Breaking into sales can be competitive, but a strong profile can set you apart from other candidates. Whether you’re a recent graduate or transitioning from another field, this guide will walk you through actionable strategies to create a standout profile that grabs your desired employer’s attention and boosts your chances of securing your first entry-level sales job.

Key Takeaways:

  • Emphasize Relevant Skills and Traits – Hiring managers look for qualities like coachability, resilience, and strong communication skills, even if you lack direct sales experience.
  • Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile – Tailor your resume to highlight sales-relevant achievements and maintain a polished LinkedIn presence to attract recruiters.
  • Leverage Networking for Job Opportunities – Many sales roles aren’t publicly advertised, so actively connecting with industry professionals can unlock hidden opportunities.
  • Apply Strategically and Follow Up – Customizing applications and sending thoughtful follow-ups can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

What Hiring Managers Look for in Entry-Level Sales Candidates

Hiring managers in sales aren’t just looking for a polished resume—they want to see qualities that indicate potential for success in high-pressure and results-driven environments. Even if you lack direct sales experience, demonstrating these traits can significantly increase your chances of landing an entry-level sales job.

Coachability: Willingness to Learn and Improve

Sales is a dynamic field that requires ongoing learning. No matter how confident or skilled a candidate is, hiring managers want to see openness to feedback and the ability to adapt.

Competitive Drive: Thriving Under Pressure

Sales teams are often competitive, with individual and team goals to meet. Hiring managers want to see candidates who are motivated by challenges, push themselves to excel, and are driven to succeed.

Growth Mindset: Desire to Improve and Overcome Challenges

Hiring managers look for candidates who see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. The ability to embrace learning, stay motivated, and continuously improve is highly valued in sales.

Grit and Resilience: Handling Rejection and Pushing Forward

Sales is full of rejections, objections, and tough conversations. Hiring managers need candidates who won’t give up after a few failed attempts. The ability to handle rejection and stay persistent separates great salespeople from the rest.

Strong Work Ethic: Going the Extra Mile

Hiring managers value candidates who show initiative, dedication, and commitment. Sales is a demanding career that requires self-motivation and the ability to hustle—especially at the entry level.

Skills That Hiring Managers Are Looking For

Besides the factors above, employers also look for the following qualities and competencies for entry-level sales candidates: 

  • Communication Skills – The ability to clearly and persuasively convey ideas to potential clients and team members.
  • Active Listening – Understanding customer needs and concerns to tailor solutions effectively.
  • Persuasion and Negotiation – Convincing prospects (customers, investors) of a product’s value while overcoming objections.
  • Time Management – Prioritizing tasks efficiently to meet sales quotas and deadlines.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Proficiency – Using software tools to track leads and manage interactions.
  • Product Knowledge – Understanding the details and benefits of the product or service being sold.
  • Problem-Solving Skills – Quickly addressing customer concerns and offering effective solutions.
  • Networking and Relationship Building – Cultivating connections with potential clients and industry professionals.

Tips On How To Get an Entry-Level Sales Job

Follow these tips below to increase your chances of getting noticed by employers:

Craft a Strong Resume That Showcases Sales Potential

Your resume is often the first thing hiring managers see, so making a solid first impression is critical. Even if you don’t have direct sales experience, you can still showcase your potential by emphasizing relevant skills and accomplishments.

Optimize your resume according to the following: 

  • Use a clean, professional layout: Choose a simple, easy-to-read format with clear section headings and bullet points to improve readability.
  • Tailor your resume for sales roles: Highlight experiences that demonstrate persuasion, communication, problem-solving, and resilience—even if they’re from non-sales jobs.
  • Quantify your achievements: Employers appreciate numbers because they show measurable success. If you worked in customer service or retail, include details like sales figures, customer interactions, or performance improvements.
  • Include key sales-related skills: Showcase skills like negotiation, customer engagement, CRM software proficiency, and cold calling.

Example of a Strong Bullet Point:

  • “Increased customer engagement by 30% through personalized recommendations and proactive service, leading to a 15% boost in sales.”

Even if you haven’t worked in sales before, think about achievements that relate to sales principles, such as persuasion, relationship-building, and hitting targets.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Maximum Visibility

Your LinkedIn profile is just as important as your resume, especially in today’s highly-digital job market. Recruiters often use LinkedIn to find and evaluate candidates, so optimizing your profile increases your chances of being noticed.

