Sales Experience Explained: What It Is and How to Get It 

Sales—it’s the game changer in any business. Whether you’re selling a product, pitching a service, or promoting yourself in a job interview, sales skills are your golden ticket to success. But what does sales experience really mean? And more importantly, how can you get it, even if you're starting with zero experience? 

This guide will demystify sales experience and show you actionable ways to kickstart (or strengthen) your sales career. From entry-level gigs to B2B opportunities and training programs, we’ve got all the bases covered. 

Oh, and pro-tip for the go-getters—this isn’t just about jobs, it’s about building the kind of confidence that closes deals and moves the needle. 

What Is Sales Experience? 

At its core, sales experience is your ability to close deals, persuade others, and understand the sales process. It’s not just limited to selling products or services—anytime you’ve convinced someone to take action (e.g., job interviews or fundraising), you've flexed your sales skills. But when we talk about measurable sales experience, we usually mean situations where you’ve directly driven revenue for a company. 

Have you sold Girl Scout cookies door-to-door? Hustled car waxes at a summer job? While these don’t make you a seasoned salesperson, they’re part of your story. 

Most employers, though, are after something more structured. They want proof of:

• Customer interaction

• Persuasion and negotiation skills

• Proven ability to hit (or exceed) target goals 

If you’ve got none of that yet—don’t panic. It’s entirely possible to craft a career in sales from zero. 

Why Sales Experience Matters 

It begs the question—why is “sales experience” such a buzzword on resumes, interviews, and LinkedIn? 

Because sales roles teach invaluable skills:

• Self-discipline: Sales routines, targets, and results push you to stay organized. 

• Mental resilience: Rejections toughen you while pushing through develops tenacity. 

• Negotiation abilities: Getting a "maybe" to a "yes" is a skill you'll use far beyond the sales floor. 

For business owners and marketing pros, understanding the sales process can also drive better campaigns, improve communication strategies, and build higher-performing teams. 

How to Get Your First Sales Experience 

If you’re just starting, the sales job market can seem daunting. Here’s the good news—it’s easier to break into sales than you think. These are the three best ways to get started. 

1. Starting from the Bottom 

Entry-level sales roles are abundant and don’t demand dazzling resumes. Companies looking for raw potential often hire those without experience—this allows them to mold you into their specific sales style. 

Many of these roles might offer minimal pay or commission-only salaries, but hey, they’re launching pads for your career. Look for positions like:

• Sales internships: These are ideal if you're in college or exploring industries like tech or advertising. Titles like Sales Development Representative (SDR) or Junior Account Executive are common here. 

• Retail sales: Selling products in a store (or online for an eCommerce company) taps into customer service and objection handling—a great primer for more complex roles. 

• Internal (inside) sales: Already working in a non-sales role? Internal sales can be an accessible transition if your company has a sales team. Start by volunteering to assist in sales tasks or applying for openings within your company. 

2. Sales Training Programs 

No time for a “learning-on-the-job” vibe? Bootcamps and training courses speed up the process by teaching you the fundamentals. You’ll master essentials like:

• Needs Discovery: Understanding what your prospect really wants. 

• Building Rapport: Because trust is half the sale. 

• Handling Objections: Turning “No” into “Maybe” (and then “Yes”). 

• Prospecting: Finding leads and keeping pipelines full. 

• Negotiation Tactics: Closing deals in a way that feels like a win-win. 

Platforms like HubSpot Academy and other online programs are fantastic resources. They’re quick, intensive, and often come with certificates that boost your credibility.   

3. Commission-Based Gigs 

Feeling bold? Try commission-only sales jobs. 

You’ll only get paid when you close, but the silver lining—these jobs often come with unparalleled training and flexible hours. While challenging, they’re one of the fastest paths to real-world experience while maintaining other commitments (like school or another job). 

Types of Sales Jobs You Can Get Without Experience 

There’s no one-size-fits-all role for aspiring sales professionals. Before you jump into any role, think about your own personality, long-term goals, and learning preferences. Here are 4 entry-level paths worth exploring. 

1. Cold Sales Positions 

Cold outreach (e.g., cold emails or calls) is sales trial by fire. You’re reaching out to people who haven’t shown any prior interest in your product. With an average 2% close rate, it’s a numbers game that teaches grit, tons of resilience, and how to handle rejections like a pro. Cold sales teams excel with tools that streamline lead generation, queue calls, and track performance. 

2. Retail Sales Positions 

Retail isn’t just for college students—it’s where many sales stories begin. Whether you’re working at a flagship apparel store or managing online sales, the focus is on B2C (business-to-consumer) interaction. 

 Think face-to-face engagement, upselling, and ensuring every customer walks away satisfied. 

3. Internal Sales Positions 

Already employed? Inside sales teams often hire internally. You already know the product and the audience—plus, there’s no need to start at square zero with onboarding. Consider checking in with HR about lateral opportunities if your company has a sales department. 

4. Commission-Based Positions 

We touched on these earlier, but they’re worth reiterating if financial risk isn’t a deterrent. These roles cut out fluff—you make money only when you do the job well. Think insurance sales, subscription services, or on-the-ground promotions. 

How to Break Into B2B Sales 

B2B sales (selling to businesses rather than individual consumers) is the holy grail—higher pay, greater deals, and bigger challenges. Breaking into the B2B world often requires a degree or prior B2C sales experience, but don’t be discouraged if you’re missing the credentials. 

Steps to Start in B2B Sales:

• Start as a Sales Development Representative (SDR): Many SaaS companies hire SDRs to focus on cold prospecting and lead nurturing. 

• Develop Soft Skills: Strong communication and networking skills are vital for complex B2B environments. 

• Get a Degree (Optional): While not mandatory, degrees in business, communications, or marketing can open B2B doors faster. 

Whether it’s mastering pipelines on platforms like Endy Media or building campaigns yourself, B2B is where strategy truly shines. 

Wrapping It All Together 

Sales experience isn’t just about numbers—it’s about growth, resilience, and understanding human connection. Whether you’re striving for a ground-level sales job, training as an SDR, or plotting the leap into B2B, every role adds value. 

If you’re looking for tailored support, Endy Media has been redefining what the cold sales process looks like. By booking calls for businesses across industries, we’ve proven that systems, paired with expert training, make all the difference. 

Sales isn’t just a job—it’s a career you build one “yes” at a time.