How to Get Into Sales: A Guide to Selling Medical Devices and Tech

Thinking about getting into sales? You’re not alone! A career in sales is super appealing for a lot of people, and it’s easy to see why. The potential to earn big, climb the ladder fast, and work in dynamic, high-energy environments makes it a dream job for many. Plus, one of the best things about sales is that you don’t necessarily need prior experience to get started. Yep, you read that right—you can break into sales even if you’re coming from a completely different field! If you’ve been wondering how to get into sales, especially in high-paying industries like medical devices or tech, you’re in the right place. Sales in these fields can be incredibly lucrative, but competition can be tough. Knowing the right steps to take can help you stand out and land the job you want. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get into medical device sales and how to get into tech sales, even if you don’t have a sales background. We’ll break it all down—what skills you need, how to get your foot in the door, and what hiring managers look for in candidates. Whether you’re making a career switch or starting fresh, we’ve got you covered! Also read: Is Hirey legit? Here's what you need to know How to Get a Sales Job Following these essential steps will help you enter the sales field, whether you have direct experience or not: 1. Sell Yourself in the Interview A sales interview is your first opportunity to showcase your ability to sell. Treat the interview like a sales pitch—research the company, its products, and its competitors thoroughly. Be ready to discuss industry trends, pricing, and market positioning. Additionally, take an active approach by asking the hiring manager questions, just as you would when engaging a potential client. 2. Highlight Relevant Experience Even if you haven’t worked in sales before, you likely have transferable skills. Analyze the job description carefully and match it to your experience. If you have worked in customer service, emphasize your communication skills, ability to handle objections, or experience with upselling. Demonstrate how your background aligns with the sales process. 3. Share Your Sales Stories Employers value candidates who understand how to build relationships and close deals. Even if you haven't worked in sales formally, think of instances where you’ve persuaded, negotiated, or influenced decisions. Whether it’s convincing a professor to extend a deadline or getting a customer to upgrade their service, frame these experiences as evidence of your selling skills. 4. Demonstrate Lead Generation Abilities Companies want sales professionals who can generate and nurture leads. Show that you have a structured process for identifying prospects, building relationships, and closing deals. If you’ve ever built a network, managed social media engagement, or initiated partnerships, highlight these experiences. Also read: Mastering sales: Essential skills and strategies for success Breaking Into Medical Device Sales If you're looking for a fast-paced, high-paying career, medical device sales might be the perfect fit. This field is all about selling cutting-edge medical supplies and equipment to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals. It’s competitive, sure—but that’s part of what makes it so exciting. The rewards, both financially and professionally, can be huge, especially for those who are driven, personable, and willing to put in the effort. Medical device sales reps often work for manufacturers or distributors, helping doctors, nurses, and hospital administrators understand the value of the products they’re selling. These could be anything from surgical instruments and imaging equipment to orthopedic implants and diagnostic devices. It’s a career that blends sales, science, and relationship-building, making it a great choice for people who enjoy working in a dynamic, results-driven environment. What Medical Device Sales Representatives Do Successful medical device sales reps do much more than just pitch products—they act as consultants, problem-solvers, and educators. Their day-to-day responsibilities include: Identifying and engaging potential customers – This could be hospitals, private clinics, or individual healthcare providers who would benefit from the products. Explaining product features and benefits – Since medical devices can be complex, reps need to break things down in a way that makes sense to doctors, nurses, and purchasing managers. Answering technical and regulatory questions – Many medical devices come with strict compliance regulations, so reps must understand and communicate these effectively. Demonstrating products in clinical settings – Some sales reps attend procedures or surgeries where their devices are being used, offering guidance and ensuring proper usage. Negotiating contracts and closing deals – Just like in any sales role, sealing the deal is a crucial part of the job. Many sales reps work with hospital procurement teams to secure long-term contracts. Also read: In the increasingly complex world of hiring platforms, here's why customers chose Hirey Average Salary & Earning Potential One of the biggest draws of medical device sales is the high earning potential. While salaries can vary based on experience, product type, and region, here’s a general idea of what to expect: Entry-level reps (1–3 years of experience): Around $63,996 per year, with the potential for bonuses and commissions. Mid-career reps (3–5 years of experience): Often exceed $100,000 per year, especially with performance-based incentives. Experienced reps and top performers: Can make $150,000–$300,000+ per year, thanks to lucrative commission structures. Many companies offer a base salary plus commission, meaning your earnings are directly tied to your performance. If you’re highly motivated and willing to hustle, this industry offers incredible financial rewards. Breaking into medical device sales takes persistence, networking, and a willingness to learn, but with the right approach, you can land a role in this exciting and growing field. Steps to Enter Medical Device Sales 1. Pursue Relevant Education While a high school diploma may suffice for some roles, most medical sales reps hold a bachelor’s degree. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) can also give you an edge. Ideal majors include: Business Marketing Pharmacology Biomedical Engineering 2. Earn Certifications Though not mandatory, certifications can strengthen your resume. Consider earning: Certified Sales Representative (CSR) Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) Sales Management Specialist Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) 3. Choose a Specialization Medical sales is diverse. Ask yourself where your interest lies: Pharmaceutical Sales – Ideal if you have an interest in mental health or chronic diseases. Medical Device Sales – Best for those interested in sports medicine, surgery, or diagnostic equipment. 