6 Easy Steps Absolutely Needed If You Want A Tech Sales Job
Shelton Banks
Innovating Workforce Development | Driving Diversity & Inclusion in Tech Sales | Expert in Business Development & Scaling Impact | CEO at re:WORK TRAINING
Many people don't know what technology sales or SAAS is or don’t think they are qualified to enter the industry.
Fun fact:
You don’t have to have previous technology experience or sales experience to get into tech sales. What you do need is a growth mindset, a hunger for success, and a plan. Don’t worry, I can help you with the planning part. Here are 6 basic steps you can take to boost your confidence and help you get your foot in the tech sales door:
The 6 Steps To Follow
1. List Any Sales Experience on Your Resume
“But LinkedIn is the new resume!”
Nope. Having an optimized LinkedIn profile is great and definitely important, but you still need a good old-fashioned resume to present to employers. On that resume, don’t be shy about listing the different kinds of sales experience you have - whether you were an associate at Macy’s or a Waitress at Applebee’s.
Remember: Skills are transferable. The sales process is basically the same across the board and it’s no different for tech.
2. Figure Out What You’re Looking For
Do you want to be an SDR? A BDR? Are you interested in Software Sales or Hardware Sales? Is there a company you always dreamed of joining, or would you prefer being on the ground floor of a startup?
Take some time to figure out what in Tech Sales you’re interested in and what kind of job you’re looking for. Then you can start to effectively search for something that fits the bill.
3. Ask People Who Know
It’s time to make some connections.
Remember that LinkedIn profile we mentioned before? Use it. Lookup people who are in the position you want and reach out to them. Ask them questions: How did you get started? What is your greatest struggle? Do you have any tips about X, Y, and Z?
You’ll be surprised how many are happy to help. People like to help, and they love feeling like experts. So go find you an expert!
Pro Tip: re:work training has plenty of people willing to help and I am more than happy to connect you with them.
4. Learn or Brush Up on The Basics
Working in tech sales, you’re going to become more familiar with terms like Sales Process, Pitching, Prospecting, Cold Calling, Sales Funnel, and so on. You may also want to brush up on your interviewing and networking skills.
Shameless plug: re:work training’s program is designed to prepare anyone at any level for whatever tech sales job they want.
Taking the course will increase your chances of success 100%, no cap. (Swag)
5. Start Searching and Applying
You know what you want, you’ve learned the basics, and you’ve got your fire resume at the ready. It’s time to get this work!
If you have a few specific companies in mind that you would like to work for, you can go directly to their website to look for open positions. To broaden your search, hit up job boards. If you have the money to spare, you could even hire a professional recruiter to locate tech sales jobs worth applying for.
At re:work training, we help with this process by utilizing our diverse network to find the right job for each individual. Candidates start applying at top tech companies as early as the 2nd week of training.
6. Do Your Homework
You should always research where you’re applying.
Learn as much about the company’s culture as you can, positive and negative. What do they sell and to whom? Are they serious about Diversity and Inclusion? What makes them stand out in the industry? Is their sales process different?
Each company has its own way of doing things. Be interested. If you’re not interested in the company or what they’re about, ask yourself why you’re applying there.
When it Comes to Getting a Job in Tech: Whatever you do, See It Through!
Trying to get a job in tech sales may seem intimidating at first. You might not get the job you want right away. You might not be good at your job right away.
Relax.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a meaningful career. Tech sales is full of opportunities. If you’re willing to adopt a growth mindset, be hungry, and persist in your plan, you’ll achieve success in this industry.
Looking for support? Connect with me on LinkedIn.
ITDR Sales @ Crowdstrike | Launch your 6-figure tech sales career with my proven frameworks
1 年Great post, Shelton! If I had to break into tech sales all over again, here are the six areas I’d focus on: ? Break down the tech industry ? Understand the tech sales career path ? Optimize Linkedin + Resume (and certifications) ? Learn how to research companies ? Learn how to land interviews ? Develop a personal narrative & supporting assets to crush the interview process I write posts and articles regularly about launching a tech sales career, so it’s so great to see others talking about this!
FANTASTIC piece Shelton... I wish that I would had this blueprint when I was starting my sakes career! #HopeIsNotAStrategy
Consulting, Digital Marketing, Angel Investor
3 年This is also a great resource. You can literally learn as much as someone who paid $300K to get a degree from MIT. https://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm
Consulting, Digital Marketing, Angel Investor
3 年I wound recommend taking a course or two on coursera or edx. Courses on digital marketing, data science/ data engineering, beginners courses for coding, and even courses on how exactly computers work. The courses (most I believe) are free to take, unless you want a certificate of completion then it’s maybe $40-50 a course. If you want a job in tech sales, that extra effort can help tremendously. Not solely on paper, but you’d be surprised how many people in the tech world are so myopically focused on their niche area, that they choose to remain ignorant to the greater landscape of tech. You put yourself in a position to educate the hiring manager in the interview process. Education is the great equalizer, and its never been more accessible.