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Entry Level Business Development Representative Jobs in Chicago, IL

SMS

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Call Center -Entry Level Business Development Representative

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

SMS/ISI is a Chicago based full-service business development firm, helping small to mid-sized businesses achieve their financial goals for over 34 years. Position Details * Call leads and prospects ...

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All JobsBusiness Development Representative JobsEntry Level Business Development Representative JobsEntry Level Business Development Representative Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Business Development Representative information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.3K

$61.4K

$98.5K

How much do entry level business development representative jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level business development representative in Chicago, IL is $61,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $72,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Business Development Representative?

An Entry Level Business Development Representative (BDR) is a professional who helps companies grow by identifying and qualifying potential sales leads. They often reach out to prospective clients, engage them in conversations to understand their needs, and set up meetings for more senior sales staff. This role is typically the starting point for a sales career and involves a mix of research, outreach, and communication tasks. BDRs play a vital role in building a strong sales pipeline and are key to the success of the sales team.

How much do BDR get paid?

Entry-level Business Development Representatives (BDRs) typically earn a base salary ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, with additional commissions or bonuses based on sales performance. Total compensation can vary depending on industry, location, and experience, often reaching $70,000 or more with incentives.

What are some common challenges faced by Entry Level Business Development Representatives, and how can they overcome them?

Entry Level Business Development Representatives often face challenges such as building a strong prospect pipeline, handling rejection from potential clients, and mastering effective communication techniques. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to be persistent, receptive to feedback, and proactive in seeking guidance from more experienced team members. Participating in training sessions, regularly reviewing call scripts, and collaborating closely with the sales and marketing teams can also help new representatives develop their skills and confidence over time.

What is the difference between Entry Level Business Development Representative vs Sales Associate?

AspectEntry Level Business Development RepresentativeSales Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer a bachelor’s degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer additional sales training
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, engaging in prospecting, outreach, and lead generationRetail or direct sales environment, interacting with customers face-to-face or via phone
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, SaaS, and B2B industries focusing on new client acquisitionCommon in retail, consumer goods, and service industries focusing on product sales

While both roles involve sales activities, the Entry Level Business Development Representative primarily focuses on generating leads and building relationships to create new business opportunities, often in a B2B setting. In contrast, a Sales Associate typically handles direct sales to customers, often in retail or consumer-focused environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Business Development Representative, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Business Development Representative, you need strong communication and interpersonal skills, basic knowledge of sales principles, and often a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software like Salesforce and proficiency in office productivity tools are typically expected. Initiative, resilience, and the ability to build rapport quickly are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital for generating leads, nurturing client relationships, and achieving sales goals in a competitive business environment.

Is a BDR an entry-level role?

A Business Development Representative (BDR) is typically an entry-level position focused on prospecting and generating leads. It often requires basic sales skills, communication abilities, and sometimes familiarity with CRM tools, making it suitable for candidates starting their sales or business development careers.

How to get into business development without experience?

Entry level business development representatives can enter the field by developing strong communication and sales skills, gaining knowledge of CRM tools, and demonstrating a proactive attitude. Internships, online courses, and networking can help build relevant experience and connections in the industry.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry-level business development representatives can potentially earn around $4,000 per week through commissions and bonuses, especially in sales-driven environments. Success in such roles often depends on strong communication skills, sales ability, and performance, with some positions offering uncapped earning potential. However, high weekly earnings typically require consistent sales results and experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Business Development Representative jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Business Development Representative jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Business Development Representative jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Business Development Representative jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Business Development Representative jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Business Development Representative jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Business Development Representative jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Business Development Representative job openings:
Entry Level Business Development Representative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Business Development Representative job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,403 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Entry Level Business Development Representative

Bisnow

Chicago, IL

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Bisnow is seeking a high-performing, entry-level Sales Representative to join our Commercial Real Estate Advertising and Event Sales team. In this sponsorship sales role, you will partner with clients across the CRE industry to promote, market, and grow their brands through our media platform and live networking events. There is meaningful opportunity for career progression, with a clear path to Business Manager, and a strong commitment to developing and promoting talent from within.

This is a hybrid role in office 3-4 days a week and from home 1-2 days a week (Chicago - 24 East Washington St.). We welcome candidates who have gained experience through internships, coursework, or early professional roles.

