If you have killer sales skills, you want to be employed at an organization with a bright future and lots of growth potential. That’s why so many salespeople are looking to tech startups for new opportunities. If you work in a non-tech industry and want to make the transition, there are a few things to note before jumping ship.
First, your soft skills will transfer wherever you go. Soft skills include things like a knack for client conversation, an ability to understand pain points, and a mind for solving problems. If you’re good at basic sales techniques, you are halfway there.
To prepare for the industry transition, you need to reinvent yourself through education. Immerse yourself in the tech industry and learn as much as you can even before interviewing. There are three main segments of tech: hardware, software and services. Learn about the business landscape of whatever segment the startup is in, and at the very minimum, master the basics of the product the company sells.
To help you learn about the industry and gain some momentum, you need to begin building your professional network by adding some influential contacts in the technology space. For starters, follow tech leaders on LinkedIn and make new connections. Write posts and solicit feedback. Attend local events such as mobile tech meetups or women in technology groups and introduce yourself to new people. Always be reading. Connect with other people in sales who have made the transition and see what advice they can provide you.
Niche job boards are a tremendous help when vetting open positions, too. Dice.com is the big one, but Mashable’s job board is a good place to find tech sales openings. CrunchBoard isn’t just a great place for tech news, it’s also a good source for tech job posts. Finally, TechCareers by Beyond.com offers educational tools, networking opportunities and job listings.
When it comes time to craft your resume and cover letter, emphasize why you want to work in the tech field. Your future employer is going to want to know and will probably bring it up at the interview, too. The ability to use industry terminology correctly while conveying your passion and energy will get you noticed.
Remember, working in the technology sector is unique in itself, and working for a startup requires a special mindset. Processes are often undefined, so it can feel a bit like the Wild West. To succeed, you must be agile and willing to embrace change. You may blaze trails regularly at your new job, so you must be flexible and open-minded.
While job hunting, always dream big with your feet firmly on the ground. Survivor bias is alive in well in technology, meaning you only hear about the companies that are lucrative, not all the ones that fail — and most startups do fail (in every industry). Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions at interviews either. For example: Is the company well-capitalized or financed? Is it profitable? What is the burn rate? Answers to the questions will help you gauge risk so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
