Tech sales is a dynamic and rewarding field that offers great earning potential, career growth, and flexibility. But one common question for those looking to break into the industry is: What certifications are necessary to stand out? Tech sales certifications can provide a competitive edge and demonstrate expertise, primarily if you're new to the field. In this article, we'll explore whether tech sales training is a good choice, what certifications are most valued, and how you can get into tech sales without prior experience. We'll also take a look at the technical skills required for tech sales.
Is Tech Sales a Good Career Choice?
Tech sales is often viewed as one of the most lucrative career paths for people who prefer customer facing roles and want a high-income potential without needing a technical background. Entry level positions like Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) allow individuals to get their foot in the door with a modest salary, but the potential for rapid growth and significant commissions can make tech sales a standout option for those who thrive in a dynamic, performance driven environment.
However, tech sales is only a good career choice if you handle stress well and are highly self-motivated. The demands of meeting quotas and navigating high pressure situations mean individuals lacking these characteristics will struggle. Regardless of the promise of a high salary, without the ability to manage stress and drive yourself toward goals, you won’t find success in tech sales. It’s a career that rewards resilience, determination, and self-discipline, however it punishes those who lack those qualities.
What Are the Requirements for Tech Sales?
There are minimal formal requirements for starting a tech sales career. While most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, some companies value experience, communication skills, and a strong work ethic more than formal education. Do you need a degree for tech sales? Not necessarily.
If you don’t have a formal degree, certifications can be a good alternative to make yourself stand out. Certifications not only show a base understanding of sales but also demonstrate your commitment to learning and improving your skills. Certifications are valuable, however, it’s important to choose the right certification. If you're looking to break into tech sales, a tech specific sales certification is your best bet.
For example, a certification like the certified technical sales professional CTSP may be too general, as it won’t give you the essential tech or SaaS knowledge needed to thrive in this niche. Do your research and find a certification that prepares you for the industry you're entering. Programs like Ravenue’s N.E.S.T. are specifically designed to take individuals with no experience and guide them into commission earning tech sales roles.
Does Tech Sales Require Coding?
You don’t need a formal education, and you also don’t need to know how to code. Tech sales does not require much technical knowledge; it’s more about communication, relationship-building, and proactively staying on top of tasks. If you can learn a CRM tool, then you’re in the clear. That's about as technical as you’ll need to get when starting out.
While a basic understanding of coding may provide an advantage as you progress in your career, especially for certain technical sales roles, it’s not a requirement for entry-level positions. Your focus will be on understanding customer pain points and piquing interest, not writing code. Tech sales is a great fit for individuals who want to join the tech industry but prefer nontechnical, customer-facing roles.
How to Get a Tech Sales Job with No Experience
If you're new to tech sales, you might wonder how to secure your first role without prior experience. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to break into the field, even if you’re starting from scratch:
Step 1: Get a Certification
If you don’t have a formal degree, your first step could be to obtain a tech sales certification. This will provide you with a solid base understanding of tech sales and demonstrate your commitment to learning. Do your research and make sure you are signing up for a certification worth your time. If you research tech sales certifications Reddit users may suggest tech sales certifications Course Careers, but be aware many of these certifications are quick money grabs and do not provide much value. Look for a certification interested in promoting your success, not making a quick buck off of you.
Step 2: Find SDR Jobs
Once you’ve gained some knowledge, head to sites like LinkedIn or RepVue to find available Sales Development Representative (SDR) roles. These platforms are excellent for discovering job openings and giving you access to valuable hiring insights.
Step 3: Connect with Their Team
Connect with their hiring managers and sales leaders on LinkedIn. Building relationships is crucial in tech sales, so take the initiative to introduce yourself, share your goals, and express interest in their company’s opportunities.
Step 4: Develop an Outreach Strategy
Using the knowledge you’ve gained through your certification, do a bit of research on the company you're applying to. Develop an outreach strategy based on what you discover. You may not get everything perfect, but showing that you’ve taken the time to think strategically demonstrates your grit and seriousness.
Step 5: Record a Video Introduction
Record a video introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position. In the video, share the strategy you came up with for the company. This personalized approach will help you stand out from other applicants and show that you have what it takes to succeed in tech sales. (If you do this correctly, you are actively showing you can handle cold outreach!)
Conclusion
Even without experience, you can break into tech sales by following the right steps. Ravenue’s N.E.S.T. program is designed to help you get there, offering the training you need to land your first gig. Ready to begin? Get started with N.E.S.T. today.
