15 Tips on How To Get a Job in Sales

A job in sales is often one of the most in-demand and least-filled positions. If you’re looking for a job that lets you meet lots of new people, often allows flexibility to set your own hours and the chance to make more money the better you perform, look no further than a job in sales.

If you’re thinking, “I’ve never done this before. How do I get a job in sales with no experience? Can I even get it?” The answer is yes! As a sales trainer and manager, I look for and encourage my clients to look for when hiring someone for a sales role. Actually, I highly recommend everyone work in sales at least once in their life.

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After polling our readers on their best advice for someone starting in sales, many of the tips came up repeatedly. If we had to limit our advice for someone starting a sales career, these 15 tips would be essential.

1. Understanding Different Sales Roles

Before going deep into your job search, it’s crucial to understand the various sales roles available. Sales isn’t a one-size-fits-all career, and different positions may suit different personalities and skill sets.

Some common sales roles include:

1. Inside Sales Representative: These professionals sell products or services remotely, often over the phone or through video calls.
2. Outside Sales Representative: These professionals, also called field salespeople, meet clients in person and frequently travel for work.
3. Account Executive: These salespeople manage relationships with existing clients and often work to upsell or cross-sell products.
4. Business Development Representative: This role focuses on finding and qualifying new leads for the sales team.
5. Sales Manager: This leadership position involves overseeing a team of salespeople and developing strategies to meet sales targets.

Each of these roles requires different skills and offers unique challenges and opportunities. Understanding these differences helps you focus your job search. It also allows you to prepare for the unique challenges of the role you choose.

It can help you tailor your approach when applying for sales positions, even without prior experience. This knowledge can help you showcase relevant skills. It also shows employers you’ve researched the field and are committed to a sales career.

2. Learn Core Sales Principles to Land a Sales Job with No Experience

You’re passionate, eager, and optimistic, but do you know the core Sales principles? Memorize, internalize, and apply these three core principles to get a sales job without experience. Trust us; your interviewer will be impressed!

Build Sales on Trust

Your potential employers want to see that you’re honest, truthful, and open. Why? Because that’s how customers need to perceive you as a Salesperson. It would help if you were likeable, easy to trust, and approachable to make and continue to make sales.

An excellent way to represent your trustworthiness is to open up, maybe discuss your weaknesses, or perhaps even tell a story about a time when you failed – it’ll show integrity, which will definitely land you a sales job with no experience.

Benefits Sell – Features Don’t

In sales, you sell the benefits, not the features. Do the same in your interview. Don’t focus on your skills; focus on the benefits you bring to the company.

How are you going to make your boss’s life easier? What can you help them with? What can you improve? Fix? Optimize? It would help if you sold the benefits of hiring you to your prospect manager.

While there’s some use in explaining what you’re great at, the deciding factor will be: What can you do for the company?

Persistence is Key

Sales Representatives have to be persistent by nature; following up, checking in, and making constant contact with prospects is the name of the game.

So if you can immediately follow up after your interview, you’ll show your ideal employers that you understand the fundamental idea that persistence is key to landing a sales job with no experience.

Listen to the Customer

To succeed in sales, you need to be a good listener. What does that mean? It means listening more than you talk. A good ratio to follow is the 80/20 rule. Let your customer do 80% of the talking.

Listen to what their needs are and what their desired outcomes are. Once you understand these, you can then use the remaining 20% to ask questions and sell your product.

“Your customer may not always be right, but if you don’t listen to them, you may be selling them the wrong product, service, or advice.” – Daniel Jackmon – Business Development.

Be Ethical

Do ethics and sales go together? They should, but dishonest salespeople have given us a bad name. So we need to change that.

By being honest and trustworthy, you build confidence in your customers that you are the right person to buy from. If you don’t know the answer to something, don’t make it up; find out.

“Embrace the precept that integrity is always essential in developing relationships with the understanding that people like to buy, but they don’t want to be sold.” – Craig W – Business Development

Overcome Objections

Don’t be caught off guard when a customer says the product or service is too expensive. The price objection is a common objection that doesn’t need to be answered by lowering the price.

Instead, listen to how your peers overcome price objections. Do they explain why the product or service costs more? Do they show the customer how the product or service reduces their costs?

The key is to write down your most common objections and your answers to how to overcome them.

“Know the common objections that your customers have and know exactly what to say for each one to overcome it.” – Veronica B., retail sales representative.

3. Read Sales Books

There is a wealth of information about sales, and one of the easiest ways to learn about sales is by picking up a few classic books. Check out To Sell is Human by Daniel H. Pink, Sell or Be Sold by Grant Cardone, and The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon.

