Just got a...

Question

Just got an offer to be an SDR outbound, skipping inbound. I am told that I can be an AE in 4-6 months with my experience and if I do well. I intend of performing but I have heard horror stories about people fired without PIPs , grind culture, hard time using PTO, work/life balance, etc. Advice? Ty

Former Employee · Accepted Answer

4-6 months would be extremely unlikely. Most high performing SDRs move into AM/AE roles after 12-18 months  but I do not know your background. You cannot take vacation in the last week of the month or the entire EOQ months. Grind is an understatement at ZI.

Current Employee · Answer

It is definitely a grind culture and you are expected to work. But you can definitely be promoted quickly and make bank if you work hard. if you are concerned about working past 5pm, this is not the right place for you

Current Employee · Answer

No. Run. Run as fast as possible. You will be berated. You will burn out. You will hate your life. It’s not worth it. The toxicity is unamiganble. Please run - don’t walk. They’re lying to you.

Current Employee · Answer

My honest answer would include some of these thoughts:

- Yes it's hard work. It can definitely be a grind. That said, it is an SDR position and you can absolutely move to AE if you have the skill and will to do so. 
- If you're worried about PTO and work/life balance for the next 6mo in your SDR role, Idk what to tell you. Good luck.
- I'd honestly take the job assuming you have a good vibe from the group you met with. The product, the market, the potential for earning and promotion etc are all there. Do what feels right.

Current Employee · Answer

Everyone I know personally that’s been l fired was on a PIP. 
Layoffs are obviously different but idk anyone personally who’s been laid off. 
I think it’s possible to move up that fast if work OT. 50/65 Hr weeks should be your norm. Taking PTO has never been an issue for me.

Former Employee · Answer

Everything you asked is 100% true. People disappear from there without warning. I would avoid at all costs. They smile to your face and slaughter you behind your back.

Current Employee · Answer

A lot to unpack there. I'm currently an OB SDR and was recently promoted from IB. AE in 4-6 months seems like a real stretch if I'm being honest, I think they're low balling you. I've asked a few managers and it's typically 8-12 months and also depends on headcount on the AE side. Promotions are done solely on metrics, so you need to hit a certain metric to be considered before anything else. Inbound SDR's put in more OT than outbound, most OB reps don't do OT because they have the opportunity to make significant money in commission but it is available. So if you were on IB, I would say it is definitely a grind and balance can be difficult, OB maybe not so much but that's up to you. It's an overall good company but I think there is some lack of structure on the outbound side of things as well as an overall disconnect from leadership. I couldn't even tell you who my higher ups are aside from my boss and my boss's boss

Former Employee · Answer

im a manager and was told during last year i couldnt promote any BDRs so I had to hire outside. sometimes there is just a hiring freeze for internal BDRs because they are more valuable to the company for booking meetings

Current Employee · Answer

I was also direct to outbound and they tell everyone 4-6 months but thats only if you're exceeding your numbers consistently. The product is great and having the option of unlimited PTO is awesome, but unless you're consistently exceeding your number early in the month, I found myself often feeling guilty or getting scared of taking PTO and falling behind on the month (or quite frankly found myself working overtime regularly just to maintain quota).

All in all, if you can do it it's a good company and looks great on a resume too, but if you value time beyond just your regular 8-430 then I'd consider other options as well.

Former Employee · Answer

They will grind you into the ground and spit you out the other side. Don’t forget this company exists and you’ll be better for it

Current Employee · Answer

1st off, congrats on the privilege of skipping inbound. I was not so lucky (have full desk recruiting experience before this full outbound) and had to climb inbound (some ex AEs even had to). People disappear from slack by the week. The performers work 16 hours day but yes they make a lot of money

Current Employee · Answer

When you start out as an IB they give you A LOT of leeway. But if by the 7 month mark you are still struggling to hit quota, they’ll PIP you and then you’re out.

If you’re coming in as an IB SDR there is NO WAY you’ll get to be an AE in 4-6 months. If you’re coming in as an OB SDR, then maybe.

Former Employee · Answer

BS. They make these promises, but don’t put them in writing. Honestly, the company has been in serious decline for a while. Look at all the AEs that switched to AM roles or just left the company in the last year. I 2X’d quota regularly and they didn’t have headcount but still hired outside AEs.

Former Employee · Answer

ZoomInfo is a great market fit which makes it easy to set meetings. The grind culture is real but it’s rewarding nonetheless. Stay positive, get better everyday, hit your KPI’s and lean in to your managers and you will do fine.

Former Employee · Answer

They lie to you. And if they do give you a promotion internally, they lowball you so hard relative to the market rates/external hires. I had colleagues that got promoted, but when they moved into AE roles their base barely moved up despite the substantial increase in responsibility and risk. This place is up there with one of the worst places to work at. Don't be fooled by the high ratings, they send company wide emails to rate highly. AVOID AVOID AVOID.

Former Employee · Answer

All of the things you heard are true.  Can’t speak to the 4-6 month path from SDR to AE, but I would guess it’s highly unlikely.

Current Employee · Answer

Do you know how to use a phone? If so, you'll do great. ChatGPT and LinkedIn have their place but if you avoid the phone you will fail. Yes if you don't hit your number it is a very short path to the door. But master your KPI's and it's a phenomenal place to work.

Current Employee · Answer

Yes. Its 4-6 months per role, so since skipping IB, 4-6 is doable to AE

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Anonymous Q&A

Just got an offer to be an SDR outbound, skipping inbound. I am told that I can be an AE in 4-6 months with my experience and if I do well. I intend of performing but I have heard horror stories about people fired without PIPs , grind culture, hard time using PTO, work/life balance, etc. Advice? Ty