Application Guide
How to Apply for Sales Development Representative
at Workiva
🏢 About Workiva
Workiva is a leader in integrated ESG reporting, helping organizations streamline climate impact and compliance. Joining means being at the forefront of sustainability transparency, working with a mission-driven team that values innovation and impact.
About This Role
As an SDR, you'll partner with Account Executives to drive revenue by prospecting into target accounts via cold-calling, email, and social outreach. Your work directly generates qualified leads that fuel the sales pipeline, making you a critical bridge between marketing and sales.
💡 A Day in the Life
Start your day reviewing a list of target accounts, then spend the morning on cold calls and emails. After lunch, qualify leads from inbound sources and update Salesforce. End the day by collaborating with your Account Executive on pipeline strategy and preparing for the next day's outreach.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Workiva Is Looking For
- Has 3+ years of lead generation or sales development experience, preferably with a proven track record of hitting quotas.
- Is proficient in Salesforce CRM and uses it to track activities, manage pipelines, and analyze data.
- Possesses excellent communication skills (verbal, written, interpersonal) and can tailor messaging for ESG-focused prospects.
- Is self-motivated, organized, and able to multitask in a remote environment, with a knack for strategic prospecting.
📝 Tips for Applying to Workiva
Highlight any experience with ESG, sustainability, or compliance industries in your resume and cover letter.
Quantify your lead generation success (e.g., 'generated 50+ qualified leads per month resulting in $X pipeline').
Showcase your Salesforce proficiency by mentioning specific features you used (e.g., reports, dashboards, sequences).
Tailor your cover letter to reference Workiva's mission of streamlining ESG reporting and how your skills align.
Include examples of cold-calling or social outreach strategies you've used to break into target accounts.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for sustainability and how Workiva's mission resonates with you.", 'Your track record in outbound prospecting and lead qualification, with specific metrics.', 'Your ability to collaborate with Account Executives and contribute to team revenue goals.', 'Your comfort with remote work and self-management in a virtual environment.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Understand Workiva's ESG platform and how it helps companies with climate reporting and compliance.
- → Read recent news about Workiva's partnerships or customer wins in the sustainability space.
- → Familiarize yourself with key competitors (e.g., Salesforce Sustainability Cloud, Greenstone) and Workiva's differentiators.
- → Review Workiva's culture and values on their website and Glassdoor to align your answers.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic resume without highlighting lead generation metrics or Salesforce skills.
- Failing to research Workiva's ESG focus and not mentioning it in your application.
- Overlooking the remote aspect – not demonstrating self-discipline and remote work experience.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!