How to Get Into Tech Sales: Choose the Right Route for Your Experience

Job titles change from company to company. Read the job post, not just the title. An SDR finds and talks with possible buyers. An AE works to close new deals. An account manager cares for current clients and may grow their accounts. A customer success manager helps users get value from a product. A sales manager coaches a team. Our role guide and salary guide can help you compare them.

1. List your proof. Write down work you have done. Did you win a deal, keep a client, help a customer use a product, or coach a team? Use real numbers when you have them. If you do not, tell a clear story about what you did and what changed. If you have not held a tech sales title, use our no-experience guide to match your past work to a role.

2. Pick one main role. Now read ten job posts in your area. Circle the tasks you have done and the ones you need to learn. Pick one main role and one close second. A person who has closed deals may fit an AE role. A person who has helped clients stay and grow may fit account management. Test your fit with real posts.

3. Learn the buyer and product. Once you have a role, pick two companies you like. Who buys from them? What problem does the product solve? Learn the part of the sales process that belongs to your target job. You should be able to explain one real buyer problem in simple words.

4. Fix your resume and LinkedIn. Next, show what you did, who you helped, and the result. A clear line about the client work you owned tells an employer more than “great with people.” Use only facts you can back up. For more detail, see our resume guide and LinkedIn guide.

Illustrative example: Jordan is a made-up retail team lead. Jordan chooses SDR as the main role. The resume shows real customer questions, team training, and goals from retail. It does not claim software sales work. The LinkedIn page tells the same story.

5. Make one work sample. After your resume is clear, make proof for the new job. An SDR can write a short note about a target company and a sample email. An AE can write questions for a first sales call. An account manager can draft a client plan. Say clearly that a sample is a practice task. In the made-up Jordan example, the sample is a short buyer note and email marked “Practice project.”

6. Apply to jobs that fit. Use the proof that matters for each role. Keep track of your applications, replies, and interviews. Reach out to a hiring manager with a clear reason you fit. More applications alone will not fix a weak match.

7. Practice the interview. Last, practice the tasks the role may test. An SDR may do a cold-call test. An AE may explain a past deal. An account manager or CSM may discuss a client at risk. A manager may share a coaching example. Practice aloud, ask for feedback, and work on the part that trips you up. Our SDR interview guide can help.

Use the work you already know. A first-time seller might aim at SDR or BDR jobs. A seller who has closed full deals should also test AE roles. A person who owns client accounts can look at AM or CSM work. A team leader can check management roles. Look at real hiring needs before you spend months chasing the wrong title.

That depends on the job. Some employers ask for a degree or past tech work. Others care more about what you can do. You can learn a lot on your own. A paid program can make sense if you need a coach, interview practice, and help with the job search. Ask what is included before you join.