Here are the essential LinkedIn posting tips:

  • Use a professional photo: A clear, high-quality headshot increases your profile’s credibility and engagement.
  • Write a compelling headline: Instead of just stating your current job or education, include relevant keywords like “Aspiring Sales Professional | Strong Communication & Negotiation Skills.”
  • Craft a powerful summary: In 2-3 short paragraphs, highlight your passion for sales, your key strengths, and what sets you apart from other candidates.
  • Showcase relevant experience: Even if your past roles weren’t in sales, emphasize transferable skills. Mention internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work that demonstrate customer service, persuasion, or leadership.
  • Engage with sales-related content: Sharing insights, commenting on industry posts, and connecting with professionals show that you’re active in the field.

Example of a Strong LinkedIn Summary:

“I am an ambitious, results-driven professional passionate about building relationships and driving business success. With experience in customer service and a strong ability to communicate effectively, I am eager to transition into a sales role where I can apply my problem-solving and negotiation skills. I thrive in fast-paced environments and am motivated by hitting targets and delivering value to customers.”

Highlight Transferable Skills That Matter in Sales

Sales roles require a combination of soft skills (communication, resilience, adaptability) and hard skills (CRM tools, data analysis, product knowledge). Even if you don’t have direct sales experience, you can highlight transferable skills from other roles.

Here are some of the key transferable skills you can emphasize: 

  • Communication and Persuasion: Strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial for pitching products and closing deals. Show how you’ve successfully explained complex ideas or influenced decisions.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: Sales professionals face rejection daily. Demonstrate how you handle setbacks and stay motivated.
  • Customer Service and Relationship Building: If you’ve worked in retail, hospitality, support roles, or even volunteer work, highlight how you engaged with customers and solved problems.
  • Goal-Driven Mindset: Sales is all about hitting targets. Mention any experience where you worked toward performance goals, whether in academics, sports, or past jobs.

Example of Transferable Skill in Action:

“As a barista, I upsold premium products and implemented personalized recommendations, increasing average transaction value by 15% while improving customer satisfaction.”

Leverage Networking to Boost Job Opportunities

Many sales positions aren’t publicly advertised, so networking is a powerful way to find hidden job opportunities, even through referrals from industry professionals, former colleagues, or mutual connections.

Here’s how you can leverage networking effectively: 

  • Connect with professionals on LinkedIn: Send personalized messages to sales professionals and recruiters expressing your interest in the field.
  • Attend industry events and job fairs: Many companies hire directly from career fairs or industry networking events.
  • Join sales-related groups and communities: Platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, and Meetup have groups where professionals share job opportunities and industry insights.
  • Seek informational interviews: Reach out to sales professionals and ask for a quick 15-minute call to learn about their career paths and get advice.

Pro Tip: Instead of just asking for job leads, focus on learning from professionals and building genuine relationships.

Master the Art of the Sales Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter can differentiate you from other candidates and show employers why you’re the perfect fit for their sales team.

Here’s what to include in your sales cover letter:

  • A compelling opening: Start with enthusiasm and mention the specific role you’re applying for.
  • Key achievements: Share a brief story that demonstrates your ability to sell, communicate, or problem-solve.
  • Concise and to the point: Keep it under one page with clear, impactful language.

Example Cover Letter Opening:

“Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I am excited to apply for the [Sales Position] at [Company Name]. With a background in customer engagement and problem-solving, I am eager to bring my skills to your dynamic sales team. I thrive in fast-paced environments and am driven by achieving sales targets and building strong client relationships.”

Apply Strategically and Follow Up Professionally

Applying for jobs is just the first step—strategic follow-ups can help you stand out.

The following are some of the best practices when following up: 

  • Apply to a mix of job postings: Look for entry-level sales positions, internships, and business development roles.
  • Customize each application: Tailor your resume and cover letter to match the job description and company culture.
  • Follow up with a polite email: If you don’t hear back within a week, send a brief follow-up to express continued interest.

Example Follow-Up Email:

“Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name], I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Sales Position]. I am very excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to the team. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide. Looking forward to your response!”

Land Your Desired Sales Job Effectively 

Landing an entry-level sales job requires a strategic approach, from crafting a detailed resume to following up with employers. By following the tips discussed above, you can position yourself as a strong candidate in a competitive market.


Looking for a rewarding sales career in Manitoba and its surrounding areas? UW Winnipeg provides expert guidance, resources, and career support to help job seekers stand out. Contact us today to take the next step in your journey!