How to Get into Tech Sales With No Experience?

Getting into tech sales can feel intimidating for many job seekers, especially those without prior experience.

The tech sales industry moves fast, and it often seems like you need a deep technical background or years of sales expertise to break in.

However, the truth is that tech sales positions are more accessible than you might think. As long as you’re motivated, willing to learn, and ready to put in the effort, you can break into this field.

In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide to help you land a tech sales job with no experience. 

We'll also share tips on how to stand out in a competitive tech job market. But first, let's discuss the benefits of entering this field.

Why Should You Specialize in Tech Sales?

Many job seekers are interested in starting a career in tech. However, most gravitate toward fields like programming, software development, and data science.

It is rare for candidates to seek out a tech sales position. Many probably don't have a clue about what technology sales entail.

That said, this field offers unique advantages that make it an attractive option for those without prior experience in technology. Below are the reasons why this specialization might be the right fit for you.

Accessible for Beginners

Unlike other industries, many tech sales jobs don't always require a technical background or years of experience.

You don't need to know programming languages or interpret complex data to get started in this field.

Many tech companies provide training to help you understand their products and services. Your main job is to communicate the value of these solutions to potential customers, not to build or program them.

So, if you’re good at connecting with people and explaining things clearly, you already have a strong foundation for success in tech sales.

High Earning Potential

Technology sales are known for offering high earning potential, even for those just starting in the field.

In many cases, tech sales positions come with a base salary plus variable pay. This means your income can grow significantly as you improve your sales skills.

Unlike other entry-level positions, tech sales reps' income isn't capped. For example, they can earn commissions for every prospect the sales team converts into a customer.

The tech sales industry rewards you for your hard work and results. The better you perform, the more you earn.

This makes tech sales an attractive option if you’re looking for a career where your effort directly impacts your earnings.

Increasing Demand for Tech Sales Professionals

The tech sales industry is booming, and with it comes a growing demand for professionals.

Companies are constantly looking for skilled salespeople to help them reach new customers and grow their business. This demand means there are plenty of opportunities for you to enter the field, even if you don’t have a lot of experience.

By specializing in tech sales, you’re positioning yourself in a field with strong job security and numerous opportunities for advancement.

As long as technology continues to evolve, there will always be a need for talented tech sales professionals to help sell those products or services.

Remote Work Opportunities

Another benefit of specializing in tech sales is the availability of remote work.

Many tech companies operate globally and offer the flexibility to work from anywhere. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a desktop computer.

This makes tech sales a great option if you value work-life balance or prefer the freedom that comes with remote work.

Career Mobility

Tech sales offer significant opportunities for career mobility.

This mobility means that once you get your foot in the door, you can shape your career in the direction that most interests you.

For example, starting in an entry-level sales position, like a tech sales representative, can open doors to other opportunities within the industry. 

You might move into account management, sales leadership, or even transition into a more technical position.

Plus, the skills you gain in tech sales roles—such as communication, negotiation, and problem-solving—are highly transferable and valued across many different industries.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking into Tech Sales Without Experience

Now that you understand why a tech sales career is promising, let's discuss how to get started. Here’s a step-by-step guide to breaking into tech sales without experience.

1. Research Different Roles

The first step is to understand the different tech sales job titles available. Each role has its own focus and responsibilities.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a technical sales representative, a software sales expert, or eventually moving into a sales manager role, it’s important to research and choose the path that aligns with your interests and strengths.

Knowing what each role entails will also help you tailor your job search and prepare for the demands of the position you’re aiming for.

Below are the most common types of tech sales jobs:

Pre-Sales Titles

Pre-sales roles identify prospects and promote the tech product. This position involves researching customers, understanding their needs, and setting up initial meetings.

It might be a great entry point if you have strong research and communication skills.

Popular pre-sales job titles include tech sales rep, sales development rep, and sales engineer.

