How to Break Into Tech Sales: The Step-by-Step Guide That Actually Works

INTRO

Most people trying to break into tech sales are going about it the wrong way.

The job market has shifted. It’s more competitive, but that doesn’t mean it’s closed. It just means the playbook has changed. This guide gives you the actual, actionable steps to get your foot in the door fast. If you’re a career changer or recent grad looking to break into tech sales in 2025, this is for you.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why your applications are getting ignored (and how to fix it)
• What top candidates are doing differently to get hired fast
• How to stand out in interviews, even with zero tech experience
• The difference between free vs. paid paths into tech sales

CONTEXT: WHY THIS MATTERS

A few years ago, you could spray and pray. Apply to 200 jobs and land five interviews. That playbook is dead.

Today, companies are leaner. Layoffs, budget cuts, and hiring freezes mean every role is competitive. Hundreds of people apply for every SDR role, and most of them never make it past the first filter.

But here’s what most people miss: the bar hasn’t gotten higher. It’s just clearer. The people getting hired are the ones who know how to show their value from day one.

MISTAKE #1: Mass Applying Without a Strategy

If you're still hitting Easy Apply 50 times a day, you're wasting time.

It feels productive, but all you're doing is joining a list of 500 other applicants. And the ones who stand out? They aren’t relying on luck.

Instead, start by identifying 20 companies you actually want to work for. Research the hiring manager. Reach out directly. If you really want to stand out, record a 45-second video explaining why you’re interested and what you bring to the table.

Add them on LinkedIn. Send a message that proves you did your homework. Most candidates never even do that. Out of 250 applicants for one role, only 7 sent a relevant message. Those were the only people seriously considered.

MISTAKE #2: Obsessing Over Your Resume Instead of Progressing

Your resume matters. But tweaking bullet points for weeks is a trap.

Here’s the better path: spend one solid day getting your resume to a strong version 1. Then move on. Start sending it to actual people in tech sales. Ask them for feedback. Let the market tell you if your pitch is working.

Think of your resume as a living doc. Your real advantage is in refining it through conversations and interviews, not perfectionism in isolation.

MISTAKE #3: Waiting to Prepare Until After You Get an Interview

This is the silent killer. People spend all their energy getting the interview, then freeze when they actually get one.

If you're serious, start prepping now. Practice telling your story in under 60 seconds. Learn how to ask smart, relevant questions. Write follow-up emails that actually stand out.

Most people wait until the night before their first interview. That’s how they blow it.

STRATEGY: Stack the Odds in Your Favor

If you want to break into tech sales, here’s the system:

1. Build a short list of 20 to 30 companies. Look for mid-market SaaS firms hiring SDRs and set job alerts.
2. Reach out to hiring managers directly. Use LinkedIn, email, or even a cold call if you’re bold.
3. Customize every message. Reference something specific about the company, product, or leadership.
4. Interview prep starts now. Don’t wait. Use real job descriptions to practice.

This is what the top 1% of candidates are doing. The rest are sitting in job boards refreshing the page.

PREPARATION: Do the Job Before You Get the Job

Here’s the hard truth: you don’t need tech experience to land your first role. You need to show you can think like a sales rep.

That means:

• Researching companies before interviews
• Asking thoughtful, business-focused questions
• Showing curiosity, coachability, and energy

Want to stand out? Find a recent case study about the company’s product. In your interview, say: "I saw Company X used your product to increase revenue 38%. Is that outcome typical for your clients, or was that a unique use case?"

Most candidates don’t ask anything close to that level (podcast has more examples). You do that once and hiring managers will remember you.

FREE VS PAID PATH: What Actually Matters

You do not need to pay $10,000 for a bootcamp to break into tech sales.

But here’s what paid programs like Tech Sales Ascension do offer:

• A clear framework from people actually working in tech sales today
• Feedback and coaching from experts
• A community of peers to hold you accountable

If you’re motivated and have strong mentors, you can absolutely go the free route. But if you’re spinning your wheels, trying to figure it all out alone, getting real guidance can shave months off your timeline and get you to your goal of a well paid tech sales job much sooner.

INTERVIEWS: How to Stand Out When You Get the Call

Getting the interview is step one. Now you need to separate yourself.

Here’s how:

• Know your 60-second pitch cold. Focus on transferable skills and why you want this path.
• Ask 2 to 3 tailored questions that show research and business understanding.
• Follow up within 2 hours. Mention something specific from the conversation.

Don’t try to be perfect. Just show effort. Most people wing it and sound the same. Be the one who came prepared.

FAQ

Q: Can I break into tech sales without a degree?
A: Absolutely. Many successful SDRs have no degree. Focus on showing work ethic, coachability, and a clear interest in sales.

Q: What should I do if I keep getting rejected?
A: Rejection is part of the process. Every failed interview is valuable feedback. Adjust, improve, and move on. The people who win are the ones who keep going.

Q: Do I need sales experience to get hired?
A: No. You need to show that you understand what sales is and that you're ready to learn. Customer service, project management, and even retail can all translate.

Q: How long does it usually take to break in?
A: With the right strategy and consistent effort, most Higher Levels students break in within 60 to 90 days.

→ If you want a step-by-step system that’s helped hundreds break into tech sales, check out Tech Sales Ascension. It’s the most effective path to landing your first SDR role.

TL;DR

• Mass applying doesn’t work. Be strategic and reach out directly.
• Get feedback on your resume fast. Don’t spend weeks tweaking.
• Start interview prep early. Most people wait too long.
• Learn how to ask great questions. That’s how you win interviews.
• Paid or free, follow a system. Do what top candidates are doing.