Sales Development Representative – Cisco Security, Velocity Team
Sales Development Representative – Cisco Security, Velocity Team

Sales Development Representative – Cisco Security, Velocity Team

Entry level 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cisco

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Start conversations with customers and open opportunities for the sales team.
  • Company: Join Cisco, a leading name in technology, focusing on security.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, career progression, and skill development.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with clear paths to advancement.
  • Why this job: Build genuine skills in enterprise technology sales while making an impact.
  • Qualifications: No sales experience needed; just a passion for technology and people.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Location: London, following a hybrid work approach (minimum 2 days/week in the office).

Meet the Team: Security is one of the most important and fastest moving spaces in technology right now. The threat landscape is evolving constantly, regulations are tightening, and the organisations navigating it are looking for partners who genuinely understand their world. That's where you come in.

About the Role: As an SDR in the Cisco Security team, you'll be starting conversations with customers across EMEA helping to open up opportunities for the wider sales team to take forward. You'll develop a real understanding of the Cisco Security portfolio, the industries you're working in, and what good enterprise sales looks like in practice. It's a role that rewards curiosity, preparation and a willingness to keep learning. If you're early in your career and looking for a place to build genuine skills in enterprise technology sales, this is a great place to do it. Sales experience isn't essential but a genuine interest in technology and people is.

Your Impact: Cisco is one of the most recognised names in technology, and Security is one of its fastest growing areas. You'll be part of a team that takes development seriously, with a clear progression path into Account Executive or Specialist roles typically within 12 to 24 months.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Researching target accounts to understand their business and where Cisco Security is relevant.
  • Reaching out to senior stakeholders via phone, email and LinkedIn with thoughtful, personalised outreach.
  • Qualifying leads and identifying the right people and priorities within an account.
  • Booking discovery meetings for Account Executives and Security Specialists.
  • Collaborating with the wider sales team to align on accounts and share market insight.
  • Building knowledge of the Cisco Security portfolio covering Zero Trust, SASE, threat detection and cloud security.
  • Staying current on industry trends, regulatory developments and the broader threat landscape.

Skills You'll Build in Your First Year:

  • Outbound prospecting - research, personalisation and objection handling.
  • Enterprise sales fundamentals - how large organisations buy and how to navigate them.
  • Cisco Security portfolio knowledge - from architecture-level conversations to specific solutions.
  • Industry expertise across sectors like financial services, retail and public sector.
  • Pipeline management and how to use data to prioritise effectively.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 0-2 years of professional sales development experience.
  • Recent/upcoming graduate of a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) or a certification program (e.g. a Bootcamp or Apprenticeship). Equivalent experience accepted in lieu of these.
  • Fluent in English.
  • Able to legally live and work in the country for which you’re applying.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Some experience in a sales, commercial or customer-facing role.
  • An interest in cybersecurity or enterprise technology.
  • Familiarity with tools like Salesforce, Outreach or LinkedIn Sales Navigator.
  • Curious and eager to learn - about technology, business and how organisations make decisions.
  • A clear and confident communicator, in writing and in conversation.
  • Resilient and self-motivated - comfortable with the highs and lows of outbound sales.
  • Organised and able to manage a busy workload without losing attention to detail.
  • Open to feedback and committed to developing your skills.

Sales Development Representative – Cisco Security, Velocity Team employer: Cisco

Cisco is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters growth and development within the fast-paced field of technology sales. With a strong emphasis on employee progression, you can expect a clear path to advance into Account Executive or Specialist roles within 12 to 24 months, all while being part of a collaborative team that values curiosity and continuous learning. The hybrid work model ensures a balanced approach to work-life integration, making it an ideal place for those eager to build meaningful careers in cybersecurity.
Cisco

Contact Detail:

Cisco Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sales Development Representative – Cisco Security, Velocity Team

Tip Number 1

Get to know the Cisco Security portfolio inside out. The more you understand the products and how they fit into the market, the better you'll be at having meaningful conversations with potential clients. Dive into resources, webinars, and even reach out to current employees for insights!

Tip Number 2

Personalise your outreach! When you're reaching out to senior stakeholders, make sure your messages are tailored to their specific needs and challenges. Show them that you've done your homework and genuinely care about helping them solve their problems.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Whether it's over the phone or in person, being able to communicate clearly and confidently is key. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable with your delivery and to handle any objections that might come up.

Tip Number 4

Stay curious and keep learning! The tech landscape is always changing, especially in security. Follow industry news, join relevant forums, and engage with thought leaders on LinkedIn. This will not only help you in your role but also show potential employers that you're proactive and passionate about the field.

We think you need these skills to ace Sales Development Representative – Cisco Security, Velocity Team

Outbound Prospecting
Personalisation
Objection Handling
Enterprise Sales Fundamentals
Cisco Security Portfolio Knowledge
Industry Expertise
Pipeline Management
Data Prioritisation
Communication Skills
Curiosity
Resilience
Self-Motivation
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Familiarity with Salesforce

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Curiosity: When writing your application, let your genuine interest in technology and people shine through. We love candidates who are curious and eager to learn, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight this trait.

Personalise Your Outreach: Just like you'll be reaching out to customers, make sure your application is tailored to us. Mention specific aspects of the Cisco Security portfolio or the role that excite you, and how you see yourself contributing to our team.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you don’t have direct sales experience, focus on transferable skills. Talk about any customer-facing roles or projects where you’ve demonstrated communication, organisation, or resilience—qualities we value highly at StudySmarter.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role you’re excited about!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cisco

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Cisco's Security portfolio. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like Zero Trust and SASE. This will not only show your genuine interest in technology but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.

Research the Company and Industry

Understand the current threat landscape and how it affects businesses across different sectors. Being able to discuss recent trends or regulatory changes will demonstrate your curiosity and preparedness, which are crucial for a role in sales development.

Practice Your Outreach Skills

Since you'll be reaching out to senior stakeholders, practice crafting thoughtful and personalised messages. Role-play scenarios where you qualify leads or book meetings, as this will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.

Show Your Eagerness to Learn

Emphasise your willingness to learn and grow within the role. Share examples of how you've approached learning in the past, whether through coursework, projects, or self-study. This aligns perfectly with the company's focus on development and progression.

Sales Development Representative – Cisco Security, Velocity Team
Cisco

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