How to Land Your First Sales Job in Berlin (No Experience Needed)

Berlin startups hire SDRs without a business degree, without three years of experience and often without German. They screen for hunger, coachability and a plan.

The tech scene is growing and startups struggle to find enough young salespeople. Six steps get you in.

Why Sales Is the Best Entry Point into Tech

Sales Development Representative (SDR) roles are the most common entry-level positions at tech startups, and they suit Gen Z for four reasons:

• No experience required: Companies screen for mindset
• High earning potential: Base salary + commission means you control your income
• Fast career growth: Top performers get promoted to Account Executive in 12-18 months
• Transferable skills: Communication, resilience, and business acumen work everywhere

Step 1: Learn What an SDR Does

An SDR finds and qualifies potential customers. Your daily work includes:

1. Prospecting: Researching companies that might benefit from your product
2. Cold outreach: Sending emails, LinkedIn messages, and making calls
3. Qualifying leads: Asking the right questions to find real opportunities
4. Booking meetings: Setting up demos for Account Executives to close

The first months are unglamorous, and it's still the fastest path to a six-figure career in tech.

Step 2: Build Your Skills (For Free)

Before you apply, learn the basics:

Sales Fundamentals

• HubSpot Academy: Free certifications in inbound sales and CRM
• LinkedIn Learning: Sales foundations courses
• YouTube: Follow sales influencers like Josh Braun, Morgan Ingram, and Becc Holland

Tools to Learn

• LinkedIn Sales Navigator: The #1 prospecting tool
• CRM basics: HubSpot (free tier) or Salesforce Trailhead
• Email outreach: Understand sequences and personalization

Soft Skills

• Active listening: The most underrated sales skill
• Written communication: Your emails need to be short and clear
• Resilience: You'll hear "no" 50 times for every "yes"

Step 3: Craft Your Application

Berlin startups look past the traditional CV. They check two things first:

Your LinkedIn Profile

• Professional photo (doesn't need to be fancy)
• Headline that shows ambition: "Aspiring Sales Professional | Passionate about B2B SaaS"
• Activity: Share thoughts on sales, comment on industry posts
• Connect with people at companies you want to work for

Your Cover Letter (or Cold Email)

Write it as a sales pitch, because it is one:

1. Hook: Show you've researched the company
2. Value: Explain what makes you different (hustle, coachability, specific skills)
3. Proof: Share a relevant story or achievement
4. CTA: Ask for a specific next step

Example:

"Hi [Name], I noticed [Company] just raised a Series A, congrats! I've been following your product and love how you're solving [problem]. I'm looking to start my sales career at a company where I can grow fast and make real impact. I don't have traditional experience, but I've completed HubSpot's sales certification, built a personal outreach project that got a 15% response rate, and I'm ready to outwork anyone. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat?"

Step 4: Target the Right Companies

Some startups make far better first employers than others. Look for:

• Series A-B companies: Big enough to have SDR programs, small enough to give you ownership
• Companies with sales leaders: A VP of Sales or Head of Revenue means structured training
• Growing teams: Check LinkedIn for recent SDR hires. If they're hiring several, your odds are better
• English-speaking teams: Most Berlin SaaS startups operate in English

Where to Find Roles

• GENZ4GTM: We specialize in matching Gen Z with Berlin startups: sign up here
• LinkedIn Jobs: Filter for "SDR" or "Sales Development" in Berlin
• Berlin Startup Jobs: Curated job board for the Berlin ecosystem
• AngelList / Wellfound: Startup-specific job platform

Step 5: Nail the Interview

SDR interviews typically include:

1. Culture Fit Screen (20 min)

• Why sales? Why this company? Why Berlin?
• Show curiosity and energy

2. Role Play (30 min)

• You'll do a mock cold call or discovery call
• They're testing: Can you think on your feet? Do you ask questions? Can you handle objections?
• Tip: Take a second before you answer. Thoughtful > fast.

3. Case Study or Presentation

• Some companies ask you to research a prospect and present your outreach strategy
• Show your research skills, creativity, and structured thinking

What They're Looking For

• Coachability: Can you take feedback and improve in real-time?
• Curiosity: Do you ask great questions?
• Energy: Are you someone the team wants to work with?
• Grit: Have you overcome challenges before?

Step 6: Your First 90 Days

Once you land the role, use the first three months like this:

Month 1: Absorb Everything

• Learn the product inside and out
• Shadow top performers
• Hit your activity metrics (calls, emails, LinkedIn touches)
• Ask questions constantly

Month 2: Find Your Rhythm

• Develop your own messaging style
• Start hitting 50-80% of quota
• Build relationships with Account Executives
• Get comfortable with rejection

Month 3: Accelerate

• Aim for 80-100% of quota
• Share what's working with the team
• Start thinking about the next step in your career
• Ask for feedback and coaching

The Berlin Advantage

Berlin has four things going for a Gen Z sales career:

• Lower cost of living than London, Paris, or Munich
• International environment: 40% of Berlin's startup workforce is non-German
• Startup culture: Less corporate, more entrepreneurial
• Networking: Small scene where everyone knows everyone

Ready to Start?

Join GENZ4GTM's talent pool and we'll match you with Berlin startups that care more about your potential than your past.