sales skills.
4. Craft a Remote-Friendly Resume
Highlight skills, achievements, and traits relevant to remote sales:
- Results-oriented achievements (even outside sales)
- Familiarity with sales tools or remote software
- Evidence of independent work and self-discipline
Example:
"Managed logistics for 200+ weekly orders, coordinated with vendors via Slack and email, and implemented a tracking system that reduced errors by 15%. Consistently met deadlines while working independently."
5. Gain Experience
You can build relevant experience without a formal sales job:
- Volunteer for outreach, fundraising, or client engagement roles
- Participate in internships or entry-level SDR/BDR programs
- Practice cold emailing or LinkedIn prospecting for mock campaigns
Tip: Hiring managers value practical experience, even if it’s not a paid sales role.
6. Network Strategically
Connections can help you bypass stiff competition:
- Join LinkedIn groups focused on remote sales jobs
- Attend webinars, workshops, or virtual networking events
- Connect with SDRs/BDRs to learn about openings and best practices
Tip: Networking often gives insight into company hiring patterns and remote culture.
7. Apply Smartly
Focus on companies that hire entry-level remote SDRs or BDRs:
- Tech startups and SaaS companies
- Remote-first organizations with structured training programs
- Companies that emphasize potential and soft skills over experience
Tip: Tailor each cover letter and application to show motivation, willingness to learn, and alignment with the company’s mission.
8. Prepare for Interviews
Even without sales experience, you can impress:
- Practice behavioral questions (communication, resilience, remote work habits)
- Be ready for roleplay exercises or mock calls
- Emphasize transferable skills and enthusiasm for learning
Example Answer for a Mock Call:
"While I haven’t held a formal SDR role, in my previous customer service role, I regularly persuaded clients to try new services. I track interactions carefully, address objections, and follow up — which mirrors SDR tasks."
9. Demonstrate Remote Readiness
Hiring managers look for candidates who can work independently and stay productive:
- Discuss tools you’ve used (Slack, Zoom, Notion, CRM dashboards)
- Describe daily routines, time-blocking, and KPI tracking
- Share examples of successfully working in distributed teams
Tip: Emphasize self-discipline and reliability, which are critical in remote roles.
10. Keep Learning and Upskilling
Continuous improvement makes you more attractive:
- Take online courses in sales, CRM, and prospecting
- Practice cold outreach and roleplay
- Get certifications in HubSpot, Salesforce, or email automation tools
Tip: Showing initiative demonstrates motivation, growth mindset, and commitment to the role.
Final Takeaways
To get hired as a remote SDR or BDR in 2026, focus on:
- Understanding the role and responsibilities
- Highlighting transferable skills and results
- Learning sales fundamentals
- Crafting a remote-ready resume
- Gaining relevant experience through volunteer work or internships
- Networking strategically
- Applying to companies that hire entry-level remote sales reps
- Preparing for interviews with examples and mock calls
- Demonstrating remote work readiness
- Continuously upskilling
With persistence, preparation, and a results-driven mindset, you can break into remote sales and launch a high-growth career, even without prior experience.