Breaking into the sales industry can be a daunting prospect, especially for those without prior experience. However, as Michael Humblet, a seasoned sales strategist and the founder of Chaomatic.com and Schoolofsales.org, explains, it is entirely possible to land that first sales job, even if you don’t have an extensive resume.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dive into Michael’s best tips and strategies for getting a sales job with no experience. From showcasing your curiosity and bravery to the importance of follow-up, we’ll cover the key steps you can take to kickstart your sales career and set yourself up for long-term success.
Tip #1: Showcase Your Curiosity and Bravery
According to Michael, the first step in landing a sales job with no experience is to demonstrate your curiosity and bravery. “Many people ask me, ‘Michael, how did you start in sales, and how can I get a job in sales?'” he explains. “Funnily enough, my first job was actually somebody offering me a position, saying, ‘You’re a good talker, so why don’t you come and work in sales?'” Michael emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to ask for opportunities. “I really like it when future sales [professionals] come to me and say, ‘Hey, Michael, I really want to talk to you. I think I can learn a lot from you, and I really want to have a sales job,'” he says. “It’s up to the person you’re asking to figure out if you’re more of a farmer or a hunter and a closer, but it doesn’t matter – you’ve got to start somewhere.” The key is to approach potential employers with a genuine interest in the field and a willingness to learn. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and eagerness to get your foot in the door, even if you don’t have extensive experience. This proactive approach can help you stand out from the crowd and show that you have the drive and determination to succeed in sales.Tip #2: Don’t Aim for the Big Names Right Away
Many aspiring sales professionals make the mistake of immediately targeting the biggest names in the industry, such as Google, Amazon, and other tech giants. While these companies can certainly provide valuable experience, Michael cautions against this approach, especially for those just starting out. “A lot of people think they should start with a really big name like the Googles and Amazons and all that,” he says. “That’s okay, but the problem is once you go to those big names, the way they qualify is they will look at degrees and all of that. But very good sales people, the real street fighters, they don’t have anything like that.”- Instead, Michael recommends considering “somewhere in the middle or even a starter job” to get your foot in the door and “try and figure it out.”
- This approach allows you to gain valuable experience, build your skills, and develop a track record of success before potentially transitioning to a larger, more established company.
- By starting with a smaller or mid-sized organization, you may have a better chance of getting hired without extensive prior experience, as these companies may be more open to taking a chance on promising candidates.
Tip #3: The Power of Follow-Up
One of the most critical skills in sales is the ability to follow up effectively. Michael emphasizes that this principle applies not only to customer interactions but also to the job search process itself. “Even if I do an interview, I want them to follow up,” he says. “The key to good sales is following up, because in a normal environment, you will have to go five or six times to the customer. So even if you’re not really that good, but following up, for me, the persistence makes you win at interviews.” This means that even if you’ve had an initial conversation or interview with a potential employer, don’t be afraid to follow up and continue to express your interest. Persistence and a willingness to stay in touch can go a long way in demonstrating your commitment and passion for the role.- Regularly check in with the hiring manager or recruiter, providing updates on your progress and reiterating your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
- Consider sending a thank-you note or email after an interview, highlighting your key takeaways and reiterate your fit for the position.
- If you don’t hear back right away, don’t be discouraged. Follow up with a polite inquiry about the status of your application or interview process.
Tip #4: Develop a Winning Mindset
In addition to the practical steps outlined above, Michael emphasizes the importance of cultivating the right mindset when pursuing a sales career with no experience. “A lot of people think they should start with a really big name like the Googles and Amazons and all that,” he says. “That’s okay, but the problem is once you go to those big names, the way they qualify is they will look at degrees and all of that. But very good sales people, the real street fighters, they don’t have anything like that.” Instead, Michael encourages aspiring sales professionals to adopt a “street fighter” mentality – one that is characterized by resilience, determination, and a willingness to put in the hard work necessary to succeed.- Embrace the idea that you don’t need a fancy degree or extensive experience to thrive in sales. What matters most is your ability to connect with people, solve their problems, and drive results.
- Cultivate a growth mindset, constantly seeking out opportunities to learn and improve your skills. Attend industry events, read sales-focused books and blogs, and seek out mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Develop a thick skin and be prepared to face rejection. Sales can be a challenging field, but the most successful individuals are those who can bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward.
Tip #5: Leverage Your Network and Connections
As you embark on your journey to land that first sales job, don’t underestimate the power of your network and connections. Michael emphasizes the importance of tapping into your existing relationships and reaching out to your professional contacts for potential opportunities. “Funnily enough, my first job was actually somebody offering me a position, saying, ‘You’re a good talker, so why don’t you come and work in sales?'” he shares. “This highlights the value of building relationships and letting your skills and personality shine through, even if you don’t have a traditional sales background.- Reach out to friends, family members, former classmates, or colleagues who may be aware of sales openings or can provide introductions to relevant contacts.
- Leverage your social media presence, particularly platforms like LinkedIn, to connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and stay up-to-date on job opportunities.
- Attend local networking events, industry conferences, or meetups to expand your professional network and make valuable connections that could lead to future job prospects.
Tip #6: Highlight Your Transferable Skills
Even if you don’t have direct sales experience, chances are you’ve developed a range of transferable skills that can be valuable in a sales role. Michael encourages aspiring sales professionals to take a close look at their background and identify the skills they’ve acquired that can be applied to the sales field. “A lot of people think they should start with a really big name like the Googles and Amazons and all that,” he says. “That’s okay, but the problem is once you go to those big names, the way they qualify is they will look at degrees and all of that. But very good sales people, the real street fighters, they don’t have anything like that.”- Strong communication and interpersonal skills: The ability to effectively engage with and persuade others is crucial in sales.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking: Sales professionals must be adept at understanding customer needs and crafting tailored solutions.
- Adaptability and resilience: The sales industry can be fast-paced and unpredictable, so the ability to pivot and bounce back from setbacks is essential.
- Passion and enthusiasm: Demonstrating a genuine interest in the product or service you’re selling can go a long way in building trust and rapport with customers.
