How to Land a Sales Job Without Experience: A Practical Guide

So, you're eyeing a sales job but worried about not having any experience?

Don’t sweat it.

Landing a job in sales, even with zero experience, is possible. It's comes to positioning yourself right and preparing strategically. Trust me, many of the best salespeople didn’t start out with a traditional sales background. In fact, they came from all sorts of careers and walks of life.

1. Leverage Your Transferable Skills

The beauty of sales is that it’s less about your résumé and more about your ability to connect with people.

Do you have strong communication skills? Problem-solving abilities?

These are highly transferable skills that can set you apart. Even if you’ve never worked in sales, you’ve likely had to persuade someone, negotiate terms, or communicate clearly in a previous role. You can emphasize that when you're prepping for interviews, like I covered here.

Think about moments when you had to resolve conflicts, manage relationships, or even convince your friends where to eat on a Friday night—all of that counts! 

2. Show You’re Hungry to Learn

Sales managers don’t just look for experience.

They look for drive.

They want someone who's coachable and willing to put in the effort. If you’re passionate about the product and demonstrate that you’re eager to learn the ropes, many companies are more than happy to train you.

I dive deeper into how you can frame this hunger for learning in this post.

Bottom line: don’t be shy about your lack of experience. Show them that you’re ready to grind and grow.

3. Start Networking

No matter where you are in your career, networking is gold.

Reach out to people in the sales field and ask them about their experiences.

LinkedIn is a great place to start. Attend webinars or local networking events. Building relationships can often open doors that sending out résumés alone won’t.

And when you're having those conversations, don’t be afraid to ask for advice on how they broke into sales without experience or what they’d do differently in your shoes.

4. Do Your Homework

Research is your friend. Look up the company you’re applying to, understand their products or services, and get familiar with their sales process. Even if you’ve never held a sales position, demonstrating that you’ve done your homework will impress hiring managers.

Being prepared shows you're serious, and you’ll be surprised how far that alone can get you.

5. Highlight Relevant Non-Sales Experience

Remember, a lot of roles have some sales elements baked into them, even if they’re not labeled as "sales jobs."

Have you worked in customer service? Managed projects? Handled a difficult client or customer? Frame these experiences to highlight the skills that cross over into sales.

It’s all about the narrative—sell yourself.

In the end, getting a sales job without prior experience isn’t just about proving you’ve got what it takes. It’s about showing potential employers you’ve got the drive, willingness to learn, and an understanding of the fundamentals.

And if you need more tips, be sure to check out my breakdown on preparing for a sales interview with no experience.

I promise, the right job is just a few smart moves away...

NOTE: Sometimes, the push to start a new career in sales comes from an unexpected event like being laid off. While it may feel like a setback, being laid off can actually open the door to new opportunities.

If you’re navigating a layoff and wondering how to move forward, check out this article for tips on how to handle the situation with confidence and prepare yourself for the next steps in your career.

Added Resources for Sales Jobs Around Malaysia

Apply what you've learned from the above to opportunities available in various sectors throughout our beloved country. I'm not making any guarantee that you'll end with a job in sales immediately but I can guarantee that you'll start off better than those who didn't read and apply the tips shared.

It's in your hands. I know you got this.

Let's look at possible industries and areas you can get jobs in sales:

1. ERT Product Sales

Discover opportunities in ERT product sales, a niche yet expanding field in Malaysia. This role combines technical knowledge with persuasive sales techniques, ideal for those looking to break into a specialized industry.

 2. Networking Product Specialist

Step into the world of networking products. This position is perfect for tech-savvy individuals eager to start a sales career by bridging clients’ needs with the latest in networking solutions.

3. Sales Engineer – Acoustic & Lighting

For those with an interest in engineering and creativity, a sales engineer role in acoustic and lighting provides a unique blend of technical and client-focused skills, ideal for breaking into sales with a practical edge.

4. Sales in Beauty E-Commerce

Join the beauty e-commerce industry and tap into one of the fastest-growing sales fields. This role is a great fit for fresh grads or those looking to pair a passion for beauty with dynamic sales skills.

5. Healthcare Sales in Ipoh

With healthcare sales booming, especially in cities like Ipoh, this role provides valuable experience for those interested in a career in medical sales without needing a deep medical background.

6. Medical Sales for Fresh Graduates

Aimed at fresh grads, this medical sales role helps you step into the healthcare industry. Learn how to navigate the medical field, build client relationships, and develop sales acumen in a competitive market.

7. Sales Executive – Tyres in Seremban

Break into automotive sales with this role focused on tyre products in Seremban. It's a hands-on entry into automotive sales, perfect for individuals with an interest in vehicle maintenance or the automotive industry.

8. Pharmacy Sales in Kelantan

For those in Kelantan, this pharmacy sales role offers a unique opportunity to work in a healthcare-focused setting. Build rapport with pharmacy professionals and help bridge the gap between product manufacturers and healthcare providers.

9. Scientific Sales in Kuala Lumpur

Dive into the scientific sales arena in Kuala Lumpur, where you’ll work with a diverse clientele in research, healthcare, and industry. This role suits those with a scientific background or a keen interest in science and technology.

10. Bancassurance in East Coast Malaysia

Explore the world of bancassurance on Malaysia’s East Coast. This role combines banking and insurance, ideal for those wanting a cross-disciplinary sales role with potential for stable client relationships and long-term career growth.

11. Skincare Sales Representative in Terengganu

This skincare sales role in Terengganu is perfect for anyone with a passion for skincare and cosmetics. Enter the industry by promoting popular products and building relationships with clients who value wellness.

12. Healthcare & Medical Sales in Selangor

Covering the healthcare and medical fields in Selangor, this role lets you work with hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals. It's a great way to start a career in a field that’s always in demand.

13. Life Science Sales Role in Malaysia

Life science sales offers a fascinating field for those with a scientific interest or background. It’s a chance to leverage that passion into a rewarding sales role focused on products that contribute to scientific advancements.

14. Auto Parts Sales Executive in Pahang

For automotive enthusiasts, this auto parts sales role in Pahang allows you to blend industry knowledge with sales skills. Ideal for individuals who enjoy vehicles and are looking to start a career in a practical, high-demand sector.