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The Early-Stage Sales Job Description Template (That Actually Converts)

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Why This Guide Exists

Most early stage job descriptions read like copy pastes from big tech roles. They are either overly generic, self starter, team player, detail oriented, or they over index on founder speak, we are looking for killers who can own everything.

Top sales talent, especially in SaaS, wants clarity, ownership, and upside. Your JD needs to function like an outbound message: hook attention, qualify fit, and drive action.


The 6 Elements That Actually Matter


1) The Headline, Lead With the Hook, Not the Title

  • Bad: Account Executive

  • Better: Founding Fintech AE | Help Shape Our Sales Motion and Own Mid Market Expansion


Use this line to frame the role in terms of impact, not just job title. Bonus points if it mentions growth, ownership, or stage.


2) Your Opening Pitch, Positioning the Opportunity

Start with a short paragraph on what you are building, who it is for, and why it matters. Then explain how this hire will move the needle.


We are a seed stage SaaS startup helping RevOps teams streamline their workflows without spreadsheets. We have signed 12 early customers and raised from top tier investors.


Now, we are looking for a founding AE to help us build our outbound motion and close our next wave of mid market customers. You can see our product demo here and read more about our recent funding here.


3) What You Will Own, Be Specific

Avoid vague language like drive sales growth. Instead, show exactly what they will be responsible for:

  • Own mid market pipeline from discovery to close

  • Partner with founder on outbound campaigns and messaging

  • Help shape our first sales playbook and CRM workflows

  • Provide feedback to product on common objections and gaps


4) What Success Looks Like, Make It Tangible

Give early stage candidates a sense of what they will walk into and what great looks like:

In your first 90 days, you will close your first deal, run 15 plus qualified discovery calls, and build the outbound messaging playbook for 2 ICP segments. Our average deal size is currently about $12 to $18K ACV, with a 30 to 45 day sales cycle. You will help us increase velocity while testing ways to expand deal size and drive repeatability.


5) The Right Mix of Requirements, Cut the Bloat

Only include what is truly necessary.


Yes to:

  • 2 plus years of closing experience in B2B SaaS

  • Comfortable building pipeline and running discovery from scratch

  • Strong writing and messaging instincts


Cut:

  • Degree requirements

  • CRM experience required, you can teach tools

  • Laundry lists of soft skills, highly organized, collaborative, adaptable


6) Why Join Us, Sell the Opportunity

Do not just pitch your company, sell this role at this moment.

You will be early enough to shape the sales process but late enough that customers already want what we are selling. You will work directly with the founders, get a meaningful equity stake, and help build the foundation for a category defining company. This is a player coach role, a chance to help close deals now, then help build and lead a sales team over the next 12 to 18 months.


Bonus, Formatting Tips

  • Keep it under 600 words

  • Use clear subheads and bullet points

  • Avoid internal language, do not reference your internal team names or acronyms

  • Close with a clear CTA, if this sounds like your kind of role, reach out or apply here


Your job description is more than a hiring formality, it is your first outbound message to your future sales team. It should communicate clarity, ambition, and a real opportunity to build something meaningful.


Most startups underwrite the importance of this step. But the best candidates read between the lines.


About ClosedWon Talent

ClosedWon Talent is a specialized sales recruiting firm that helps growth focused companies hire top GTM talent. We partner with founders, revenue leaders, and investors to build high performing sales teams across SaaS and beyond.


What sets us apart is the ClosedWon Method, a proven recruiting framework built on speed, precision, and transparency. We combine deep industry expertise with a curated candidate network to deliver shortlists of qualified, motivated sales professionals...fast. Our team does not just fill roles, we act as embedded partners who understand how to assess selling style, territory experience, and growth potential based on each clients' specific needs.


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