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how do i get a job in tech sales?
i am looking to break into tech sales. is it right for me?
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6 answers
Updated
John’s Answer
Great question! Breaking into tech sales can be an exciting path with a lot of potential. Here's a guide to help you get started and figure out if it's the right fit for you:
Step 1: Create a LinkedIn Profile
If you don't already have one, set up a professional LinkedIn account. It’s your digital resume and networking tool:
• If you have one, use a clear, professional photo. If not, no worries.
• Write a short summary about your interests in business, technology, and sales
• Include any school projects, leadership roles, part-time jobs, or extracurriculars that show communication or people skills
Step 2: Explore Tech Companies That Interest You
• Think about the apps, platforms, or gadgets you use—those companies might have sales teams! Look into:
• Startups in industries you’re passionate about (gaming, health tech, green tech, etc.)
• Big tech firms (like Google, Salesforce, Microsoft, HubSpot, etc.)
• Local tech companies in your area
Step 3: Reach Out and Network
• Find real people on LinkedIn who work in sales at those companies and send them a kind message. Example:
• Hi “Contacts Name”, I'm a high school / college student exploring careers in tech sales. I'm trying to learn from professionals and would really appreciate any advice or perspective you’d be willing to share. Would you be open to answering a few quick questions to help me learn more?
• Most professionals are happy to help students who are motivated and respectful.
Step 4: Ask Smart, Thoughtful Questions
Once someone says yes, be ready with questions like:
• What do you like most about working in tech sales?
• What skills are most important to succeed?
• What would you recommend I do now (in school or in college) to prepare?
• How did you get started in sales?
• What are the hardest parts of the job?
Step 5: Try It Out Yourself
To see if tech sales is right for you, ask yourself:
• Do I enjoy talking with people?
• Am I curious about how businesses solve problems?
• Do I like explaining ideas or persuading others?
• Would I be okay hearing "no" and being professionally persistent in trying again?
• If the answer is “yes” to most of those, you might love tech sales!
Step 1: Create a LinkedIn Profile
If you don't already have one, set up a professional LinkedIn account. It’s your digital resume and networking tool:
• If you have one, use a clear, professional photo. If not, no worries.
• Write a short summary about your interests in business, technology, and sales
• Include any school projects, leadership roles, part-time jobs, or extracurriculars that show communication or people skills
Step 2: Explore Tech Companies That Interest You
• Think about the apps, platforms, or gadgets you use—those companies might have sales teams! Look into:
• Startups in industries you’re passionate about (gaming, health tech, green tech, etc.)
• Big tech firms (like Google, Salesforce, Microsoft, HubSpot, etc.)
• Local tech companies in your area
Step 3: Reach Out and Network
• Find real people on LinkedIn who work in sales at those companies and send them a kind message. Example:
• Hi “Contacts Name”, I'm a high school / college student exploring careers in tech sales. I'm trying to learn from professionals and would really appreciate any advice or perspective you’d be willing to share. Would you be open to answering a few quick questions to help me learn more?
• Most professionals are happy to help students who are motivated and respectful.
Step 4: Ask Smart, Thoughtful Questions
Once someone says yes, be ready with questions like:
• What do you like most about working in tech sales?
• What skills are most important to succeed?
• What would you recommend I do now (in school or in college) to prepare?
• How did you get started in sales?
• What are the hardest parts of the job?
Step 5: Try It Out Yourself
To see if tech sales is right for you, ask yourself:
• Do I enjoy talking with people?
• Am I curious about how businesses solve problems?
• Do I like explaining ideas or persuading others?
• Would I be okay hearing "no" and being professionally persistent in trying again?
• If the answer is “yes” to most of those, you might love tech sales!
Updated
Todd’s Answer
Hi Garrett,
Jumping into Technology Sales can be an exciting and rewarding career choice, combining business skills with tech knowledge. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Dive into the industry and explore products that spark your interest.
