Sales Development Representative Resume Keywords for ATS

ATS systems screening Sales Development Representative CVs prioritise quantifiable outbound prospecting metrics, CRM proficiency, and lead generation terminology. Successful candidates demonstrate pipeline contribution through specific activity volumes (calls, emails, meetings booked) and conversion rates that directly tie to revenue targets.

ATS keywords for a Sales Development Representative Resume

Use these as a checklist — include the ones that genuinely apply to you, matched to the wording of the job you are targeting.

Core skills

Outbound prospectingLead generationCold callingEmail prospectingLead qualificationPipeline developmentAccount researchBANT qualificationSocial sellingAppointment settingDiscovery callsSales cadences

Tools & software

SalesforceHubSpotOutreachSalesLoftLinkedIn Sales NavigatorZoomInfoGongChorusMicrosoft DynamicsPipedrive

Soft skills

ResilienceActive listeningPersuasive communicationTime managementCoachabilityGoal-oriented

Certifications & qualifications

HubSpot Sales Software CertificationSalesforce Certified Sales RepresentativeLinkedIn Sales Navigator CertificationSandler Sales TrainingSPIN Selling Certification

How to get a Sales Development Representative Resume past the ATS

Include daily/weekly activity metrics (e.g., '80+ cold calls per day', '200 emails weekly') as ATS often scans for volume indicators
Use both acronyms and full terms for qualification frameworks (BANT, MEDDIC, CHAMP) as different systems search differently
Specify CRM system names rather than generic 'CRM experience' – exact tool matches score higher in ATS algorithms
Quantify pipeline contribution with currency values and conversion percentages (e.g., '£500K pipeline generated', '18% email-to-meeting rate')
Mirror the seniority language from job descriptions: 'SDR', 'BDR', or 'Sales Development Representative' – use the exact title posted

Before & after: Sales Development Representative Resume bullets

Before: Responsible for making calls to potential customers and booking meetings

After: Executed 90+ daily cold calls and email prospecting sequences using Outreach, booking 25 qualified discovery meetings monthly with 22% connect-to-meeting conversion rate

Before: Used CRM to track leads and worked with sales team

After: Managed 300+ prospect pipeline in Salesforce using BANT qualification, generating £450K in qualified opportunities and achieving 115% of quarterly meeting quota

Before: Contacted prospects through different channels to generate interest

After: Deployed multi-channel cadences across cold calling, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and email prospecting, sourcing 40% of AE pipeline and maintaining 19% email response rate

Sales Development Representative Resume keywords — FAQ

What keywords should a Sales Development Representative put on their Resume?

A Sales Development Representative Resume should include core skills such as Outbound prospecting, Lead generation, Cold calling, Email prospecting, Lead qualification, Pipeline development, and name specific tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, SalesLoft, LinkedIn Sales Navigator. Always match the exact terms used in the job description you are applying to.

How do I make my Sales Development Representative Resume ATS-friendly?

Use a plain-text skills section, mirror the keywords from the job posting word-for-word, spell out acronyms once alongside their short form, and quantify your achievements. Include daily/weekly activity metrics (e.g., '80+ cold calls per day', '200 emails weekly') as ATS often scans for volume indicators

What skills do employers look for in a Sales Development Representative?

Beyond technical skills, employers screen for Resilience, Active listening, Persuasive communication, Time management. Relevant qualifications include HubSpot Sales Software Certification, Salesforce Certified Sales Representative, LinkedIn Sales Navigator Certification.