Break into Tech Sales WITHOUT Any Experience (Timeless Guide 📝)

Summary

In this video, Trent Russell shares essential strategies for landing a tech sales job in 2023, drawing from his own success in the industry. He warns against the common mistake of mass applying and instead outlines three key steps: optimizing your LinkedIn profile, identifying personal work preferences while targeting top companies, and creatively prospecting into those companies. By enhancing your online presence, being strategic about job applications, and networking effectively, Trent demonstrates how candidates can stand out and secure their dream roles in tech sales.

Takeaways

• 😀 Optimize your LinkedIn profile as it's the new resume; focus on a professional headshot, a concise summary, and relevant experience.
• 😀 Avoid mass applying to companies; instead, target a select list of companies that align with your preferences.
• 😀 Create a list of your work preferences, including work location, environment, and specific job titles you are pursuing.
• 😀 Research and define the salary expectations for your desired roles to ensure they align with your financial goals.
• 😀 Use resources like Substack, Market Cap, and TechCrunch to identify top-performing tech companies for your job search.
• 😀 Begin prospecting by applying for jobs through both the front door (official applications) and the back door (networking).
• 😀 Engage with potential contacts on LinkedIn by liking and commenting on their posts to build rapport before reaching out.
• 😀 Approach networking with confidence; frame yourself as someone who can solve problems for the company.
• 😀 Leverage tools like ChatGPT to enhance your LinkedIn summary and experience sections with professional language.
• 😀 Remember that recruiters need to fill positions, so maintain a positive mindset; companies are looking to hire successful candidates.

Q & A

What is the primary mistake that many sales reps make when applying for jobs?

The number one mistake is mass applying to companies, which often leads to a lack of focus and reduced chances of getting hired.

What are the three proven steps to get hired in tech sales without experience?

The three steps are: 1) Optimize your LinkedIn profile, 2) Make a list of your personal work preferences and the top 10 companies you want to work for, and 3) Begin prospecting into those companies.

Why is a LinkedIn profile considered more important than a traditional resume?

Recruiters often look at LinkedIn profiles first when deciding whether to interview a candidate, making it a crucial aspect of your job application.

What should you focus on when updating your LinkedIn profile?

You should focus on having a professional headshot, a concise summary, and detailing your experiences, highlighting transferable skills and achievements.

How can you create a professional headshot on a budget?

You can take a photo with natural lighting in front of a window, edit it on Canva to remove the background, and use a light gray color for the background to give it a professional look.

What four questions should you answer when determining your work preferences?

You should consider: 1) Remote, in-office, or hybrid work, 2) Work location, 3) The specific job title you are targeting, and 4) Your desired salary range.

What resources can you use to identify top companies to work for in tech sales?

You can refer to the 'Clouded Judgment' substack for insights on top-performing software companies or use companymarketcap.com to filter by the largest tech companies.

What is the difference between the front door and back door approach to applying for jobs?

The front door approach involves directly applying through the company website, while the back door approach involves networking and creatively reaching out to individuals within the company to get noticed.

How can you effectively network with professionals in your target companies?

Engage with their content on LinkedIn, comment thoughtfully on their posts, and later reach out with specific questions about their experiences at the company.

What mindset should you adopt when reaching out to potential employers?

Adopt a confident mindset that focuses on how you can solve problems for the company, rather than coming across as desperate for a job.