2. Master the basics of sales to build a strong foundation.
3. Gain hands-on experience by starting with an entry-level position.
4. Connect with other sales pros on LinkedIn to expand your network.
5. Customize your resume to highlight your tech experience and passion.
6. Practice interviews with someone familiar with the industry to boost your confidence.
Technology sales are dynamic and full of new developments, making it an exciting field to be in.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Jumping into Technology Sales can be an exciting and rewarding career choice, combining business skills with tech knowledge. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Dive into the industry and explore products that spark your interest.
2. Master the basics of sales to build a strong foundation.
3. Gain hands-on experience by starting with an entry-level position.
4. Connect with other sales pros on LinkedIn to expand your network.
5. Customize your resume to highlight your tech experience and passion.
6. Practice interviews with someone familiar with the industry to boost your confidence.
Technology sales are dynamic and full of new developments, making it an exciting field to be in.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Updated
Chaz’s Answer
I would search for an entry-level job as a Sales Development Representative (SDR). These positions are excellent for beginners, offering lots of experience in the early stages of sales. You can see if you enjoy this type of work. Plus, these roles often come with a good commission plan.
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hello Garrett
Great question! I would recommend taking some basic sales training online as well as some "free" tech classes to see if this is of interest to you. I would then recommend as others suggested starting off in a beginner Sales role such as a SDR or BDR. As much learning and knowledge you gain, you will be valuable to the org and be able to move your way up the ladder!
Hope this helps
Allison
Great question! I would recommend taking some basic sales training online as well as some "free" tech classes to see if this is of interest to you. I would then recommend as others suggested starting off in a beginner Sales role such as a SDR or BDR. As much learning and knowledge you gain, you will be valuable to the org and be able to move your way up the ladder!
Hope this helps
Allison
Updated
cassandra’s Answer
Okay, breaking into tech sales is a goal many people have, and it can be a really rewarding career path! Let's tackle both parts of your question: how to get a job in tech sales, and how to figure out if it's the right fit for you.
How to Get a Job in Tech Sales:
This is a multi-faceted approach, and the specific steps might vary depending on your current background and experience level. Here's a general roadmap:
Understand What Tech Sales Is:
It's More Than Just Selling: Tech sales often involves understanding complex technical products or services and explaining their value proposition to businesses or individuals. It requires problem-solving, building relationships, and often a consultative approach.
Different Roles: There are various roles within tech sales, such as Sales Development Representative (SDR) or Business Development Representative (BDR) (focused on lead generation), Account Executive (closing deals), Account Manager (managing existing client relationships), and more specialized roles. Entry-level positions are often SDR/BDR roles.
Compensation: Typically includes a base salary plus commission based on sales performance. The earning potential can be significant.
Assess Your Skills and Identify Gaps:
Strengths: Think about your existing skills. Are you a good communicator? Persuasive? Do you enjoy building relationships? Are you resilient and able to handle rejection? Are you curious and eager to learn new things, especially technical concepts?
Areas for Improvement: Be honest about areas where you might need to develop. Do you need to improve your presentation skills? Learn more about business acumen? Understand how technology solves business problems?
Build Relevant Skills and Knowledge:
Learn About Technology: Even if you don't have a technical background, make an effort to understand basic tech concepts relevant to the types of companies you're interested in. Follow tech news, take online courses (like those on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning), and familiarize yourself with different software and hardware.
Develop Sales Skills: Consider online courses or books on sales techniques, negotiation, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Understanding the fundamentals of the sales process is crucial.
Practice Communication and Persuasion: Look for opportunities to practice your communication and persuasive skills in your current roles or through extracurricular activities.
Network Strategically:
LinkedIn: This is your best friend. Update your profile, connect with people in tech sales roles at companies you're interested in, and engage with their content.
Attend Industry Events (Virtual and In-Person): Look for webinars, virtual conferences, or local meetups related to technology or sales.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in tech sales roles and ask if they'd be willing to have a brief informational interview to share their experiences and advice. This is a great way to learn and build connections.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter:
Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you don't have direct tech sales experience, focus on transferable skills like communication, customer service, problem-solving, goal-oriented achievements, and any experience where you had to persuade or influence others.
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact in previous roles (e.g., "Increased customer satisfaction by 15%," "Managed a portfolio of 50+ clients").
Show Your Enthusiasm for Tech: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you're interested in tech sales and the specific company you're applying to.
