The U.S. tech job market is booming, and one of the most exciting pathways for ambitious beginners is stepping into an entry-level sales role at a VC-backed startup. With strong earning potential, fast career growth, and unparalleled exposure to the world of tech, these opportunities are becoming more popular than ever. If you're eager to break into the industry — even without experience — this article will walk you through one of the most promising roles available today: the Business Development Representative (BDR) position offered through Tangent.
Tangent is reshaping how job seekers access top tech companies. Instead of sending endless applications and dealing with recruiter silence, Tangent connects candidates directly to mentors who coach, advise, and refer them internally — massively increasing your chances of being hired.
If you're driven, people-oriented, and ready to grow fast, here’s everything you need to know about this exciting job opportunity.
Why Tangent Exists: Because Job Searching Can Be Brutally Hard
Anyone who has looked for a job in the United States knows the struggle — sending dozens of applications only to receive silence from recruiters. Tangent was created to fix exactly that problem.
Instead of hoping your résumé gets noticed in a pile, Tangent helps you bypass the traditional gatekeepers by connecting you directly with future colleagues inside top companies.
Here’s What Tangent Offers:
- Mentorship from real employees inside leading tech companies
- CV reviews and personalized career advice
- Internal referrals — which make you 9x more likely to get hired
- Human interaction, not automated rejection emails
Tangent is designed for job seekers who want clarity, support, and real opportunities.
How Tangent Works — Simple and Fast
One of Tangent’s strengths is that the process is streamlined to eliminate unnecessary hoops.
1. Easy Apply
You apply once — no need to retype your entire résumé across multiple screens.
2. One-Minute Video Intro
You answer one question in under a minute. That’s it!
3. Connect With Mentors
Mentors guide you through:
- Interview preparation
- CV polishing
- Understanding role expectations
- Getting referred internally
This direct connection gives you an enormous edge over standard job board applicants.
About the Role: Business Development Representative (BDR)
Tech companies rely on Business Development Representatives to fuel their growth. As a BDR, you become the engine behind new business opportunities — and the role is perfect for someone starting their career.
What Is a BDR?
A Business Development Representative is responsible for identifying, engaging, and qualifying potential customers. It’s an exciting introduction to the world of tech sales and is one of the industry's most accessible entry points.
Key Responsibilities:
- Cold-calling and emailing potential leads
- Outreach via social media platforms (like LinkedIn)
- Scheduling meetings for account executives
- Identifying business needs and matching them to solutions
- Representing the company in first-contact conversations
It’s a role full of human interaction and energy — perfect for someone driven, communicative, and eager to grow.
Why the BDR Role Is One of the Best Entry-Level Opportunities in Tech
1. You Don’t Need Experience
This is one of the very few high-paying tech jobs where no prior industry background is required.
2. Incredible Career Growth
The typical progression path:
- BDR (9–18 months)
- Full-cycle Account Executive
- Sales Manager
- Revenue Operations / Customer Success
- Or transition into marketing, product, or other teams
Tech sales is known for fast promotions and high earning potential.
3. Strong Earning Potential
The base salary ranges from $65,000 to $85,000, with additional commission opportunities depending on company and performance.
4. You Learn Valuable, Transferable Skills
A BDR position teaches skills that remain essential across industries:
- Professional communication
- Persuasion and negotiation
- Market research
- Customer relationship building
- Time and pipeline management
5. Exposure to High-Growth Startups
Working at a VC-backed startup places you in a fast-moving workplace where your impact is visible, and your growth accelerates.
Who Can Apply? Requirements Explained
This role is designed for people who are early in their careers or changing fields. You don’t need sales experience, but there are some baseline requirements.
Basic Requirements
- Must be able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
- Must be able to work in-office or hybrid in New York City
- Must be excited about working with mentors and receiving referrals
Preferred Traits
Companies partnering with Tangent typically look for people who are:
- Highly proactive
- Strong written or verbal communicators
- Comfortable in a fast-paced environment
- Relationship-oriented
- Motivated to meet goals and grow professionally
If you’ve got the attitude and drive, this position opens big doors.
Work Environment & Job Type
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: NYC (in-office or hybrid)
- Salary: $65,000–$85,000 base pay
- Plus: Commission opportunities depending on the company
Expect a supportive environment where success is rewarded and progression is quick.
Why This Role Is a Game-Changer for New Professionals
If you’ve been stuck in the loop of sending applications and waiting for replies that never come, this pathway gives you a real chance to break through.
Working as a BDR in a VC-backed startup:
- Introduces you to the tech ecosystem
- Offers valuable mentorship
- Maximizes your chance of getting hired
- Builds skills that will last your entire career
- Provides high earning potential from day one
It’s not just a job — it’s a launchpad.
How to Apply Through Tangent
Applying is refreshingly simple:
- Submit an easy application without redundant questions
- Record a 1-minute video intro
- Connect directly with mentors from leading tech companies
- Get coached, supported, and referred internally
Apply Here
It’s one of the most effective methods to land a high-quality entry-level job in the U.S.
FAQ — Entry-Level Sales Role at VC-Backed Startups (USA)
1. Do I need experience to apply?
No. This is an entry-level role — enthusiasm and communication skills matter more.
2. Do I need to live in the U.S.?
You must be legally allowed to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
3. Is the role remote?
It requires in-office or hybrid availability in New York City.
4. How much can I earn?
Base salary ranges from $65,000 to $85,000 annually, with potential commissions.
5. How long is someone typically a BDR before promotion?
Most people stay 9–18 months before becoming an Account Executive or moving into another field.
6. What skills are most important?
Communication, initiative, resilience, and relationship-building.
7. Why use Tangent?
Mentorship + referrals = dramatically higher hiring success.