Selling Titles

Selling jobs focus on pitching products and closing deals. They are ideal for those who enjoy direct interaction with clients and have a knack for persuasion.

Account executives and inside sales reps are common examples of selling titles.

Post-Sales Titles

Post-sales roles take care of customer satisfaction and retention after a sale is made. These positions are great if you excel in problem-solving and building long-term relationships.

Common job post-sale titles include account managers and customer success managers.

2. Identify Transferable Skills

After researching different tech sales roles, you can assess current abilities that you can transfer to your target position.

For example, many employers are looking for individuals with strong communication skills. 

Even if you haven’t worked in tech sales before, this ability helps you explain the benefits of tech products and understand customer needs.

Think about previous roles where you’ve had to interact with customers, negotiate deals, or manage relationships.

If you're a recent graduate, you can include school projects or experience in organizations where you excelled in communication.

Make sure to highlight these transferable skills on your resume or portfolio. Doing so will help you position yourself as a strong candidate, even if your background isn’t in sales.

3. Gain Basic Technical Knowledge

While you don’t need to be a tech expert to succeed in tech sales, having a basic understanding of the tech products you’ll be selling is important.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the tech industry and the specific tech products you’re interested in. You can take online courses or read up on industry trends to build your knowledge.

Once you understand how tech products solve problems for businesses, you'll be more confident and prepared when applying for tech sales jobs.

4. Learn About the Sales Process

In addition to the products you're selling, you must also understand the sales process to break into tech sales.

Many companies look for candidates who have a strong grasp of this process, even if they’re new to the industry.

You should know how to qualify leads, build relationships, pitch products, and close deals to strengthen your job application. 

You can learn about these sales skills through online courses, books, or by speaking with experienced professionals.

5. Get Relevant Certifications

Obtaining certifications is another way to get into tech sales without experience.

You should look for certifications that are relevant to tech sales, such as those offered by Salesforce, HubSpot, or other sales training programs. 

These certifications demonstrate your commitment to learning and can provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in the industry.

They can also give you an edge when applying for jobs, as many employers look for candidates who have taken the initiative to build their skills.

Plus, certifications can fill gaps in your resume and show that you’re serious about pursuing a career in tech sales.

6. Build a Professional Network

Networking is a key part of breaking into any industry, and tech sales are no different.

Start by connecting with tech sales professionals on LinkedIn. You can join relevant groups, attend industry events, and participate in online discussions to receive valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in tech sales.

You can even reach out to recruiters or team members at companies you’re interested in. Doing so can open doors to new opportunities and help you uncover the hidden job market.

7. Seek Internships

Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience in tech sales, even if it’s just for a few months.

Many tech companies offer internships that can give you a feel for what it’s like to work in the field, and they often lead to full-time positions.

During an internship, you’ll also have the chance to work closely with sales managers, learn about the sales process, and start building your network within the company.

Plus, it's the perfect opportunity to develop communication skills and other abilities that will help you land your first job.

8. Consider Volunteering

If internships aren’t available, consider volunteering in a sales capacity, either with a nonprofit or a small business.

Volunteering can provide you with valuable experience in a low-pressure environment, which helps you develop key skills and build your resume.

For example, you might volunteer to assist a local organization with its sales efforts, such as reaching out to potential donors or selling tickets to an event. 

This shows your initiative and willingness to learn, which are qualities that most employers value.

9. Target Entry-Level Tech Sales Roles

When you’re ready to start applying for jobs, focus on entry-level tech sales roles.

Positions like sales development representative and inside sales representative are great starting points for those without prior experience.

These roles typically involve generating leads, qualifying prospects, and setting up meetings for more senior sales team members.

While they may not involve closing deals right away, they provide a solid foundation in the sales process. They also help you build the skills needed to advance in your career.

Once you’ve gained some experience, you can start aiming for more senior positions, such as an account executive or a sales manager role.

How to Stand Out in a Competitive Tech Sales Job Market?

