J.J.McLure profile picture
J.J.McLure profile picture

J.J.McLure

Owner at *redacted*

Politicker
Catalyst
Valued Contributor
+6

Looking to make an industry change

I'm new to the War Room so let me say hi first. Hi.


Now on to business, I'm currently working for a company that manufactures a very specific type of construction equipment. I'm wanting to break into SaaS sales (so I can work remotely and relocate) but I'm having a difficult time, I'm looking for any advice that might help me get my foot in the door.


Here's what I think recruiters see as negatives.

  • I have no post-secondary schooling
  • I've only sold physical products (though the majority of this is selling by phone/email/video)
  • I have no formal training

When I read the descriptions of what these companies are looking for, it's like they're thinking of me when writing the role (other than if they as for a degree or SaaS experience) I'm super dependable, take ownership, I'm insane with time management, I don't have a big ego, I get along with everyone and I enjoy collaborating with other sales reps and other departments even when that means I'm not the one getting the commission from a sale.


So, what advice can you throw at me? or what questions do you have?


Thanks everyone!

👥 Hiring
😋 Job Searching
10

13 comments

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Diablo
Politicker
4
Sr. AE
Welcome to Bravado.

This topic has been discussed many times in the recent past so my first advice would be to search for the related topic in the search bar within Bravado.

There are great articles in Bravado Academy including Breaking into Tech that might be helpful. Also, you will have to start building your resume. You might have to start with a BDR/SDR role but again depends.

All the best!
J.J.McLure
Politicker
1
Owner at *redacted*
Thanks! I'll take a look at other posts and articles.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
3
Sales Rep
Here some things that come to mind:

1. Start copying/pasting from job descriptions and put them in your resume. Include metrics and awards showing your work ethic. Showcase your prospecting too, with number of cold calls/week.

2. Reading the academy's articles on finding a role and specifically "Breaking into Tech Sales"

3. Look into "Tech Sales U", I believe its still free.

4. Post an ANONYMOUS version of your resume, I am sure people are willing to help here.

5. After reading about interviewing and being over their salary expectation, make sure to get a range from them before saying one for yourself. So you don't take yourself out of consideration AND you dont under value yourself. Confirm with Repvue and Glassdoor on accurate salary expectations.

6. Without having a degree, I recommend reading this post for advice, as there are some good nuggets

https://bravado.co/war-room/posts/any-advice-for-a-sales-person-without-a-degree

Hope this helps!
J.J.McLure
Politicker
3
Owner at *redacted*
This is great, thanks! I'm reading through some articles now and I signed up for "Tech Sales U" (it's $100 that you get refunded upon completion, brilliant idea Bravado!)
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
This is really great advice. Well put together.
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
How far are you getting in the process? Are you applying and getting rejected via email or getting to interview stages but getting passed over?
J.J.McLure
Politicker
0
Owner at *redacted*
With 1 company I interviewed and it went really well until I followed up with them and they told methat my salary expectation was too high. I replied that it is negotiable depending on the commission structure but they didn't want to proceed.
At another company, I've done 2 interviews and I'm waiting to hear back if I've made it to round 3. They said they would make their decision in 1-2 weeks, tomorrow is 2 weeks.

Other than that, I either don't hear back at all or get a "we've decided not to proceed with your application at this time" type of response.
J.J.McLure
Politicker
0
Owner at *redacted*
Update to that last comment. The recruiter just called me and said they are going with one of the other candidates. I'll go home to cry in the shower now and come back tomorrow. I really appreciate that she called though, that was nice. And she asked if we could connect and stay in touch on LinkedIn for any future positions she comes across.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
2
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
Yeah, that’s going to be a hard sell. You need someone to take a waiver on you or start you as an SDR and get the experience from there.
J.J.McLure
Politicker
0
Owner at *redacted*
I'm ok with that, I've applied for some SDR/BDR positions as well as some more senior roles.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
0
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
That’s how you have to do it.
Pachacuti
Politicker
2
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Welcome.

While none of that should prevent you from selling software, it often does.

I’d focus on accomplishments and soft skills - but especially accomplishments.
ChickenWings
Opinionated
2
Tom Callahan's Son
I found myself stuck in trying to make the switch from a vertical specific advertising role to SaaS.

My process, deal size, and sales cycle mirrored much of the SaaS roles I was going after but I constantly got the “yea, but have you sold SaaS?” vibe.

I felt it was unfair, but that’s life.

Try to find a SaaS company that sells to the same vertical/persona that you have experience with. They may have trouble “breaking in” and need someone that knows the industry. In return, they can show you the ropes of how a SaaS role differs from your current one.

Dont be picky. Take something you can ramp quickly in, crush it for a year. Once you’re “in the club” you can shop for a more long term role.

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