For those eager to dive into a career that's customer facing with high earning potential, tech sales can be the perfect fit. It’s a role where connecting people with the right solutions is more important than having a technical background. If you’re wondering how to get started, don’t worry, breaking into tech sales is more accessible than it may seem. You just need to follow the right steps. In this article, we’ll walk through the key steps, including how to complete tech sales training and find entry level tech sales jobs that can kick-start your career. We will also take a look at how to get a job in tech sales with no experience.
Is It Hard Getting Into Tech Sales?
In today’s market conditions, landing a role in tech sales is more challenging than ever. With recent tech layoffs and a slowdown in hiring, the labor market has become increasingly competitive. For aspiring tech sales professionals, this means simply having the right skills may not be enough. You need to go the extra mile to stand out.
While it’s true that the market is more difficult, it doesn’t mean opportunities are gone. By taking proactive steps, such as building your network and demonstrating initiative in your job search, you can still break into tech sales. For example, connecting with industry professionals on LinkedIn, attending relevant events, or even creating personalized outreach strategies for companies can make a huge difference in setting yourself apart.
In this environment, preparation and persistence are more important than ever. If you’re willing to go above and beyond to show potential employers your dedication, you can still succeed in getting into tech sales.
How to Break Into Tech Sales
If you’re looking to break into tech sales, the first step is to apply for entry level tech sales jobs. Roles like Sales Development Representative (SDR) or Business Development Representative (BDR) are common starting points for those new to the industry.
It’s important to apply to multiple jobs, but simply going on LinkedIn and applying to every open SDR or BDR position won’t set you up for success. Mass applications can easily leave your resume buried and forgotten. Instead, take a more strategic approach. Start by picking a few industries that genuinely interest you. Tech sales is a broad field, and aligning your interests with the products you’ll be selling can make a big difference in your job satisfaction and success.
For example, if you’re passionate about marketing, consider looking at digital ad SaaS companies. If you enjoy working with numbers, fintech might be a better fit for you. Once you’ve chosen a few industries, spend time researching the problems companies in that space are trying to solve. This research will help you tailor your outreach to the hiring team to show you understand the challenges they solve.
When you find companies that interest you, don’t just submit a resume. Reach out directly to the sales leaders and introduce yourself. A personalized touch, such as sending a video introducing yourself and sharing ideas for cold calls or email sequences, can really set you apart from other candidates. This approach not only demonstrates initiative but also gives the sales team a taste of how you think and how you might contribute to their efforts. By going the extra mile, you greatly increase your chances of landing that first step into tech sales.
How to Get Into Tech Sales with No Tech Experience
One of the biggest concerns for aspiring tech sales professionals is how to land a job with no prior experience. Fortunately SDR roles are designed to be entry level tech sales jobs, meaning you don’t need a wealth of experience to get started. If you have a degree (honestly, it does not matter what it’s focused in) you should be able to secure an SDR role. The key is demonstrating your willingness to learn and your passion for sales.
That said, if you want to stand out in a crowded field, consider pursuing a tech sales certification. Look for a program that not only teaches the fundamentals of tech sales but also provides hands on experience to help bridge the gap between no formal experience and a competitive application. Programs like Ravenue’s N.E.S.T. Academy are designed to give you both the training and practical experience you need to hit the ground running.
How to Get a Job in Software Sales Without a Degree
If you have no experience and don’t have a college degree, you’re facing an uphill battle in the tech sales job market. With competition already fierce, lacking a degree can put you further behind the curve. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to break into the industry. You’ll just need to work harder to stand out.
All of the strategies mentioned earlier, such as earning a tech sales certification, building your network, and tailoring your job applications, are still important. But one additional tactic can help you get your foot in the door: look for pre-seed companies. These companies aren’t fully funded and often have limited hiring budgets, making them more likely to give less experienced candidates a shot.
While pre-seed companies may not be able to offer high salaries or a glamorous work environment, they provide valuable opportunities to prove yourself. By joining a company at this stage, you can gain hands on experience and position yourself for better opportunities down the road. For these companies, you might be a more affordable hire due to your lack of experience, but if you can deliver results, it’s a win-win.
Conclusion
While the path to landing your first tech sales job may be competitive, taking the right steps will set you up for success. By focusing only on a few industries, crafting personalized outreach to the hiring team, and leveraging certifications, you can break into tech sales. If you've found yourself typing tech sales no experience remote into the search bar, consider exploring the N.E.S.T. Academy. It’s a program designed to take someone who has no prior experience and help them land their first tech sales role.
