At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth at a VC-backed startup by building pipeline and closing deals.
- Company: Join an exciting, high-growth startup with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Earn Β£40-80K OTE plus equity, with tailored support and training.
- Other info: Access to a supportive community and ongoing career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sales in innovative startups and connect directly with founders.
- Qualifications: Sales experience or customer-facing roles; proactive recent grads welcome.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 80000 Β£ per year.
The job hunting process is challenging, so we flipped it on its head. With Jumpstart, high-growth startup sales roles find you. If you're ready to drive growth at a VC-backed startup β building pipeline, closing deals, and shaping how sales gets done β Jumpstart is for you.
We help ambitious salespeople land roles at the UK's most exciting VC-backed startups and ensure they thrive. Here's how it works:
- Sales roles in fast-growing startups β tired of scouring jobs boards and unanswered applications? Get exclusive access to a curated list of top startup sales roles and receive a response on your applications within days.
- Founders pitch to you β as a Jumpstarter once said, "you can't get vibes from a job description." Pre-recorded video pitches from founders bring roles & a startup to life so you can ensure it's a great fit.
- Connect directly with founders β we've made the job search a two-way process. Apply to startups and receive applications from startups who want to chat to you. No recruiters β just direct access to hiring teams.
- 1:1 interview training & support β tailored prep with startup sales leaders so you can go into every interview with confidence.
- Ongoing career growth β landing a role is only the start of your journey with Jumpstart. You'll join the Jumpstart community (the "best startup community in London") and gain access to all the tools you need to smash your role. Think mentorship, training & more.
On average, it takes ~4 weeks to land an offer and you can do the process alongside your current role.
The roles
The exact role depends on the startup, but common roles on our sales stream include:
- Founding SDR / Founding BDR β join a startup at a critical stage and build the top of the sales funnel from the ground up.
- Founding Sales Associate β work directly with the founder to build the first sales motion, own early revenue, and shape how the business grows.
- SDR / BDR β prospect, qualify, and generate pipeline for a high-growth startup, converting outreach into real opportunities.
- Account Executive β own the full sales cycle from qualified opportunity to close, running demos, negotiations, and driving revenue.
- Partnerships Executive β identify, build, and scale strategic partnerships that create new revenue channels and unlock growth.
- AI Sales Executive β use AI tools to prospect smarter, personalise outreach at scale, and sell AI-native products to tech-forward buyers.
Salary range: Β£40β80K OTE + equity (DOE). ~50% of roles are not advertised elsewhere.
Is Jumpstart right for me?
We look for people with one of the following backgrounds:
- Direct sales experience (~1β5 years) in a startup or high-growth tech company β SDR, BDR, AE, or similar.
- Sales-adjacent or customer-facing experience (~1β3 years) β recruitment, teaching, estate agency, fundraising, partnerships, hospitality, or similar.
- Proactive recent grads β tell us about your side hustles, sporting achievements, the targets you've exceeded, and that difficult customer you successfully managed.
- AI & automations whizz β you use AI tools to prospect, enrich data, and move faster than the competition.
More importantly, we want to know about your side hustles, sporting achievements, the targets you've exceeded, and your drive to build a career in startups.
Graduate Sales Role at VC Backed Startup (Β£40-80k OTE) employer: Jumpstart
Jumpstart is an exceptional employer for ambitious sales professionals looking to thrive in the dynamic environment of VC-backed startups. With a focus on career growth, mentorship, and direct access to founders, employees benefit from a supportive community that fosters innovation and personal development. The unique approach to job searching ensures that you are not just another application but a valued candidate in a vibrant startup ecosystem.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Graduate Sales Role at VC Backed Startup (Β£40-80k OTE)
β¨Embrace Startup Networking Events
Get yourself into the thick of it by attending local startup networking events or entrepreneur meetups. This is where you can connect directly with founders and other entry-level folks just like you. They often share job opportunities and you never know when someone might mention that perfect opening at Jumpstart!
β¨Join Online Startup Communities
Dive into online communities where startups hang out. Platforms like Slack channels or Reddit threads dedicated to entrepreneurship can be goldmines for job leads and advice. Don't shy away from asking questions or sharing your skills; it could lead to unique opportunities at Jumpstart!
β¨Show Off Your Passion Project
If youβve got a side project or a personal brand related to startups, flaunt it! Post about your work on social media and share your journey. A strong online presence can catch the eye of recruiters from Jumpstart looking for enthusiastic candidates.
β¨Direct Applications with a Personal Touch
When you find a role at Jumpstart, don't just hit apply. Reach out directly! Find someone at the company β maybe through LinkedIn β and drop them a message expressing your interest. This personal touch can make a world of difference, especially in the startup scene, where culture fit is key.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Sales Role at VC Backed Startup (Β£40-80k OTE)
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Startups:In your application, we want to see your enthusiasm for the startup world. Mention any relevant projects you've been involved in or startup events you've attended. This shows that you're not just sending out CVs, but that you're genuinely invested in the entrepreneurial spirit.
Highlight Adaptability and Learning Curiosity:Startups thrive on flexibility and constant learning. Be sure to showcase your adaptability in your CV and cover letter. Share experiences where you had to think on your feet or learn something quicklyβthis will set you apart from the crowd.
Keep It Casual, but Clear:We love a friendly vibe! When you write your cover letter, keep it conversational and show your personality. However, make sure your points about your skills and experiences are clear and relevant to the role. We're all about connection and authenticity.
Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit:In the startup scene, teamwork is crucial. Use your CV to highlight any group projects or team-based experiences you've had, even if they were during studies or volunteering. This shows that you can work well with others, which is a huge plus for us at Jumpstart!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jumpstart
β¨Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
In the interview with Jumpstart, let your passion for startups shine through. Talk about any personal projects or ventures you've been involved with, even if they're small. This will show you're proactive and have the entrepreneurial mindset they're looking for.
β¨Be Ready for a Dynamic Discussion
Startups thrive on adaptability, so expect to engage in a conversation rather than a traditional Q&A. Be prepared to discuss how you respond to challenges and work in uncertain environments. Share any experiences where you've had to think on your feet or pivot quickly.
β¨Highlight Problem-Solving Skills
Since it's an entry-level position, they might probe your ability to solve problems creatively. Prepare a few examples where you identified an issue and implemented a solution, whether in your studies, internships, or volunteer work. This will demonstrate you can add value from day one.
β¨Tailor Your Questions to Startup Life
When itβs your turn to ask questions, steer them towards the startup culture at Jumpstart. Ask about their growth stages, how they handle failure, or how they encourage innovation within the team. This shows youβre genuinely interested in being part of their journey, not just landing any job.