Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, offers outstanding opportunities for Business Development Representatives (BDRs) and Sales Development Representatives (SDRs).
In this article, we explore these crucial roles at AWS, their responsibilities, and how you can leverage platforms like Tangent to boost your chances of landing your dream job in tech sales.
Why Choose AWS for Your Tech Sales Career?
AWS has been at the forefront of cloud computing since its inception, continually innovating and expanding its services. Here's why pursuing a sales career at AWS is an excellent choice:
- Industry Leader: AWS is the pioneer in cloud computing and maintains its position as the market leader.
- Innovative Environment: You'll be selling cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of businesses worldwide.
- Global Reach: With offices around the world, AWS offers opportunities to work with diverse clients and potentially explore international career paths.
- Career Growth: AWS invests heavily in employee development, providing clear pathways for advancement within the organisation.
- Impactful Work: You'll be helping businesses of all sizes transform and innovate using cloud technologies.
Business Development Representative (BDR) at AWS
As a BDR at AWS, you'll play a crucial role in generating new business opportunities and expanding AWS's customer base. Here's what you can expect in this position:
Key Responsibilities
- Research relevant markets and gather prospect information
- Conduct outbound campaigns via email, phone, and social media platforms
- Understand prospects' businesses and articulate AWS's unique value proposition
- Book meetings for Account Executives with qualified leads
- Document activities and manage pipeline in Salesforce CRM
- Collaborate with marketing teams on campaign feedback and lead quality
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (additional languages are a plus)
- Strong research and analytical abilities
- Results-driven personality with a self-starter mentality
- Time management and prioritisation skills
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- 1-3 years of experience in B2B sales or related fields (preferred)
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Proven track record of achieving measurable goals
- Deep interest in cloud technology and its business applications
- Ability to navigate and engage with prospects at various levels, including C-suite executives
- Experience using sales tools such as Salesforce, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and ZoomInfo
Sales Development Representative (SDR) at AWS
SDRs at AWS focus on qualifying leads and setting up sales opportunities. This role is crucial in building and maintaining a healthy sales pipeline. Here's what the SDR role at AWS entails:
Key Responsibilities
- Qualify and convert marketing leads into sales-ready meetings
- Collaborate with Account Executives to develop account strategies
- Master AWS's suite of cloud services and articulate their benefits to prospects
- Utilise sales tools effectively to manage and track lead progress
- Achieve and exceed quota and revenue objectives
- Provide valuable feedback to improve lead generation and qualification processes
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Strong English communication skills (fluency in additional languages is highly valued)
- High energy and passion for technology sales
- Adaptability in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- 1-3 years of experience in B2B software sales or related fields (preferred)
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Experience in IT or cloud computing sales
- Proven ability to meet and exceed targets consistently
- Strong understanding of cloud computing concepts and trends
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically
The AWS Sales Development Program
AWS is committed to nurturing and developing its sales talent. Both BDRs and SDRs benefit from:
- Comprehensive Training: Gain in-depth knowledge of AWS services, sales methodologies, and industry best practices.
- Mentorship: Work closely with experienced sales professionals to hone your skills and accelerate your career growth.
- Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement within the AWS sales organisation.
- Collaborative Environment: Regular team meetings and events to foster a strong sales culture and knowledge sharing.
- Performance Recognition: Opportunities to be rewarded for exceeding targets and achieving milestones.
Boost Your Chances with Tangent
While AWS offers exciting opportunities for tech sales professionals, landing your dream job can be challenging in such a competitive field. This is where Tangent comes in to give you a significant advantage.
Tangent is an innovative platform that connects aspiring professionals like you with mentors who are already working in top tech companies, including AWS. These mentors can provide invaluable insights, help refine your application, and even refer you directly to roles you're interested in, ensuring your application gets prioritised.
How Tangent Works:
- Browse Sales Leaders: Explore profiles of experienced professionals in the tech sales field.
- Connect: Reach out to mentors who align with your career goals and interests in cloud computing and AWS.
- Get Personalised Help: Benefit from CV reviews, interview prep, and potential job referrals specifically tailored to AWS and other tech companies.
The best part? Tangent's services are completely free, making tech careers more accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
Mentors in Tech Sales:
Here are some mentors on Tangent who could potentially help you in your journey to a sales role at AWS or similar cloud computing companies:
- Mikael - Senior Business Development Representative at Enable
- Sandra - Sales Development Manager at Nintex
- Ben - Sales Manager at Attest
- Conor - Team Lead, Sales Development at Phenom
- Alizé - Sales Development Representative at Eightfold
These mentors have experience in roles similar to what you're aiming for at AWS and can provide valuable insights into the tech sales industry, especially in cloud computing and SaaS.
Tips for Success in AWS Sales Roles
- Develop Cloud Expertise: Familiarise yourself with AWS services and stay updated on cloud computing trends.
- Hone Your Communication Skills: Practise articulating complex technical concepts in simple, business-oriented terms.
- Embrace a Growth Mindset: AWS values continuous learning and improvement. Be open to feedback and always look for ways to improve your skills.
- Build Your Network: Utilise platforms like Tangent and LinkedIn to connect with AWS employees and industry professionals.
- Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes in previous roles and be prepared to discuss how you've exceeded targets.
Conclusion
A career in tech sales at AWS offers immense opportunities for growth, learning, and impact. Whether you're aiming for a BDR or SDR role, AWS provides a dynamic environment where you can thrive and develop your skills in the fast-paced world of cloud computing.
By connecting with experienced mentors in the field, you can gain insider knowledge, refine your application, and potentially secure a referral that puts you ahead of other candidates.
Are you ready to take the next step in your tech sales career? Start today by getting matched with a mentor with Tangent.
