Application Guide
How to Apply for Sales Development Representative
at Workiva
🏢 About Workiva
Workiva specializes in integrated ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, helping organizations achieve transparent climate impact tracking and regulatory compliance through their platform. The company stands out by focusing on the growing demand for sustainability reporting, making it a forward-thinking workplace for those passionate about combining technology with environmental impact. Working at Workiva's Amsterdam office offers exposure to European markets and ESG regulations, ideal for professionals interested in the intersection of sales and sustainability.
About This Role
As a Sales Development Representative at Workiva, you'll be responsible for prospecting into target accounts via cold-calling, email, and social outreach to generate qualified leads for Account Executives, directly driving revenue goals in the ESG reporting space. This role is impactful because you'll be introducing Workiva's platform to decision-makers, helping organizations streamline their climate compliance, making it a key entry point for sales in a niche, high-growth market.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves prospecting into target accounts via cold calls and emails, using Salesforce to track leads and collaborate with Account Executives on engagement strategies. You'll spend time learning about Workiva's platform to better articulate its ESG reporting capabilities, qualifying leads based on criteria, and participating in team meetings to align on revenue goals in the Amsterdam market.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Workiva Is Looking For
- Has 3+ years in sales or lead generation, with proven success in meeting metrics, ideally in B2B SaaS or tech, and experience using CRM tools like Salesforce.
- Possesses excellent communication skills, able to articulate complex platform capabilities (like ESG reporting) to decision-makers in a professional manner.
- Holds an Associate's degree or equivalent experience, with a knack for learning technical products and tailoring outreach to prospects in regulated industries.
- Is proactive in partnering with Account Executives to develop engagement strategies, showing collaboration skills and a goal-oriented mindset.
📝 Tips for Applying to Workiva
Tailor your resume to highlight specific metrics from past sales roles (e.g., lead conversion rates, revenue generated) that align with Workiva's focus on meeting goals.
Mention any experience with ESG, sustainability, or compliance-related sales, as this shows direct relevance to Workiva's niche in integrated reporting.
Research Workiva's platform and include a brief note in your application about how you'd articulate its value to prospects in Amsterdam's ESG-focused market.
Demonstrate familiarity with Salesforce by listing it prominently in your skills, as it's an ideal CRM tool per the requirements.
Use the cover letter to explain why you're drawn to Workiva's mission in climate impact, not just the sales role, to stand out as a mission-aligned candidate.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your 3+ years of sales experience, specifically how you've met revenue goals or generated leads in a similar B2B environment.", "Highlight your ability to learn and explain technical platforms, with examples of how you've mastered product details for sales outreach.", "Connect your interest in Workiva's ESG focus, showing awareness of their mission and how it aligns with your career goals in Amsterdam.", 'Mention collaboration skills, such as partnering with Account Executives, to demonstrate you understand the team-oriented nature of the role.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Workiva's website and resources on their platform, focusing on how it streamlines ESG reporting and compliance for clients.
- → Look into ESG regulations in Europe (e.g., EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation) to understand the market context in Amsterdam.
- → Review Workiva's company culture and recent news, such as their impact reports or client case studies, to discuss their mission in interviews.
- → Investigate the sales team structure at Workiva, including any mentions of Account Executive partnerships, to tailor your application approach.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic resume without metrics or specifics on sales experience, as Workiva values proven success in meeting goals.
- Failing to mention ESG or sustainability in your application, which could show a lack of alignment with Workiva's core business focus.
- Overlooking the collaboration aspect by not highlighting experience with CRM tools or partnering with teams, as this role requires close work with Account Executives.
📅 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!