There’s a misconception in the business marketplace that technology sales is for the young. That’s simply not true. No matter where you are in your career journey, you can successfully transition to a career in tech sales. In fact, there are many reasons why professionals with more experience should consider getting into tech sales.
The industry is constantly changing.
The technology industry is constantly reinventing itself. There is no status quo. Tech entrepreneurs are always pushing the needle and developing new and exciting technologies and solutions. Every year there are 1.35 million technology startups worldwide, and as the best ones grow, they will be looking for the right talent to join their team.
In tech sales, you’re continuously learning – about new products, new competitors, and new customers. There is no such thing as “learning the ropes” and knowing it all. This is why sales professionals who are adaptable and have experience with how industries change over time can be very successful in tech sales.
New technology makes it easy to get started.
The tech sales ecosystem has exploded over the last ten years, and these technologies make it easier for sales people to do their jobs. For example, technologies like call monitoring, call coaching and email templating make it easier to train and learn new skills. Cadence tools now take the guesswork out of follow-up. CRM systems can now manage client engagement and talking points. What this means is that professionals new to tech sales are able to get up to speed far more quickly than in the past – spending less time learning the tech and more time selling.
The job market right now is in your favor.
Because technology is always in demand, it’s always a good time to get started in tech sales. But the job market in tech sales right now may be the best time we’ve ever seen. The pandemic, combined with the great resignation, means employers are scrambling to fill roles. They are taking chances on candidates they may not have considered before, looking for outside-the-box professionals such as those transitioning from other industries. Many of these candidates are proving to be rockstars, leading employers to continue to look for unique candidates.
Employers are looking for diversity.
In today’s job market, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) are always top of mind for employers. And tenure diversity is certainly among some the most challenging to solve for. Companies are looking for candidates from different age groups, ethnicities, genders, and more. According to a report from McKinsey & Company, tech companies are among those increasingly embracing bolder actions to bolster diversity. And everyone from Newsweek to MarketWatch to Forbes are touting the benefits of hiring older workers. You may find that being older has now become your asset, instead of a challenge.
There are advantages to being an experienced professional.
Experience has value. Sales managers are always looking for mature professionals to join their team. Mature professionals are often easier to coach; already understand business fundamentals; and know the value of hard work, persistence and determination. The more experienced you are, the more obstacles you’ve overcome – a key quality employers are looking for in a field that is about persevering through rejection to find the win.
If you’re looking to change jobs after years in another industry, you’re not alone. Fifty-five percent of adults say they’re looking to change jobs within the next 12 months, and 40 percent of workers age 54 and older have considered switching jobs because of the new opportunities available. If you’re willing to learn and put in the work, you’ll find that tech sales may be a lot easier than you imagined. In fact, the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) found that most older workers who change jobs are successful.
Tech sales isn’t just for younger generations. Don’t limit your career search by counting this booming industry out.
Is tech the right industry for you? Read Tech Sales: Why Technology Is the Best Industry for Salespeople