‘The SOHO Solution: 21 Selling Strategies for Growing Your Small Business” is also Tom’s book. Yes, we couldn’t help but include Tom’s own book.

To view our 10 all-time favorite books on sales, read: The Top 10 Best Sales Books On How To Sell

4. Take a Course in Sales – Continuous Learning is Key

Impress your future employer, and show up already trained in the art of selling. You can take several great sales workshops, both in-person and online, including our online sales course, SOCO Academy. These courses often cover the crucial aspects of the sales process, from negotiating to closing deals.

Not only are sales courses a fantastic way to deepen your knowledge of sales, but they’re also a great way to network (particularly with in-person courses) and show potential employers that you are serious about the sales field.

5. Highlight Transferable Skills

When you’re applying and interviewing, don’t be afraid to tout transferable skills you may have from other non-sales jobs. If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant—or any customer-facing job—you’ve developed skills such as identifying needs, problem-solving, and basic customer service.

These skills are directly applicable to sales and are very attractive to employers. Many of these transferable skills are actually valuable soft skills in sales and are very attractive to employers.

6. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter are key tools to show your potential when applying for sales jobs without experience. Customize these documents for each application to highlight skills and experiences relevant to sales.

On your resume, emphasize the transferable skills mentioned above. These could be skills like communication, problem-solving, and customer service. Include any goals you’ve met in previous jobs, even if not in sales. This demonstrates that you’re results-oriented.

In your cover letter, connect your past experiences to sales scenarios. If you’ve worked in customer service, explain how solving customer problems has prepared you for meeting client needs in sales. Show enthusiasm for the specific company and product you’d be selling.

Use action verbs like “persuaded,” “negotiated,” or “influenced” to describe your achievements, even if they’re from non-sales roles. This language aligns with what hiring managers look for in sales candidates.

Remember to quantify your accomplishments wherever possible. Numbers and percentages can make a strong impression, even if they’re from different industries.

By tailoring your application materials, you’re essentially ‘selling yourself’ – a key skill in any sales role. This shows potential employers that you understand the essence of sales and can apply it to your own career advancement.

7. Research Other Sales Professionals

If you’re looking to land a retail sales job, go shopping! When you’re interacting with salespeople, please take note of the traits you like in them. How do you feel about how they approached and spoke to you? What did they say or do that swayed (or didn’t sway) you?

If possible, visit the store or location of where you will be applying to get an idea of how their salespeople operate. If you’re applying for a role as a business-to-business sales professional, you might not be able to visit their location, so instead, skip to #8 and do your research.

Shadow your company’s top sales professionals and note what they do differently from everyone else. Watch how they talk, how they dress, and how they present themselves. What is their work ethic like, and how do they approach customers? By learning from your industry leaders, you can quickly master the art of selling your product or service.

“Stick to the top performer like glue. Copy his or her systems and processes. Once mastered, add your own personality, and you can’t go wrong.” – Sean Richardson – Telco Sales

8. Do Your Homework on the Company

Do your research before interviewing. The first thing you need to know when starting a sales career is to be a product expert. Read all of your company’s literature and brochures and visit your company’s website. Do your own research as a customer would by searching online and reading reviews. Don’t be caught off guard by a prospect mentioning information they’ve found online.

Use the product yourself. By being a customer of your own product, you’ll better understand what you’re selling and become a better spokesperson. Who wants to buy a Honda from someone who drives a Toyota? These efforts can go a long way in showing your initiative. You can also show your enthusiasm for the products by becoming a customer.

“In order to sell a product, you must fully understand the product you are selling.” – Yuni B. – Retail Sales Professional

9. Start Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn

Your online presence can be just as important as your resume, especially when you’re starting out in sales. LinkedIn is a powerful platform for networking, showcasing your skills, and attracting potential employers. Here’s how to leverage it effectively:

1. Create a professional profile: Use a good headshot and write a strong headline that shows your sales career goals.
2. Write an engaging summary: Show your relevant skills, experiences, and interest in sales, even as a beginner.
3. Showcase your achievements: Include any relevant projects, volunteer work, or academic accomplishments that demonstrate your potential in sales.
4. Connect strategically: Reach out to sales professionals, join sales-related groups, and follow companies you’re interested in.
5. Engage with content: Like, comment on, and share posts related to sales. This shows your interest and helps you stay informed about industry trends.
6. Create your own content: Share your thoughts on sales topics, even as a beginner. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
7. Request recommendations: Ask former colleagues, teachers, or mentors to vouch for your skills that are relevant to sales.
8. Use LinkedIn Learning: Take sales courses and add the certificates to your profile. This shows you’re committed to learning.

