When it comes to landing your first job in tech sales, the journey can be both exciting and challenging. The tech industry is known for its lucrativeness, but it is also highly competitive. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential aspects of tech sales jobs and provide individuals with the necessary insights to kick start your career in this dynamic landscape. One of remarkable aspects of this industry is that so many companies are open to training individuals who demonstrate the right skills and aptitude, even if they lack of formal degree or direct experience. 

This presents a unique opportunity for anyone aspiring to enter the tech sales profession, helping them to land their first job into tech sales and carve out a successful career path.

Tech sales, also known as technology sales, encompasses the process of selling technological products and services to businesses. In the realm of tech sales jobs, the focus is on connecting customers with technology that addresses their needs and solves their problems.

Main responsibilities of working in the tech sales industry are selling scientific or technical products, with a focus on helping customers solve specific issues to motivate them to make a purchase. Unlike retail or insurance, tech sales focuses less on promoting a product and more on understanding customer challenges. It leads into offering tailored solutions. Some common responsibilities of tech sales professionals include prospecting for potential clients, assessing customers needs, establishing strong relationships, negotiating terms and conditions, finalizing agreements, and maintaining communication with existing clients. This understanding needs to be known before you land your first job as a tech sales professional.

Tech sales primarily promote software as a service (SaaS) solutions to various businesses. Sales teams build relationships and work on helping clients see the value of a product in long term. Some tech sales professionals may focus on demonstrating their company’s product or service, ranging from casual conversations with clients to more formal product demonstrations. Following up with existing clients and customers is also essential in many tech sales jobs.

Working in the tech industry offers a variety of benefits. Despite the challenges, working in the tech industry can be a fulfilling career choice. Here are some of the key benefits why tech sales can be a promising career path for your professional growth.

• High Paying Careers

Professionals in the tech industry can earn an average $71,300 per year in the United States, which jumps to a substantial $129,700 for a tech sales manager. While in Singapore, the base pay range of technical sales is between $4.000 - $9.000 per month. As a tech sales professional, you can enjoy a health base salary with potential for additional commissions on top, making it a lucrative career path.

• Remote Job Opportunities

Remote work opportunities are prevalent in tech sales. This provides flexibility and the ability to work from virtually anywhere, thus contributing to a better work-life balance and increased job satisfaction.

• Career Advancement

The rapid growth and innovation within the tech industry create numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, especially in the field of tech sales jobs. This allows you to explore different areas and develop new skills. With a clear path within organizations, this tech industry offers career mobility and advancement opportunities.

• Transferable Skills

Transitioning to a career in tech sales can provide individuals with a range of transferable skills that are highly in-demand in the industry. 

Tech sales is a high-demand job that requires a unique set of skills. Here are some essential skills that can benefit you to land your first job in this industry.

Communication

Effective communication skills are essential in landing your first tech sales job for conveying complex technical information to potential clients. This can build strong relationships with colleagues and clients.

Problem-solving

Sales professionals in the tech industry often encounter technical challenges that require innovative solutions. Having strong problem-solving skills are essential for navigating these situations.

Negotiation

Negotiation skills are valuable in various roles and industries. Negotiation is using knowledge of power balances, estimating settlement ranges, and understanding the market to achieve positive outcomes. In the competitive landscape of tech sales jobs, negotiation skills are essential for closing deals, building strong relationships with clients, and achieving sales targets.

Coachability

Coachable tech sales professionals are crucial to the success of a sales team. Being open to learning and trying different styles of market approachment allows sales professionals to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.

Time Management

In the dynamic realm of tech sales jobs, time management is crucial for sales professionals to balance their workload and focus on high-impact activities that generate results. Effective time management can help you prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maximize your productivity.

Embarking on a career in tech sales is an exciting journey filled with opportunities for growth and success. Discover the 7 steps to successfully land your first tech sales job.

Network and Stay Connected with Tech Industry

Participate in industry conferences and events to connect with industry professionals around the world. Build relationships on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram, where you can connect with experts in the tech industry and engage in relevant discussions when seeking a tech sales job.

Develop and Showcase Your Skills

Emphasize your past sales experience, even if it was not the primary function of your previous role. This could include examples of when you effectively communicate product value or closed deals. Consider pursuing relevant certifications to enhance your marketability in the tech sales job market. 

Build Strong Portfolio

Building a strong sales portfolio is crucial to showcase your sales career journey in the tech sales industry. When developing your portfolio, it is important to make it easy to navigate, use categories to demonstrate your range, and focus on projects related to the types of clients you want to work with.

Join Support Program

Joining a support career program can be an effective way to break into tech sales as a first jobber. Programs as tech sales bootcamps or courses can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in a tech sales job. These programs can teach sales skills and methods, provide mentorship and coaching, and also offer networking opportunities.

Craft a Tech-Focused Resume

When crafting your tech-centered resume, focus on results rather than responsibilities. Use numbers to describe your experience instead of ambiguous adjectives. For example, instead of saying “increased sales”, say “increasing sales by 23%”. Additionally, list only positions that are relevant to what you are applying for and use 4-6 bullet key points per position.

Nail Your Interview

Nailing your interview for a first job is crucial for securing tech sales positions. While technical knowledge is not always necessary, emphasizing your sales experience and demonstrating your understanding of the tech industry are essential. Moreover, asking insightful questions about the company, the team, and the position can demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the industry.

Continuous Learning and Upskilling

The tech industry is constantly evolving. Staying informed about the latest techniques and technologies is essential, especially for you who want to embark on your first job in tech sales and can help you stand out in the competitive tech sales landscape. This can be achieved by reading industry blogs, attending webinars, and joining tech sales communities.

A career in tech sales can be highly promising, offering not only a dynamic and evolving work environment but also ample opportunities for career growth. By following the right strategies and continuously honing your skills, you can successfully land your first job in tech sales and set yourself on a path of prosperous career.

Register to our Tech Sales Bootcamp and dive into the world of tech sales!