Breaking Into Tech Sales As a Recent College Graduate

Starting your career can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re aiming for a competitive field like tech sales without direct experience. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a tech background or prior sales roles to land your first job as a Sales Development Representative (SDR). With the right strategy, mindset, and tools, you can break into tech sales and start building a rewarding career. Here’s how.

1. Understand What an SDR Does

To succeed in tech sales, you need to understand the job. As an SDR, your role is to:

• Identify and connect with potential customers.
• Reach out via cold calls, emails, or social media.
• Qualify leads and pass them on to Account Executives for closing deals.

SDRs are essential to a company’s sales funnel, and they thrive on building relationships and solving problems. If you love connecting with people and enjoy working toward measurable goals, this could be the perfect role for you.

2. Highlight Your Transferable Skills

Even without sales experience, you probably have skills that align with the SDR role. Think about:

• Communication: Have you worked in retail, customer service, or any role that required you to interact with people? If so, you’ve already built the communication skills needed for tech sales.
• Resilience: Overcoming challenges or rejection is a big part of sales. Share examples from your personal or professional life where you stayed persistent.
• Organization: SDRs need to manage leads and track outreach. Highlight any experience where you successfully juggled tasks or managed projects.

For your resume, quantify achievements to make them stand out. For instance:

• "Handled 50+ customer inquiries daily, maintaining a 95% satisfaction rate."
• "Increased event attendance by 30% through targeted outreach efforts."

3. Build Your Sales Knowledge

Companies love candidates who are proactive. Invest time in learning the basics of tech sales:

• Join our free Linkedin Group: Connect with Sales Leaders and other sellers to learn firsthand about the role and what hiring managers are looking for.
• Certifications: Complete certifications like HubSpot’s Inbound Sales or Salesforce’s Trailhead badges to boost your resume.
• Read and Listen: Dive into sales books (SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham, The Challenger Sale by Brent Adamson, The Qualified Sales Leader by John McMahon) and podcasts (Hunters and Unicorns).

By gaining foundational knowledge, you’ll not only impress hiring managers but also feel more confident in interviews.

4. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool for landing an SDR job. Here’s how to make it shine:

1. Headline: Use something clear and impactful, like “Aspiring Tech Sales Professional | Skilled in Lead Generation and Outreach.”
2. Summary: Share your story, emphasizing your transferable skills and enthusiasm for tech sales.
3. Engage with Content: Follow and comment on posts by sales professionals, companies, and recruiters in the industry.
4. Networking: Send personalized connection requests to SDRs and sales managers. Example message:

   "Hi [Name], I’m a recent graduate exploring a career in tech sales. I admire your experience at [Company] and would love to learn more about your journey. Any tips for someone starting out?"

    

5. Get Hands-On Experience (Even If Unpaid)

If you can’t find a paid position right away, look for opportunities to build experience:

• Internships: Apply for sales or business development internships.
• Freelancing: Offer to help small businesses with cold outreach or lead generation.
• Volunteering: Many nonprofits need help securing sponsorships or donations—skills directly related to sales.

These experiences can fill your resume with relevant accomplishments and make you more attractive to employers.

6. Practice the SDR Basics

Even before you’re hired, you can start practicing skills you’ll need as an SDR:

• Write sample cold emails to hypothetical prospects.
• Practice cold calls with friends or mentors.
• Research companies you’re interested in and create outreach strategies as if you were an SDR working there.

7. Target the Right Companies

Some companies are more beginner-friendly than others. Look for:

• Startups with robust training programs.
• Companies that advertise entry-level SDR positions.
• Organizations offering mentorship or professional development opportunities.

Use job boards like LinkedIn, AngelList, or RepVue to find openings. Tailor your applications to each company by emphasizing your eagerness to learn and your transferable skills. Check out our list of 20 companies to target for landing your first job. 

8. Prepare for Interviews

Tech sales interviews often include behavioral questions and role plays. Be ready to:

• Answer questions like, “How would you approach a cold call?”
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s product and target market.
• Highlight your coachability and willingness to grow.

After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to show your enthusiasm for the role.

9. Network Your Way to Success

Networking can open doors that job applications can’t. Attend sales events, webinars, and meetups to connect with professionals in the industry. Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals—they can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews.

10. Stay Persistent

Breaking into tech sales requires resilience, a key trait for SDRs. Rejections are part of the process, so don’t let them discourage you. Keep refining your approach, learning from feedback, and applying to roles.

Final Thoughts

Landing your first tech sales job as a recent graduate is all about showcasing your transferable skills, building your knowledge, and leveraging your network. With persistence and preparation, you can launch a successful career in tech sales—even without prior experience.

Ready to jumpstart your journey? Explore our tech sales course to gain the skills and confidence you need to succeed.