4. Gain Industry Experience Start building experience by: Volunteering in hospitals Shadowing a medical sales rep Securing an internship in a medical sales company Attending industry networking events 5. Complete Training Employers expect new hires to start selling quickly. Consider enrolling in specialized training programs through platforms like MedReps, MedSalesCareer, or Sales Momentum to familiarize yourself with industry standards. 6. Build a Strong Network Professional connections are critical in medical sales. Attend conferences, reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn, and join medical sales associations to increase your chances of landing a job. 7. Grow Your Online Presence Hiring managers often research candidates online. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized with: A professional photo A compelling summary Testimonials from mentors or colleagues Also read: Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives: Bridging Healthcare and Innovation Breaking Into Tech Sales If you're looking for a career with high earning potential, rapid career growth, and endless opportunities, tech sales could be the perfect fit. This dynamic field involves selling cutting-edge technology solutions—like software, hardware, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT services—to businesses of all sizes. The tech industry is booming, and companies are always on the lookout for talented sales professionals who can help them expand their customer base. One of the biggest advantages of tech sales is that it’s relatively easy to break into, even if you don’t have prior sales experience. Many successful tech sales professionals come from diverse backgrounds, including marketing, customer service, and even non-technical fields like education or healthcare. If you have strong communication skills, a problem-solving mindset, and the drive to succeed, you can build a lucrative career in this industry. What Tech Sales Professionals Do Tech sales isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about understanding a customer’s needs and providing the right solution. The best sales professionals act as trusted advisors, helping businesses solve problems with technology. Here’s what a typical day in tech sales might involve: Understanding customer pain points – Tech sales reps don’t just push products; they ask the right questions to identify business challenges and find solutions that fit. Offering tailored technology solutions – Whether it’s software, hardware, or cloud services, sales reps match customers with the best tech for their needs. Demonstrating product capabilities – Many tech products require hands-on demos, so sales reps often showcase how the technology works in real-world scenarios. Negotiating contracts and closing deals – Like any sales job, success in tech sales comes down to sealing the deal. Reps work closely with customers to finalize agreements and ensure a smooth onboarding process. Collaborating with technical teams – Sales professionals often work alongside engineers, developers, and customer success teams to ensure clients get the support they need. Also read: App reviews can be manufactured and misleading. Here's what legit users have to say about Hirey. Salary & Job Outlook Tech sales is known for strong salaries and commission structures, making it one of the best-paying sales fields. Here’s what you can expect: Sales engineers in tech earn highly competitive salaries, often ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, with experienced reps making $150,000–$250,000+ when factoring in commissions. Entry-level tech sales reps (like SDRs or BDRs) typically start with $50,000–$70,000 base salaries, but with commission, total earnings can quickly exceed six figures. The job market for tech sales professionals is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, meaning there will be plenty of opportunities for those looking to break into the field. Tech sales is a fantastic option for go-getters who want a high-income, high-growth career. Whether you’re interested in selling SaaS (Software as a Service), enterprise software, or cybersecurity solutions, breaking into tech sales can open the door to a financially rewarding future! Steps to Enter Tech Sales 1. Obtain Technical Education While not always required, having a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, engineering, or business can provide an advantage. These degrees help build technical knowledge, a crucial skill in tech sales. 2. Gain Sales Experience If you lack direct sales experience, consider entry-level sales roles in other industries. Selling retail products or working in customer service can help develop your communication and negotiation skills. 3. Earn Sales & Tech Certifications Certifications showcase expertise and commitment. Consider: Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) – From the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Practitioner – Useful for cloud tech sales CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) – Helps with IT sales basics 4. Network Strategically Attend tech meetups and industry events. Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn. Reach out to employees at companies you admire. Key Skills for Tech Sales Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools Time management and organization Communication and persuasion Problem-solving Product knowledge Sales and marketing skills Active listening Emotional intelligence Breaking into sales—whether it’s medical device sales or tech sales—is all about positioning yourself the right way. Sure, having direct sales experience can help, but it’s definitely not a dealbreaker if you don’t. Plenty of people successfully transition into sales from totally different backgrounds! The key is to highlight your transferable skills (like communication, persuasion, and problem-solving), invest in the right education or certifications, get some real-world exposure, and most importantly—network like crazy. If you’ve been wondering how to get into sales, the good news is that companies in industries like medical devices and tech are always looking for ambitious, driven people who can build relationships and close deals. Sales is one of those careers where hustle and persistence really pay off. If you’re serious about making the switch, now’s the time to take the leap and start your journey toward a high-paying, fast-growing career!