What is tech sales?

As a broad definition, tech sales is the process of selling technology, whether that’s software, hardware or an IT service.

‘Selling’ is a term that can take some getting used to in this sense, but in tech sales what this really means is working with people and businesses to see if you’re offering a product or service that can help them with a problem they’re facing. Think less Del Boy and more troubleshooter.

What do you do in tech sales?

There’s a range of role in the tech sales industry, from Sales Development Reps who open the door to new business, Account Executives who follow up on good leads to Customer Success Managers who ensure clients are getting the most out of products.

The long and short of it that tech sales roles are centred around helping potential customers understand how your product can help them, signing them up and then helping them use the product or service effectively.

What this means in terms of day-to-day work is that someone in tech sales could spend their time finding new business, troubleshooting any issues, agreeing finances or helping customers make the most of their subscription or purchase.

How much do you make in tech sales?

In tech sales, good performance is rewarded. It can be an incredibly lucrative career to get involved in. A good base salary is often heavily incentivised with uncapped commission payments, meaning the best tech sales people make the most money.

According to RepVue, a Sales Development Rep – which is an entry-level role – makes on average ￡65,580, if they reach their targets. This can obviously be improved if you exceed targets and that figure can jump dramatically in a promotion path, as in the graphic below.

Who can do tech sales?

Although some people will say ‘anyone’, that’s not strictly true.

In terms of qualifications, tech sales is very accessible. You don’t need a degree of even existing sales knowledge to get started. What you will need is the right attitude.

Tech companies are actively looking for sales reps who are:

• Adaptable
• Empathetic
• Hard-working
• Calm under pressure
• Problem solvers

This is why many service leavers are naturally well-suited to a role in tech sales. Skills honed in the military can be transferred easily into tech sales.

How can you start in tech sales?

You need to start like anyone does, at the bottom. Research the types of technology you might be interested in selling. Find out about companies and what they do. See which area of tech sales might be where you naturally fit in.

For service leavers, there’s a simple way into tech sales. It’s us at Redeployable. Reach out online now for an informal chat about what you’re hoping to do and we’ll work out how we can help you get there.

With Redeployable, the process works like this, and it costs you nothing as a candidate.

• Informal chat
• CV/ interview guidance
• Training
• Landing a role
• Sharing with the community

Reach out online now to start the first step in your new career.