 
BISNOW OVERVIEW
 
Bisnow is the leading B2B media platform powering the commercial real estate industry. We connect CRE professionals through award-winning news, high-impact events, marketing solutions, recruiting services, and sales enablement tools that drive real business results.
 
With 1.7M+ subscribers and 400+ events annually across 47 markets in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands, we don’t just cover the industry, we help move it forward. 
 
We inform. We connect. We create opportunities that turn into deals. Global mindset. Hyper-local execution.
 
SUMMARY OF ROLE
As a BDR (Business Development Rep) you will be trained in all aspects of the products and solutions that we sell to the commercial real estate market. You will then work with the sales team to create new meetings, proposals and then contracts for clients. Your days will consist of training, taking meetings with clients, attending events to network and learn about our industry. Your goal as an BDR is to ultimately be promoted into a business manager. Once a business manager, you will begin to build your own book of business. If you want to learn how to be a successful business development executive and are willing to work hard and learn, this is a great opportunity for you.
Key Responsibilities
  • Establish and maintain relationships with marketing decision makers within all asset classes and sectors of our targeted markets.
  • Drive event sponsorship sales (both digital and in person when they return) by conducting in-depth prospecting research to source & confirm participation of sponsors for our events.
  • Consistently prospect new business to build a strong pipeline for our senior-level sales team and become an expert at specificity prospecting.
  • Connect with sponsorship prospects using phone and email strategies; responding to all inbound leads.
  • Assist event production department in an effort to build sponsor-friendly programs that ultimately align with the interest of Bisnow’s client base.
  • Constantly brainstorm fresh and relevant topic ideas to adapt to trends within the industry.
  • Understand both individual and larger team KPIs and position yourself to hit, if not exceed said KPIs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
  • Document daily activities in Salesforce CRM.
  • Work closely with the sales team to accelerate our sales cycle and to extend reach into target accounts.
  • Work with a positive, cross functional team on an everyday basis to make certain of successful sponsorship, marketing and financial performance of these events.
What are we looking for?
  • 0 - 2 years of sales experience
  • Innate hustle, raw intelligence and infectious enthusiasm.
  • Ability to demonstrate an entrepreneurial yet disciplined mindset, creative yet organized work-ethic and an ambitious yet humble attitude.
  • Ability to learn fast. We’re constantly bringing new digital and event products to market and you need to be able to understand their purpose, how our clients use them and learn to sell them yourself.
  • Demonstrated experience excelling in a group or team environment of any sort.
  • A strong interest in growing into an externally facing sales role or similar position working closely with clients.
  • A strong interest in the commercial real estate industry.
  • A strong interest in media and digital marketing solutions.
  • Ability to remain receptive to feedback and open, constructive criticism.
  • Capability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced, frequently-changing sales environment.
What's in it for you?
  • Competitive compensation structure
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Maternity and paternity leaves
  • 401K 
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Account
  • Health Savings Account
  • Unlimited Vacation Days
  • 7 days paid sick leave
  • 9 paid Holidays
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • You’ll get to work with incredibly smart, passionate, driven, ambitious, kind, caring and mindful people and will rarely experience an overload of policies, bureaucracy or toxicity (the latter, we do not tolerate).
Plus uncapped monthly bonuses!
Get To Know Our Teams! < Click here for more info about Bisnow, Biscred & SelectLeaders!
 
Before applying, please read our values below. Our values describe and give insight into our culture. If you do not share the same values, this role will not be a mutually beneficial fit. If you do share these values and want to apply, we encourage you to do so.
 
Our values demand that we be curious, self-aware, fearless, consistent. We say yes to seemingly insurmountable challenges because we dare ourselves to push further. And we go the distance because we are individually and collectively entrepreneurial, always asking: Why can’t it be done? We find a way because we care more than the competition. We embrace team and disown ego. We are ruthlessly disciplined and unabashedly kind. We unreservedly challenge the status quo and vigorously fight for new levels of excellence. We believe the difference between good and great is exceptional communication. We obsess over creating value for our team and our customers. We push ourselves and our industry to be more inclusive, to champion diversity and to fight racism, gender bias and all forms of inequality. We never peak. We never quit. We never have excuses. We own our failures and we commit to being smarter and stronger because of them. We give our best today and even better tomorrow. We are here to win.
 
Bisnow will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require Bisnow's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.