After following the steps to break into tech sales, the next challenge is making yourself stand out in a competitive job market.

With many candidates vying for similar roles, it’s important to differentiate yourself and show hiring managers that you’re the right fit for the job. Here’s how you can do that:

Tailor Your Job Application

A generic resume and cover letter won’t cut it in the competitive tech industry.

You must tailor each application to the specific role you’re applying for. You can highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.

For example, if the position requires technical expertise, emphasize any relevant knowledge you’ve gained, whether through courses, certifications, or self-study.

Then, make sure your cover letter clearly explains why you’re interested in that particular company and how your skills align with their needs.

By submitting a personalized application, you can show hiring managers that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role. 

This gives you a better chance of landing an interview, which puts you closer to getting a job offer.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

After crafting the perfect resume and cover letter, the next thing to do is to improve your LinkedIn profile.

This is often the first place hiring managers will look when considering you for a role. So, it's important to make a good first impression.

Use a professional photo and write a compelling summary that highlights your communication skills and technical expertise.

You can also join relevant LinkedIn groups, follow industry leaders, and engage with content related to tech sales to demonstrate knowledge in the field.

Having a strong LinkedIn presence builds your credibility as a serious candidate in tech sales.

Create a Portfolio

A portfolio is another way to showcase your skills and expertise, especially if you’re new to the industry.

You should include examples of projects you’ve worked on, such as sales presentations, lead generation strategies, or any relevant sales campaigns.

Even if your experience is limited, showing your work can give recruiters a sense of what you bring to the table. This can help set you apart from other candidates.

Obtain Testimonials and Recommendations

Testimonials and recommendations from past employers, colleagues, or mentors can add significant weight to your job application.

Reach out to those you’ve worked with in the past and ask if they’d be willing to provide a recommendation on LinkedIn.

Testimonials that highlight your communication skills and ability to work well within a team can be particularly powerful. These endorsements boost your credibility as a candidate in the eyes of hiring managers.

Stay Updated on Industry Trends

The tech industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed about the latest trends can help you stand out.

Make it a habit to read industry blogs, attend webinars, and follow thought leaders on social media.

Understanding current trends and how they impact tech sales can give you valuable insights that you can bring to interviews and your new role.

For example, knowing about the latest sales strategies or how emerging technologies are affecting the market can make you a more attractive candidate.

Connect with a Mentor

Finally, connecting with a mentor can help you navigate the tech sales industry with confidence. This expert provides guidance, support, and valuable connections, which can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Look for someone with a proven track record or years of experience in tech sales.

You must also check their reputation by reading success stories or testimonials from other professionals.

Make sure to build a strong relationship with this mentor to accelerate your career growth.

Let Better Career Help You Land Your Dream Job in Tech Sales

Need further help in getting into tech sales with no experience? Here's how Better Career can assist you:

• 1-on-1 SE & AE Career Coaching: Work closely with former tech leaders turned career coaches to land your next Sales or Sales Engineering role, or advance your career. We'll customize the program to meet your unique goals and needs.
• PreSales & Sales Tech Job Board: Connect directly with key people at hiring companies through our curated job board for B2B tech positions. This includes direct LinkedIn profiles and posts for each listing.

Haven't found what you're looking for? Fill out our contact form, and we'll get in touch with you soon!  

FAQs About How to Get into Tech Sales With No Experience

Can you get a tech sales job without a degree?

Yes, many tech sales roles don’t require a degree. Employers prioritize a candidate's ability to learn quickly, communicate effectively, and demonstrate their sales skills.

What are the biggest challenges for beginners in tech sales?

If you're new to tech sales, you may find it difficult to learn the technical aspects of the products, handle rejections, and meet sales targets consistently. However, you can manage these challenges with persistence and practice.

Are there remote tech sales jobs available for beginners?

Yes, you can find remote entry-level positions in tech sales. These jobs allow you to work from anywhere.

 

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