Building a strong personal brand takes time, but it’s an investment in your future sales career. It can help you stand out to potential employers and create valuable connections in the industry.

When you work on your LinkedIn presence, you’re not just waiting for opportunities. You’re actively creating them, even before you land your first sales job.

10. Start Building Your Network

Even without sales experience, you can begin growing your professional network. This can lead to job opportunities in the sales field. Attend local business events or join online groups related to sales. These connections might help you learn about entry-level openings or provide advice on breaking into the industry.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to people working in sales roles you’re interested in. Many professionals are willing to share how they got started or offer tips for newcomers. These conversations can give you valuable insights into what employers look for in new sales hires.

Your network can include friends, family, or former classmates who work in sales or related fields. Let them know you’re looking for a sales position. They might know of openings or be able to introduce you to someone who can help.

Engaging with your network keeps you informed about different sales roles and company cultures. This knowledge can also help you tailor your applications and stand out in interviews, even without direct sales experience.

11. Demonstrate Your Skills

To drastically increase your chances of getting a sales job without experience, show your sales skills in the application process. First, follow up after you send in your resume.

If they ask you to come in for an interview, call the person in charge and confirm the meeting the day before. Follow up after the interview, as well.

These are skills they are looking for in a salesperson, so if you can demonstrate them during the interview, you are more likely to get the job.

12. Know the Lingo

The sales industry has its own language, terms, and jargon. Familiarize yourself with common sales terms and understand the distinctions between different sales positions. This knowledge will serve you well when seeking roles like an Inside Sales role selling B2B with a long sales cycle.

13. Build Rapport

Building rapport and trust is one of the most important skills for long-term success in any sales job. During the interview, be friendly and outgoing. Ask the interviewer something about themselves and try to find out what you both share in common.

Have a confident posture. Sit up, don’t avoid eye contact. Listen, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, don’t forget to laugh and have a good time!

14. Starting at the Bottom – The Quickest Way to Get a Sales Job with No Experience

If you have no experience in sales, there’s a good chance you’ll start with entry-level sales jobs. No retail experience? Getting a retail job is probably the best starting place for anyone looking to get a job in sales with no experience.

That could include starting as a ‘sales assist’ where you help the main sales professionals with their deals, or you could start by qualifying new leads that come in.

Other times, starting at the bottom in sales means selling some of the company’s cheaper products or being assigned lower-quality leads.

While this might not sound glamorous, the beauty of working in sales is that your results speak for themselves. You don’t need to be the most popular person on the team or the manager’s favorite to move up or get a raise.

When you close deals effectively and do your job well, people will know, and you’ll quickly move up the ladder.

Internships and volunteer work can also give you useful experience and help you start your career. While many job seekers prefer to land a paid position right away, these opportunities can provide significant benefits:

1. Real-world experience: Internships and volunteer roles often allow you to practice sales skills in a lower-pressure environment.
2. Networking: You’ll meet professionals in the field who could become mentors or provide job leads in the future.
3. Resume building: Even unpaid experience in a sales-related role can make your resume stand out to potential employers.
4. Skill development: You can learn industry-specific knowledge and hone your communication and negotiation skills.
5. Opportunity for conversion: Many companies use internships to test potential employees. They might offer full-time jobs to the best interns.

Consider looking for internships at start-ups or small businesses where you might have more hands-on opportunities. Volunteer for non-profit organizations that need fundraising help – this is essentially sales experience for a cause.

Any experience is valuable when you’re just starting out. Whether it’s a part-time retail job, an internship, or a volunteer position, each role is a stepping stone toward your sales career goals. The skills and confidence you gain in these initial positions will serve you well as you move up in your sales career.

15. Ace Your Sales Interview

Once you’ve landed an interview for a sales position, it’s time to showcase your potential. Here are some key tips to on how you can excel in your sales interview:

1. Research the company thoroughly: Understand their products, target market, and recent achievements. This knowledge demonstrates your genuine interest and initiative.
2. Prepare your sales pitch: Be ready to sell yourself. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, even if they’re not from a traditional sales background.
3. Show enthusiasm and confidence: Sales roles require energy and self-assurance. Let these qualities shine through during your interview.
4. Be prepared for role-play scenarios: Many sales interviews include a mock sales pitch. Practice beforehand to feel more comfortable.
5. Ask thoughtful questions: This shows your interest in the role and the company. It also helps you determine if the position is a good fit for you.
6. Demonstrate your ability to handle rejection: Sales often involves hearing “no.” Share examples of how you’ve persevered in challenging situations.
7. Follow up after the interview: Send a thank-you note restating your interest in the position. This also showcases your follow-through, a crucial skill in sales.

The interview is your chance to demonstrate the skills you’ll need in a sales role. These are usually communication, persuasion, and the ability to build rapport quickly.

By following these tips and thoroughly preparing, you can make a strong impression even without prior sales experience. Your preparation and enthusiasm can often outweigh a lack of direct experience in the eyes of potential employers.

Advice for Getting Started in Sales

Welcome to the world of sales. It is often the most challenging yet fulfilling job out there.

Many people start in a sales role with absolutely no training. While we recommend attending one of our sales training programs or at least reading one of our sales books to give you a good foundation for sales success, we’ve rounded up advice from past workshop participants and fellow newsletter subscribers to get you started. Here’s their best advice for you as you get started in sales.

“Understand the Ladder of Customer Loyalty” – Nalin Withana, Vivo Asia E & T

Learn to manage the customer loyalty ladder, where suspects, prospects, customers, clients, referrals, and partners must constantly move up. You should always think about how I can turn my suspects into prospects, my prospects into customers, my customers into repeat clients, and my clients into referral sources.

“Understand Your Client’s Needs” – Steve Pressland, Hydratight

When just starting out in sales, sales professionals must understand their client’s needs and end goals. Through questioning, you can find out their end goal, not just what they think they want. After several years in sales, you’ll find these are often not the same.

“It’s not about you, it’s about them” – Arya Wirawan, Archipelago International

Many salespeople think they know more than their customers or clients, but in today’s world, customers are better informed than the salesperson. They can observe our products or services online. So, as someone getting started in sales, you should always ask questions, qualify the client’s needs, and try your best to fit your products or services to your client’s needs.

“Integrity is Essential” – Craig Winkelman, Senior Representative PFS Inc.

When it comes to building strong and lasting relationships with our customers, we need to maintain integrity. This comes back to our core ‘S.E.L.L.I.N.G’ fundamentals, which include the essential asset of being ethical. Get caught lying, and you will forever be labeled as a sleazy salesperson in their mind. From there, there is little chance of getting repeat business or referrals.

“People before Process” – Adam Carabetta – Formative Search

Many organizations have a set process to follow when developing a sale. Maybe the prospect must come to your office to meet. But what if they’re just too busy, or their office is in the other part of town? Insisting them to come to your office (process) could have you risking the sale and offending the prospect (people). Sales professionals need to learn when the rules can be bent and when they should be enforced. Put the people before the process.

“It Gets Easier” – Ken Wong, ProActive Training

Beyond the valuable advice from industry professionals, here are some practical tips to help you navigate your entry into the sales world.

Be Flexible in Your Job Search

When starting your sales career, it’s important to keep an open mind. Don’t be too quick to dismiss opportunities at lower-rated companies. These positions can provide essential experience and serve as stepping stones into the sales field. Every role is a chance to learn and grow.

Use Online Resources To Check on Job Quality

Utilize platforms like Glassdoor and RepVue.com to evaluate job quality and potential compensation. These resources can provide valuable insights into company culture, work environment, and realistic earnings expectations.

Target Industries That Interest You

Consider what products or services you would genuinely enjoy selling. Research companies within these industries. When you’re interested in what you’re selling, you’ll be more enthusiastic and genuine. These are important for success in sales.

Set Realistic Earnings Expectations

While some job postings may advertise potential earnings of $100k+ in the first year, it’s crucial to approach these claims with a critical eye. Such figures are often achievable for top performers but may not be typical for newcomers. Always verify the company’s credibility and understand the specifics of the role.

Engage With the Sales Community

Connect with people who have successfully transitioned into sales roles. They can provide invaluable support, advice, and potentially even job leads. Join online forums, attend networking events, or reach out to alumni from your school who are in sales roles.

How to Get a Sales Job with No Experience

So let’s review: If you really want to land a sales job (and you should), but you lack experience, here’s what you need to do. Read books on sales; take a sales course; focus on your transferable skills such as identifying needs, problem-solving, and basic customer service; think about what you like (and dislike) about salespeople you encounter; research the company thoroughly before interviewing; demonstrate your sales skills during the interview process, and build rapport with the interviewer.

Starting a career in sales is a journey. Each experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to your growth as a sales professional. Stay persistent, remain open to learning, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. With the right mindset and these insights, you’ll be well on your way to a great sales job!

The beginning is always the toughest when starting out in sales. You have so much to learn: everything about the product or service you sell, your customer, the buying cycle, and sales fundamentals. Don’t be discouraged; remember that the more you practice and get in front of your customers, the better you get. With persistence, you have the ability to become a top performer.

Also read: 20 Sales Expert Lessons From 20 Years In Business