Career Tracks

Tech Sales

101 What Is Tech Sales?

Technical Sales includes promoting, demonstrating, supporting, and selling software and tools. Sales is how software companies drives revenue. Expect to start out as a Sales Development Representative (SDR). The average salary for an entry-level SDR is $44,000

Jump to a list of all Fullstack Developer Bootcamps

What is Technical Sales?

In tech sales, you’ll specialize in promoting, demonstrating, supporting, and (most importantly) selling software and tools. Technical sales is how software companies generate new customers, revenue, and gather feedback to improve their products. Tech sales is a booming, competitive field with thousands of new professionals added to the pool each month. As long as you’re willing to compete, tech sales might be the most accessible way to enter the tech field without learning how to code.

How to Get a Job in Tech Sales

Technical sales as an industry is quite competitive. With sales bootcamps like SV Academy getting over 1,000 applications per week to fill 100 slots per month, you will need to be prepared to compete. Educational requirements vary depending on the product you are selling. For tech sales, a bachelor’s degree is not a prerequisite but it is almost always preferred. You’ll definitely want to brush up on basic knowledge of computer programming and the industry you’ll be entering. 

Most technical sales positions expect you to have experience before applying for the job. Experience can be gained through internships if you’re still in college or a tech sales bootcamp. Some companies offer training programs for beginner sales representatives or a 1 year probationary contract that involves an onboarding training program and a ramp-up period.  

Sales bootcamps last between 3-13 weeks and cost anywhere from free to $10,000. Free bootcamps like SV Academy typically stay afloat with funding from companies who want to hire their graduates. Some bootcamps will even pay their students or graduates if they do a fellowship at a participating company. Check out Course Report's 2021 List of the 7 Best Tech Sales Bootcamps!

Tech Sales Jobs

The opportunities for upward mobility in these fast-paced tech sales jobs are unlike any other if you have the chops! Some jobs may require a degree, others might want a background in sales, and some simply require you to prove your skills during phone screenings and interviews. 

Here are some common tech sales jobs

  • Sales Development Representative 
  • Sales Engineer
  • Outbound SDR
  • Inbound SDR
  • Inside Sales Representative 
  • Outside Sales Representative
  • Enterprise SDR
  • Associate Customer Success Manager
  • Customer Success Manager
  • Account Executive

Tech Sales Job Description

Those in tech sales jobs are expected to promote and sell their company’s product by demonstrating how it works and why it is the best product for a customer. As a tech sales professional, you will most likely start working in sales development, acting as a liaison between sales managers and clients. Distinguishing between business development and sales development is important. Sales is how revenue is generated within a chosen market segment while business development is finding a fit between the product and a segment of the market. 

What Does a Sales Development Representative (SDR) Do?

A Sales Development Representative (SDR) cold emails and cold calls potential clients. They work with other teams within their company to learn, promote, and improve the product. A good SDR will use tools like SalesForce and other CRM software to manage their leads pipeline. An SDR will work with their sales manager or team lead as a liaison for clients, to effectively sell the product, and to understand how the product is the most useful tool for their customers. A strong SDR will also examine similar products in the field to understand how their product is different from rival companies. Some SDRs might also gather information on how the product could be improved and what new products should be offered. 

Here’s what real technical sales professionals say about their jobs:

“I started as a Sales Development Representative sending emails, cold calling, and using sales software. After five months, I got promoted to Associate Customer Success Manager and I now make sure the client is getting the best return on investment and using the platform properly. Nine months later, I was promoted to Customer Success Manager. Now, I talk to clients about their goals, conversion rates, how to use our platform, and we strategize about how to get them the most bang for their buck.”

SV Academy graduate Baba, who is now a Customer Success Manager.

Tech Sales Salaries

Sales Job Average Salary
Sales Development Representative (SDR) $44,000 – $57,000
Customer Success Manager $68,000
Account Executive $90,000

 

Tech Sales Skills

Tech sales representatives will need to know some software and have a basic understanding of computer programming. More importantly, they will need to have the appropriate soft skills to sell a product convincingly and convert as many clients as possible. 

  • LinkedIn Sales Navigator - LinkedIn Sales Navigator is an advanced sales tool that helps sales representatives build customer relationships on the LinkedIn network. This tool provides special search features and filters to show sales representatives the right potential customers to reach out to. 
  • Apollo - Apollo is a data-focused account-based engagement platform that helps sales representatives increase the number of quality conversations they’re having. It defines who to target, how to reach out, and how in-depth they should get. 
  • Cold Calling - Tech sales professionals cold call potential customers and talk to them about why the product they are selling is the best solution for them. They want to convert that potential client into a user of their product. 
  • Cold Pitching via email - Tech sales professionals draft emails to send to potential clients multiple times a day, often in batches. These email pitches are comprised of compelling copy that gets potential clients interested in your product. 
  • SalesForce - SalesForce is a CRM tool used to connect marketing, sales, commerce, and service departments. 
  • CRM Tools - CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. CRM is any tool, strategy, or process that is used to organize and access customer data. CRM tools connect various departments, organize notes, track activity, and record metrics all in one place. 
  • Technical Support - A Technical Sales Representative will provide technical support to clients to strengthen relationships. They might also demonstrate a product for a client. 
  • Soft Skills
    • Communication - Communication is probably the most important soft skill for technical sales. You will need to be able to demonstrate over the phone or in an email why the product you're selling is the best product for the customer. You will also need to be able to interact with your team, manager, and clients in your pipeline with clear correspondence.
    • Listening - Building relationships with potential clients will rely on good listening skills as much as good conversation. A potential client that feels heard is more likely to convert. 
    • Time Management - Tech sales representatives and managers alike will need to know how to manage their time in order to hit their expected metrics. 
    • Storytelling - Fast facts about technical products is not going to convert the layman the software was made for. Tech sales reps need to know how to sell a product by relating it to the potential customer’s experiences. 

Do I need to be a software engineer in order to do tech sales?

You do not need to know how to code to work in technical sales. However, you will need to be able to grasp technical concepts of how a product functions, be able to demonstrate those functions, and how it might work better for your clients. Basic knowledge of coding will help you give your customers a deeper understanding of your product or service. With coding skills, you will likely end up doing technical support once you’ve been promoted from an entry-level sales position.

FEATURED SCHOOLS

Schools may compensate Course Report for featured placement.

 

Showing 1 - 25 of 40

  1. 1519
    Reviews
    11
    Courses

    Springboard is an online learning platform that prepares students for the tech industry’s most in-demand careers with comprehensive, mentor-led online progra... Learn more about Springboard.

    Pichamon Alvarez

    5Graduate - Course: Data Analytics Career Track - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Springboard's Data Analytics Career Track

     Springboard's Data Analytics Career Track not only offers valuable mentorship but also provides access to career coaches. These professionals offer tailored gu
  2. 485
    Reviews
    6
    Courses

    CourseCareers is an online modern learning platform that offers affordable, self-paced courses in technology sales and information technology. Students start... Learn more about CourseCareers.

    Nedra Mitchell

    5Student - Course: Technology Sales Course - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Exited about CourseCareers

    When I first heard about it, I was a little skeptical. Seeing on the The Table with AO, I knew it was legit. I am going through the course, and there is so much
  3. 311
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    As part of its lifetime membership, Prehired offers an online part-time tech sales career launch program with a job guarantee. Members will learn sales-relat... Learn more about Prehired.

    Celina Kingery

    5Student - Course: Prehired Science-Based Sales® - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Student

    I had some sales background in the towing and repossession industry but nothing that would qualify me for Tech Sales. I was looking for a major change in my lif
  4. 295
    Reviews
    6
    Courses

    Careerist is a US-based career accelerator offering online courses in Manual QA, QA Automation, Tech Sales, UX Design, Data Analytics, and Systems Engineerin... Learn more about Careerist.

    Cal K.

    5Student - Course: UX/UI Design bootcamp - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Thorough, Hands-On Experience with Great Instructors

    Careerist has helped continue my professional education in the UI/UX design industry. It enabled me to increase my skills and confidence in areas that I felt we
  5. 257
    Reviews
    17
    Courses

    Interview Kickstart is a part-time, 12-15 week online interview training platform that helps software engineers nail technical interviews at FAANG (Facebook,... Learn more about Interview Kickstart.

    Volodymyr Oros

    5Applicant - Course: Technical Program Manager Interview course - San Jose

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Best fit for my need

    I've moved to Silicon Valley and figured out that competition to FAANG companies is very high, so my interviewing skills need to be improved. It turned out that
  6. 224
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    SV Academy is an intensive tech sales training provider that offers a 4-week full-time and 8-week part-time online high-growth sales training program. The fu... Learn more about SV Academy.

    Renny A Stern

    5Graduate - Course: Fellowship - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: SV Academy is a homerun

    SV Academy is a boot camp that not only focuses on the skills of an SDR but the skills to be hirable in the tech field.  The mentors are supportive and the feed
  7. 204
    Reviews
    2
    Courses

    Test Pro is a 9-week, part-time online QA Engineer bootcamp. Test Pro utilizes an Agile Scrum teaching methodology. QA Engineer bootcamp students will learn ... Learn more about Test Pro.

    Maksim Chuvashov

    5Graduate - Course: QA Engineer - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Great Experience

    Recently I finished my manual QA Engineer course and it was great.  I learned a lot, and the tutors were amazing at explaining things. The boot camp covers ever
  8. 138
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Elevate is a 10-week, multi-tiered online Sales Development Representative (SDR)  bootcamp. The SDR bootcamp is part-time and meant to jump-start a student’s... Learn more about Elevate.

    Annisa Jehning

    5Applicant - Course: Sales Development Representative - First Summit - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: So far so good

    So far I've just completed all the tools to take the bootcamp. The bootcamp seems to have good tools under their belt for a successful program. The instructors
  9. 62
    Reviews
    4
    Courses

    Elevation uses a Blended Learning methodology, combining self-learning and live guided mentorship, to teach in-demand skills in R&D, Data, and Business v... Learn more about Elevation.

    GabiGabi

    5Graduate - Course: Coding Bootcamp - Tel Aviv

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: This is a review

    I always have been interested in programing but never knew where to begin. The coding bootcamp course is a great place to start that journey as a developer, the
  10. uvaro-logo

    Uvaro

    4.95
    61
    Reviews
    6
    Courses

    Uvaro is a community-based educational program that offers online career success programming with a focus on tech sales. Uvaro offers part-time and full-time... Learn more about Uvaro.

    Jason Jones

    5Graduate - Course: Tech Sales: 4 Weeks - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Best Choice I've made in long time!!!

    I had been struggling with making a career change. Not knowing what to do.  Then I came across Uvaro.  After speaking to the recruiter Jason.  Something was tel
  11. 52
    Reviews
    6
    Courses

    Aspireship is an industry-recognized reskilling and job placement platform that offers online, self-paced bootcamps in SaaS Sales Foundations, Customer Succe... Learn more about Aspireship.

    Riley Blaisdell

    5Graduate - Course: SaaS Sales Foundations - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Building Block of SaaS

    I was laid off with a sales background and wanted to get into tech.  But companies told me I didn't have a background. So I found a building block to help me wi
  12. 35
    Reviews
    2
    Courses

    Vendition is an online sales training provider that offers a self-paced Sales Bootcamp and a 12-week Apprenticeship. In the Sales Bootcamp, students receive ... Learn more about Vendition Sales Bootcamp.

    Olivia N

    5

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Client Engagement

    Steve really takes the time to make sure you are getting what you need out of the class. The whole staff is on your side. Steve is very intelligent and savvy wh
  13. 30
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Victory Lap is a self-paced, immersive, and virtual tech sales bootcamp. The tech sales curriculum is delivered through a combination of self-paced lessons, ... Learn more about Victory Lap.

    Stephen Wicks

    5Graduate - Course: Tech Sales Bootcamp - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: It's the real deal

    I am so thoroughly impressed and pleased with the curriculum, instructor, and staff of Victory Lap.  Their program will prepare you for a successful career in t
  14. 26
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    School16 is a 16-week, live online, part-time Technology Career Acceleration Program that gets students job-ready for tech careers without needing to learn h... Learn more about School16.

    Vilma Quito

    5Student - Course: Technology Career Acceleration Program - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Join a community!

    School16 came into my life at the most precise time. While I was very grateful for my previous experience in government I was curious about other career opportu
  15. 25
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Hyrise Academy is a recruiting and training program that offers a free, online tech sales program with a job guarantee. Selected candidates of Hyrise Academy... Learn more about Hyrise Academy.

    Noura K.

    5

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Best basis for your future career

    The rise academy gave me the best basis to optimally pursue my career in the tech sales industry. The complete training, the content, the personal feedback, and
  16. 24
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    PreSales Academy (PSA) is an 8-week, part-time online tech sales bootcamp that is broken up into three stages. Stage 1 (Ramp Up!) involves 3+ weeks of self-p... Learn more about PreSales Academy.

    Ana Rodriguez

    5Graduate - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Successfully transitioned into tech!

    Before I discovered the PreSales Academy, I had been trying to transition into the tech industry for months with no luck. The PSA provided me with the structure
  17. 20
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Sales Platoon is an immersive, online, 12-week Sales Academy bootcamp designed specifically for transitioning service members and military veterans. Sales Pl... Learn more about Sales Platoon.

    Camara Brown

    5Graduate - Course: Sales Academy - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Amazing course!

    Sales Platoon is an incredible resource for any military member leaving Active Duty service. The number of tools I received to help not only with a sales career
  18. 16
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Fuel Sales Academy offers an “Earn While You Learn” Sales Development Accelerator bootcamp in Kansas City, MO. This bootcamp is offered live online and takes... Learn more about Fuel Sales Academy.

    Oksana Zaskalna

    5Student - Course: Sales Development Accelerator - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Best start in Ed tech sales

    Can absolutely recommend this program if you are interested in getting into Ed Tech sales and see yourself working with schools and school districts (bringing t
  19. 15
    Reviews
    2
    Courses

    Ginger School is a training provider offering short, online, self-paced technical courses, such as Tech Sales. Ginger School courses are based on a learning-... Learn more about Ginger School.

    Ganiyat AfolabiGaniyat Afolabi

    5Graduate - Course: Data Analysis in Microsoft Excel - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: I have found a lot of useful tips

     Even though I have been using Excel for many years, I have found a lot of useful tips in this course that in the long run will help me be more efficient. The l

  20. Northwestern Kellogg School of Management offers a 24-week, online Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing bootcamp. Digital Marketing students will le... Learn more about Kellogg Executive Education | Bootcamps.

    Luis Morales

    5Graduate - Course: Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Best Digital Marketing course

    I've got to say it took me a few weeks to make my decision to enroll to this course -not only because the admission fee seems a bit high, but because my job lea
  21. 10
    Reviews
    3
    Courses

    Leveld is a tech training provider offering online, self-paced bootcamps in cybersecurity and tech sales. The Cybersecurity bootcamp covers topics like firew... Learn more about Leveld.

    Gazal F.Gazal F.

    5Student - Course: Cybersecurity - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Leveld Catapulted My Cybersecurity Career

    Leveld Careers provided me with a comprehensive, hands-on, and up-to-date curriculum that perfectly aligns with the dynamic world of cybersecurity. The courses
  22. 9
    Reviews
    2
    Courses

    The Skillians Academy is an India-based bootcamp offering live online bootcamps covering topics like artificial intelligence & machine learning (36 weeks... Learn more about The Skillians Academy.
  23. 6
    Reviews
    4
    Courses

    Nebula Academy is a 22-week, full stack software engineering bootcamp in Syosset, New York. Nebula Academy’s bootcamp is structured in 4-week sprints where s... Learn more about Nebula Academy.

    Deboraht N.

    5Graduate - Course: Fullstack Software Engineer (PERN) - Full Time - Long Island

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Software engineer

    I learned coding at Nebula, I was part of the first bootcamp. It was not easy at the beginning but it was amazing to see all you can do with a few lines of code
  24. 2
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Palette Skills is a Canadian-based training provider offering online bootcamps in B2B tech sales. Students attend the bootcamp full-time for 1 week and part-... Learn more about Palette Skills.

    Kaylea Gray

    5Graduate - Course: SalesCamp - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Stop thinking about it, do it!

    I couldn’t have been happier with my palette skills experience, the entire team is amazing! The course gave me the skills I needed to change career paths and fe
  25. 2
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Always Hired is a Technology Sales bootcamp that can be completed in person or online. Students receive training in Salesforce and all major SDR tools, sales... Learn more about Always Hired.

    Ken

    2Student - Course: Tech Sales Bootcamp (Online) - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Tech Sales Boot camp

    I paid $2000 for this early on in the pandemic.  Everything was a bit chaotic, as they were moving all their programs fully online.  The teachers were fine, the

Get our FREE Ultimate Guide to Paying for a Bootcamp

By submitting this form, you agree to receive email marketing from Course Report.

Get Matched in Minutes

Just tell us who you are and what you’re searching for, we’ll handle the rest.

Match Me