AI prompting do's + don't's: writing a job description for SDRs

Your job posting isn't competing against other generic postings. It's competing against compelling career opportunities.

Ambitious sales talent is scrolling right past your job postings because they all sound identical. "Hungry self-starter seeks uncapped earning potential" isn't a job description. It's a template that companies copy and paste.

Your potential SDRs compare your opportunity against other companies offering equity, established companies with proven promotion tracks, and roles where they can see themselves in two years, and AI can help you write job descriptions that differentiate your SDR role. But only if you give it the right information.

What happens when you prompt for "just another SDR posting"

Here's what happens when you use a basic prompt like "Write a job description for an SDR position":

"We are looking for a motivated Sales Development Representative to join our team. You'll generate leads, qualify prospects, and book meetings for our Account Executives. Must be hungry, coachable, and results-driven."

This description tells candidates what the job is, but not why they'd want it. Thousands of companies could post it, and an ambitious SDR doesn’t have a compelling reason to choose your opportunity over others offering the same "uncapped commission" and "fast-track to AE" promises.

The same problem applies when you get more specific. A prompt like "Write a job description for a senior SDR" produces quota-focused content that fails to differentiate your company or connect prospecting work to meaningful career progression.

How to prompt AI for SDR roles that stand out

Transform your AI output by providing comprehensive context about your company, sales process, and ideal candidate. Here's how to write an effective prompt:

1. Include company context: Share your company stage, size, market position, and what you're building. Instead of just "SDR," try: "Write a job description for an SDR at our Series B cybersecurity startup (150 employees) selling to Fortune 500 CISOs with 18-month sales cycles."

2. Define the sales environment: Specify your ICP, deal sizes, sales cycle, and team structure. Mention whether you're doing outbound to enterprise, inbound qualification, or account-based prospecting into named accounts.

3. Describe growth trajectory: Connect the SDR work to clear advancement opportunities and skill development. For a cybersecurity startup, highlight how SDRs learn enterprise sales, build relationships with C-level executives, and fast-track to closing six-figure deals.

4. Target the right audience: Identify who you're trying to attract. Are you targeting college graduates who want to break into tech sales, experienced SDRs ready to move upmarket, or career changers drawn to cybersecurity's mission-critical nature?

From template to talent magnet

The output from this detailed prompt leads with opportunity rather than requirements:

"Join [Company]'s mission to protect Fortune 500 companies from cyber threats. As an SDR, you'll build relationships with CISOs and security leaders at companies like [notable clients], learning enterprise sales while contributing to deals worth $100K-$500K that directly impact national security."

This description stops people from scrolling because it connects prospecting work to meaningful outcomes and clear advancement — exactly what ambitious sales professionals look for.

Advanced AI prompting for SDR hiring

Iterate and refine: Treat AI like a teammate. If your first result feels too corporate, ask for a more energetic or entrepreneurial tone. Request a version focused on the most compelling growth opportunities if it's too long.

Show what to avoid: Be explicit about what you don't want. "Don't use clichés like 'hunter mentality' or 'phone warrior.' Focus on actual career progression and the sophistication of deals rather than generic sales jargon."

Request multiple options: Ask for three versions—one emphasizing earning potential, one highlighting skill development, and one focusing on company mission. This gives you options to test different approaches.

Use two-shot prompting: Share examples of SDR job descriptions that have worked well for similar companies in your space. This teaches the AI your specific style and what resonates with your target candidates.

Why your SDR job descriptions matter more than ever

The SDRs you want aren't just looking for any sales job. They want to understand the deal sizes they'll influence, the sophistication of the sales process, the quality of leads, and how quickly they can advance to closing deals. They're evaluating your company's trajectory, not just your base salary.

Give AI the complete picture of your company, sales motion, and ideal candidate, and you'll create job descriptions that turn passive candidates into active applicants.

Stop asking AI to write SDR job descriptions and start asking it to craft compelling reasons for top sales talent to join your revenue team.

Want more AI prompting tips? Watch our on-demand webinar featuring our very own AI experts.