Prepare for Interviews:
Research the Company and Product: Thoroughly understand the company's products or services, their target market, and their competitors.
Practice Common Sales Interview Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses, why you want to work in sales, how you handle rejection, and how you would approach selling their product.
Prepare Questions to Ask: Asking thoughtful questions shows your engagement and interest.
Be Persistent and Patient:
Breaking into a new field can take time. Don't get discouraged by rejections. Learn from each interview and continue to refine your approach.
Is Tech Sales Right for You?
This is a more personal question, but here are some indicators that tech sales might be a good fit:
You Enjoy Interacting with People: Sales is a very people-oriented role. You need to enjoy building relationships and communicating with others.
You Are Goal-Oriented and Driven by Results: Sales roles often have targets and quotas. If you're motivated by achieving goals and seeing tangible results, this can be a great fit.
You Are Resilient and Can Handle Rejection: Not every sales attempt will be successful. You need to be able to bounce back from "no"s and stay motivated.
You Are a Good Communicator and Persuader: You need to be able to clearly articulate value and convince others of your product's benefits.
You Are Curious and Enjoy Learning: The tech industry is constantly evolving, so a willingness to learn new technologies and adapt is crucial.
You Are Organized and Self-Motivated: You'll often manage your own pipeline and schedule, requiring strong organizational and self-motivation skills.
You Are Comfortable with Ambiguity and Change: The sales landscape can shift, and you need to be adaptable and comfortable navigating uncertainty.
You Are Excited About Technology: A genuine interest in technology will make it easier to understand and sell tech products or services.
To help you decide if it's right for you, consider:
Talking to People in Tech Sales: As mentioned earlier, informational interviews can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of the job.
Reflecting on Your Past Experiences: Think about roles or situations where you enjoyed persuading others or achieving goals. Did those experiences energize you?
Taking Online Assessments: Some online career assessments might help you evaluate your aptitude for sales roles.
Ultimately, the best way to know if tech sales is right for you is to try to immerse yourself in learning about it and talking to people in the field. If the challenges and rewards resonate with your personality and goals, it could be a fantastic career path! Good luck!
How to Get a Job in Tech Sales:
This is a multi-faceted approach, and the specific steps might vary depending on your current background and experience level. Here's a general roadmap:
Understand What Tech Sales Is:
It's More Than Just Selling: Tech sales often involves understanding complex technical products or services and explaining their value proposition to businesses or individuals. It requires problem-solving, building relationships, and often a consultative approach.
Different Roles: There are various roles within tech sales, such as Sales Development Representative (SDR) or Business Development Representative (BDR) (focused on lead generation), Account Executive (closing deals), Account Manager (managing existing client relationships), and more specialized roles. Entry-level positions are often SDR/BDR roles.
Compensation: Typically includes a base salary plus commission based on sales performance. The earning potential can be significant.
Assess Your Skills and Identify Gaps:
Strengths: Think about your existing skills. Are you a good communicator? Persuasive? Do you enjoy building relationships? Are you resilient and able to handle rejection? Are you curious and eager to learn new things, especially technical concepts?
Areas for Improvement: Be honest about areas where you might need to develop. Do you need to improve your presentation skills? Learn more about business acumen? Understand how technology solves business problems?
Build Relevant Skills and Knowledge:
Learn About Technology: Even if you don't have a technical background, make an effort to understand basic tech concepts relevant to the types of companies you're interested in. Follow tech news, take online courses (like those on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning), and familiarize yourself with different software and hardware.
Develop Sales Skills: Consider online courses or books on sales techniques, negotiation, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Understanding the fundamentals of the sales process is crucial.
Practice Communication and Persuasion: Look for opportunities to practice your communication and persuasive skills in your current roles or through extracurricular activities.
Network Strategically:
LinkedIn: This is your best friend. Update your profile, connect with people in tech sales roles at companies you're interested in, and engage with their content.
Attend Industry Events (Virtual and In-Person): Look for webinars, virtual conferences, or local meetups related to technology or sales.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in tech sales roles and ask if they'd be willing to have a brief informational interview to share their experiences and advice. This is a great way to learn and build connections.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter:
Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you don't have direct tech sales experience, focus on transferable skills like communication, customer service, problem-solving, goal-oriented achievements, and any experience where you had to persuade or influence others.
