It can be tough to get a sales job, or any job, if you have no formal experience. But it’s not impossible. You just need to go about your job search the right way. You need to know the things that will get the attention of sales recruiters and hiring managers.

Here are a number of strategies to use to sell yourself to a sales recruiter if you have no formal experience:

1. Be Willing to Start at the Bottom

You can’t expect to get hired for a senior role if you lack necessary experience, but you may be able to get an entry-level position. Use this as your opportunity to get your foot in the door and then work toward getting promoted to a more senior level. Communicate your willingness to put in the time and effort to make up for your lack of experience.

2. Know the Company and the Role

Without experience, recruiters will be looking for a reason to disqualify you as a candidate. Don’t give them one. This means knowing as much as possible about the company, the role, and how your skills will make you an ideal candidate.

3. Find a Way to Connect Yourself to the Position

Focusing on the skills you have is important. We all have certain transferable skills that are applicable to sales roles. Use your transferable skill set to find a way to connect yourself and previous experience to the job you want. This will help you position yourself as a viable candidate.

4. Sell Yourself

Put your sales skills on display during the interview. You will need to do an effective job of selling the interviewer on why they should choose you over other experienced candidates and why you would be a good fit for the job. Be ready to answer questions about how you will make up for your lack of experience and why the company should take a risk on you.

More Sales Recruiter Job Search Tips

Trying to break into sales? Lack experience? Check out these blog posts to get more tips and strategies for getting a sales job:

Don’t Have All the Job Requirements? 5 Ways to Still Impress Your Sales Recruiter

4 Things to Avoid When Trying to Impress Your Sales Recruiter

The 6 WORST Job Search Mistakes Recruiters Agree Will Cost You That Sales Job

SalesForce Search is a sales recruiting company which specializes in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals. We recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. Find the right salesperson for your organization, start your search here.