Finding Success in the World of Tech Sales Careers

Tech sales careers are in high demand as the technology industry continues to rise in prominence, with sectors like FinTech, EdTech and others raising the profile of tech businesses and creating a new need for tech roles.

This rise in demand has been prominent across the tech market, particularly in tech sales, where a rising number of products and increased competition have meant a greater need for highly skilled salespeople to get products in front of the right people at the right time.
 
Tech is an industry that continues to grow annually, making it a sector likely to boom for years to come across both B2B and B2C markets. For businesses, a skilled tech sales recruit with the technical know-how and the ability to sell is a priceless asset. But with the industry growing, competition for the best salespeople has gone the same way.
 
Identifying and bringing on board the right salespeople with the right skills can be the difference between success and failure. Find out more about tech sales careers and discover your next tech sales recruit with Pareto.

What is Tech Sales?

Tech sales jobs focus on selling software, technical equipment and devices, from cloud-based storage solutions and communications technology to complex software and innovative programmes.

The most important requirement for working in tech sales is having an excellent understanding of the industry and product. As a tech business, you need salespeople who can answer questions about intricate systems in a way that gives the buyer confidence. Additionally, a tech salesperson must demonstrate how technology products can solve potential clients' problems.

In addition, the constantly evolving nature of tech means change is always around the corner. For this reason, tech salespeople need to be able to learn new things quickly, be adaptable and think on their feet.

Challenges and Benefits of Tech Sales Jobs

The growth in the technology sector means venturing into tech sales careers can be highly rewarding. However, it's not without its challenges.

Challenge of Tech Sales Jobs

As an industry, tech sales is fast-paced and constantly evolving, meaning it's easy to fall behind the latest advancements if you're not adaptable and able to deal with change. Additionally, tech salespeople must always be looking to learn and motivated to stay in touch with industry developments.

Clients trust you to deliver the right solution for their needs, so your tech salespeople need to remain up-to-date and have an in-depth knowledge of your products and services. In addition, you need to ensure your staff know everything your product can do so they can answer any questions seamlessly.

Benefits of Tech Sales Jobs

The demand for people with a much sought-after combination of tech knowledge and sales prowess means the skillset is highly desirable. Tech sales recruits also get to work with various clients from different industries.

Salespeople with a passion for technology will enjoy researching and developing new solutions. As a result, tech sales jobs are enriching, with talent being able to solve problems your client faces by presenting the right tool to make their lives easier. Ultimately, this will build trust and loyalty with your clients and help you establish more long-term partnerships with your clients. 

How to Get Into Tech Sales

People start their tech sales careers from a range of backgrounds and specialisms. However, the need for salespeople with a good understanding of technology means businesses often look for a new kind of salesperson for their open tech sales jobs.

One of the most common tech sales career paths is through a regular sales role. Many people may not necessarily have a tech background, but if they've grown up around technology, the chances are they'll be fluent in its uses. Combine this with soft skills and the ability to sell, and you might just have a tech sales superstar on your hands.

Others may come from more of a tech background, bringing that highly desirable product knowledge and technological way of thinking to the table, but they are embarking on a sales role for the first time. In this instance, your future tech salesperson will require sales training to get them up to speed with the world of sales. 

It's not impossible to find a salesperson for tech straight after graduation. Tech sales recruiters look for in-depth knowledge, so a technical degree in computer science or similar could be the stepping stone to a successful tech sales career. However, such a degree isn't essential to land a role in tech sales. Many sales companies will be willing to take on graduates from a broader spectrum who desire to learn and succeed.

Top Tech Sales Jobs

The tech industry is thriving, meaning there are countless opportunities to develop and progress in a tech sales career. Some of the roles you might offer your sales team include:

• Graduate Tech Sales Representative – With an interest in technology and a drive to succeed, tech sales jobs are perfect for those without too much experience.
• Technical Sales Executive – Once your salesperson has developed their skills and begins to build a rapport with your clients, they can progress to an executive level with more challenging targets and responsibility for leading pitches and calls.
• Technical Sales Manager – With a few years of tech sales experience, sales staff can transition to a management position. Here they’ll be responsible for developing and monitoring a sales team to ensure they meet their targets, with strategy becoming a priority.
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – Now considered an expert in all things tech and sales, managers may be ready to move into a senior position. As CTO, they'll be responsible for all the company's technical aspects, including strategy, sales, development, the tech support team and product offering.

Tech Sales Salary Expectations

Average tech sales salaries range greatly depending on the tech sales job, but employees can expect to earn the below:

• Graduate Tech Sales Representative: £20,000 - £27,000
• Technical Sales Executive: £25,000 - £35,000
• Technical Sales Manager: £30,000 - £55,000
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO): £60,000 - £90,000

Tech sales is an industry that never stands still, bringing with it a raft of challenges for businesses to overcome if they want to find success. Not only do you have to get ahead of the competition, but you also have to work hard to stay there too. However, recruiting driven tech salespeople who are passionate about delivering solutions through industry-defining tech can propel your business to sales success.

Progressing Your Sales Team

We can help you find your perfect tech sales recruit if your business requires a tech salesperson. Alternatively, get in touch with our team if you're looking to empower or kickstart your tech sales career. Regardless of your situation, we will help you realise your potential.