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact in previous roles (e.g., "Increased customer satisfaction by 15%," "Managed a portfolio of 50+ clients").
Show Your Enthusiasm for Tech: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you're interested in tech sales and the specific company you're applying to.
Prepare for Interviews:
Research the Company and Product: Thoroughly understand the company's products or services, their target market, and their competitors.
Practice Common Sales Interview Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses, why you want to work in sales, how you handle rejection, and how you would approach selling their product.
Prepare Questions to Ask: Asking thoughtful questions shows your engagement and interest.
Be Persistent and Patient:
Breaking into a new field can take time. Don't get discouraged by rejections. Learn from each interview and continue to refine your approach.
Is Tech Sales Right for You?
This is a more personal question, but here are some indicators that tech sales might be a good fit:
You Enjoy Interacting with People: Sales is a very people-oriented role. You need to enjoy building relationships and communicating with others.
You Are Goal-Oriented and Driven by Results: Sales roles often have targets and quotas. If you're motivated by achieving goals and seeing tangible results, this can be a great fit.
You Are Resilient and Can Handle Rejection: Not every sales attempt will be successful. You need to be able to bounce back from "no"s and stay motivated.
You Are a Good Communicator and Persuader: You need to be able to clearly articulate value and convince others of your product's benefits.
You Are Curious and Enjoy Learning: The tech industry is constantly evolving, so a willingness to learn new technologies and adapt is crucial.
You Are Organized and Self-Motivated: You'll often manage your own pipeline and schedule, requiring strong organizational and self-motivation skills.
You Are Comfortable with Ambiguity and Change: The sales landscape can shift, and you need to be adaptable and comfortable navigating uncertainty.
You Are Excited About Technology: A genuine interest in technology will make it easier to understand and sell tech products or services.
To help you decide if it's right for you, consider:
Talking to People in Tech Sales: As mentioned earlier, informational interviews can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of the job.
Reflecting on Your Past Experiences: Think about roles or situations where you enjoyed persuading others or achieving goals. Did those experiences energize you?
Taking Online Assessments: Some online career assessments might help you evaluate your aptitude for sales roles.
Ultimately, the best way to know if tech sales is right for you is to try to immerse yourself in learning about it and talking to people in the field. If the challenges and rewards resonate with your personality and goals, it could be a fantastic career path! Good luck!
Paul Rogers
Solutions Engineer | Technical Consultant | Leadership Mentor
18
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Garrett,
Awesome that you’re exploring tech sales! It’s a great career if you love learning, solving problems, and working with people.
To break in, start by building a strong understanding of how technology helps businesses — not just the tech itself. Entry-level roles like Sales Development Representative (SDR) or Business Development Representative (BDR) are often the best starting points. Focus on sharpening communication skills, learning basic CRM tools like Salesforce, and understanding common customer needs.
Tech sales is right for you if you enjoy helping people, hitting goals, staying persistent, and being curious about innovation. It's fast-paced, rewarding, and full of career growth opportunities.
Stay proactive and don’t be afraid to reach out for advice — you're already taking the right steps!
Research entry-level tech sales roles like SDR or BDR on LinkedIn.
Take a free online intro to sales course (HubSpot Academy has great ones).
Connect with a tech sales professional on LinkedIn for an informational interview.
Learn basic CRM tools like Salesforce (many have free trial trainings).
Awesome that you’re exploring tech sales! It’s a great career if you love learning, solving problems, and working with people.
To break in, start by building a strong understanding of how technology helps businesses — not just the tech itself. Entry-level roles like Sales Development Representative (SDR) or Business Development Representative (BDR) are often the best starting points. Focus on sharpening communication skills, learning basic CRM tools like Salesforce, and understanding common customer needs.
Tech sales is right for you if you enjoy helping people, hitting goals, staying persistent, and being curious about innovation. It's fast-paced, rewarding, and full of career growth opportunities.
Stay proactive and don’t be afraid to reach out for advice — you're already taking the right steps!
Paul recommends the following next steps: