Learn how to start a career in sales with or without experience.
If you enjoy working with people and thrive in fast-paced environments, you’d love to start a sales career.
Even if you have little to no experience, you can quickly raise the ranks. Sales are based on performance. What you put into your day-to-day, you’ll get back.
But if you’re just not sure where, to begin with, a new career in sales, keep reading.
Determine Your Dream Sales Position
So, you know you want to start a career in sales. But do you know what position you’re after? We recommend reading up on the available sales paths you can take and then reading how to hunt for your dream role.
Maybe you crave a behind-the-scenes job where you’re crunching numbers or forwarding leads. Or you might want to be a traveling sales rep. Being a salesperson is not so cut-and-dry as many people outside of the industry think.
There are so many avenues for growth and ways you can use your skillset. Do the research. And don’t be afraid to start in one position to work your way up towards your dream job.
Location Matters
Where do you plan on starting your sales career? Different states have different opportunities for growth and financial acceleration. So, location does matter. If you happen to be scouting a sales job in Texas, these are the top 5 careers in Dallas & Fort Worth.
But if you are trying to keep your options open, take a look at this ranking by Zippia. They broke down each state and how it compares for income, number of sales jobs, etc.
How to Start a Career in Sales
1. Do Your Research
Just as you would compile information for a test, you should do so for the sales industry. This tip is especially important when you are in the interviewing phase. Show others ahead of you that you’ve educated yourself on the industry.
2. Identify Companies You Like
While you’re figuring out how to start a career in sales, don’t forget about individual company experience. The industry is one thing, but company culture is another. Make a list of companies you admire, watch, or desire to work with.
3. Analyze Your Desired Position
Do you have a skill set that matches your desired position? Are you focused more on finding a job in sales and marketing? Or are you interested in commission-based roles? This goes back to the point we made earlier about narrowing down the role you really want.
4. Take a Course
We recommend vamping your sales skills by taking an online course. This could be as simple as a YouTube series or a multi-part workshop. You’ll become a better salesperson, learn something new, and show employers how serious you are.
5. Build a Network
People are an incredibly valuable asset. You need people to excel in the sales industry. So, when you’re starting a new career in sales, build your network. This is the perfect time to update your LinkedIn profile and make some new connections.
6. Transferable Skills
This tip is great for those who don’t have a lot of experience. Focus on transferable skills. We’re talking about communication, customer service, problem-solving, persuasion, and other soft skills. Highlight those traits on your resume and in conversation.
7. Update Your Resume
Speaking of resumes, it’s always a good idea to update your CV. You always want to give it a refresher when you’re pivoting careers or pursuing a different role in the same industry. Pro tip: sprinkle hard and soft skills into your objective summary.
8. Seek a Recruiter
Sometimes, the best way to start a sales career is through the helping hands of others. Is there a recruiting or staffing agency nearby that can place you in the proper role? Connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn never hurts either.
9. Use Professional Resources
Instead of tossing your resume into the depths of job boards like Indeed, take a more curated route. We recommend applying via the LinkedIn job board, recruiting firms, or the company’s website. The quickest way to get in front of a company is usually through their own site.
Skip the Interview and Go Straight to a Dallas Recruiter
Are you looking for a job in the sales industry in Dallas, Texas? Our team can help you find the perfect sales position that aligns with your objective, future goals, and current skill set. We will connect you straight to hiring companies to expedite your job search.
If you are trying to fill a sales-based role within your company, Sales Recruiters Dallas can also help you hire the perfect candidate. We use a hands-on approach that’s proven to get results and makes the hiring process a breeze.
Learn more about us to hire talent or get hired sooner rather than later.