Application Guide

How to Apply for Sales Development Representative - German Speaker

at Workiva

🏢 About Workiva

Workiva is a leader in streamlining integrated ESG reporting, helping organizations transparently manage their climate impact and compliance. The company's remote-first culture and focus on sustainability make it an attractive place for purpose-driven professionals.

About This Role

As a German-speaking SDR, you'll partner with Account Executives to drive revenue by prospecting into target accounts across DACH and other German-speaking markets. Your efforts in cold-calling, email, and social outreach will directly generate qualified leads that fuel the pipeline, making you a critical link between marketing and sales.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day starts with reviewing your pipeline in Salesforce and prioritizing outreach to target accounts in German-speaking regions. You'll spend the morning making cold calls and sending personalized emails, then collaborate with Account Executives in the afternoon to qualify leads and schedule demos. The day ends with updating CRM records and planning the next day's prospecting sequence.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Workiva

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Workiva Is Looking For

  • Fluent in German (native or near-native) and English, with the ability to communicate complex value propositions clearly in both languages.
  • Proven 3+ years of experience in sales development, business development, or lead generation, ideally with a track record of exceeding quotas.
  • Comfortable with CRM tools, especially Salesforce, and able to maintain accurate data for forecasting and reporting.
  • Resilient and self-motivated, thriving in a remote environment with a structured approach to prospecting and follow-up.

📝 Tips for Applying to Workiva

1

Tailor your resume to highlight German-language sales experience, including specific metrics like number of leads generated or conversion rates.

2

Mention any familiarity with ESG or sustainability topics, as Workiva's niche requires understanding the value proposition of integrated reporting.

3

If you have experience with Salesforce, list it prominently and describe how you used it to manage pipelines and activities.

4

In your cover letter, demonstrate your ability to work independently in a remote setting by providing examples of self-directed prospecting campaigns.

5

Research Workiva's platform and recent ESG news to show genuine interest during the application process; mention a specific feature or client benefit.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Highlight your fluency in German and cultural understanding of German-speaking markets, as this is a core requirement.', "Emphasize your experience with cold outreach (calls, emails, social) and how you've successfully generated qualified leads.", "Show enthusiasm for Workiva's mission in ESG reporting and compliance, connecting it to your own values or career goals.", 'Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with Account Executives and use CRM tools to track and report on activities.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Workiva's latest blog posts or news about ESG reporting trends to understand their market positioning.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the Workiva platform, especially its ESG and compliance features, by exploring their website or product demos.
  • → Look up recent client case studies or testimonials to see how Workiva's solutions impact businesses in German-speaking regions.
  • → Check Workiva's LinkedIn page and employee reviews on Glassdoor to get a sense of company culture and remote work expectations.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you prospect into a list of target accounts in the DACH region? Walk us through your process.
2 Describe a time you turned a cold lead into a qualified opportunity. What steps did you take?
3 How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks when working remotely without direct supervision?
4 What do you know about Workiva's ESG reporting solutions, and how do you think they differ from competitors?
5 How do you handle rejection in cold outreach, and what strategies do you use to maintain motivation?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning German language skills or ESG interest—this role requires specific market and language focus.
  • Overlooking the importance of CRM proficiency; failing to mention Salesforce or similar tools can hurt your chances.
  • Being vague about your sales development experience—provide concrete metrics and examples of lead generation success.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Workiva!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →