How to Start a Career in Sales – Beginner Guide, Growth Paths & Skills

Have you ever looked at someone confidently pitching a product and thought, “I could never do that”? You’re not alone. A lot of people shy away from sales just because they think it’s all about cold calls, pressure, or slick talking. But here’s the thing: real sales isn’t like that. Not when it’s done right.

If you’re wondering “how to start a career in sales?”, this guide’s for you. Sales is actually one of the few careers where freshers can make real progress fast. No long waits, no needing ten degrees. Just solid effort, people skills, and the drive to improve. And yes, the money follows performance pretty closely, too.

We’ll walk you through the types of sales jobs out there, what beginners should look for, and what kind of skills actually matter. You’ll also get a clear picture of how to move up, where people usually trip up, and how to avoid those mistakes yourself.

And if you’re serious about giving this career a shot, Kraftshala’s PGP in Sales program can help you get hands-on experience that employers actually care about. Let’s break this whole thing down, step by step.

What Makes Sales a Great Career Choice?

Let’s be honest: when most people think about starting their career, sales rarely tops the list. But it should. If you’re at the stage where you’re asking, “Is sales a good career?” or trying to figure out where to start without getting buried in long courses or technical jargon, sales might be your best move.

Here’s why: in sales, how well you perform actually matters. Promotions, bonuses, and growth don’t depend on just your resume; they depend on how well you connect with people, solve problems, and follow through. That’s a rare thing in entry-level jobs.

You don’t need a fancy degree to break in. You don’t need to know code. And you definitely don’t need to have ten internships under your belt. Sales is one of the few roles where freshers can start earning, learning, and moving up fast. 

That’s exactly why many smart beginners choose sales as a career. It opens up doors not just in sales itself, but also in business, marketing, and even entrepreneurship down the road.

Still wondering why sales as a career for freshers makes so much sense? Let’s lay it out:

• You don’t need a fancy piece of paper: What recruiters actually care about is your ability to listen, speak without hesitation, and show up every day, no matter what you’ve studied.
• It’s not about being technical: If you can relate to people, convince them, or just get along with others, you’re already ahead of the game.
• It’s everywhere you look: Whether it’s tech, retail, or finance, sales is always in demand; big companies and small businesses alike are hiring.
• It’s a stepping stone: Want to switch gears into marketing? Or kick off your own business? A sales background gives you the tools to start.

As Varun Satia, founder and CEO at Kraftshala, explains:

“Entry-level sales roles continue to be in high demand across industries because they’re the closest you can get to real business outcomes early in your career. Recruiters see them as a training ground-not just for selling, but for building judgment, resilience, and people acumen. A strong performer in sales understands the customer, aligns the product to their needs, and influences decisions in dynamic, often high-pressure situations. These are foundational skills for any business function, whether it’s marketing, product, or even leadership.

What’s interesting is that students without formal marketing degrees often thrive in these roles if they bring one key trait to the table: strong interpersonal intelligence. The ability to listen deeply, ask the right questions, and respond in a way that builds trust is what separates average candidates from high-potential ones. Recruiters don’t care about jargon-they’re watching how you think on your feet, how you connect with people, and how well you communicate value. If you can do that, you’re not just employable—you’re indispensable.”

In fact, if you’ve ever looked up the highest paying digital marketing jobs, you’ll notice that sales-oriented profiles often show up on the list. That’s because people who understand the customer and can drive business tend to move up fast, whether they stay in sales or shift later into growth or strategy roles.

So, if you’re figuring out where to begin and want something that rewards effort and personality over paperwork, this might be your sign. 

Types of Sales Jobs & Where to Begin

When people say they want to get into sales, they usually don’t realize how many different roles that actually include. It’s not all about going door-to-door or cold-calling strangers, though those things still exist. If you’re serious about figuring out how to start a career in sales, understanding the types of roles is the first step.

Let’s break it down into something easier to understand:

B2B vs B2C Sales

• B2B (Business-to-Business) means selling to other companies. Think software, tools, or services for teams.
  
• B2C (Business-to-Consumer) means selling directly to everyday people, like selling credit cards, subscriptions, or gym memberships.
  

B2B sales usually involve longer conversations, while B2C often moves faster but needs more hustle.

Inside Sales vs Field Sales

• Inside Sales happens remotely. You handle calls, emails, or video meetings without stepping out.
  
• Field Sales is when you meet clients in person, which is great if you’re the face-to-face type and don’t mind travel.
  

Inside sales is picking up big time, especially with the rise in remote roles. It’s no surprise that virtual sales is becoming one of the easiest starting points today.

Entry-Level Job Titles You’ll See

• Sales Development Representative (SDR): You find and qualify leads for senior salespeople. It’s like warming up the pitch.
  
• Business Development Executive (BDE): A broader role that may include selling directly or booking meetings.
  
• Sales Associate: Common in retail or B2C, which involves product demos, handling walk-ins, and closing deals.
  

Startups vs Big Companies

• Startups throw you into the deep end where you learn fast, wear many hats, and get noticed quickly.
  
• Corporates give you structure and gradual growth, but may feel slow-paced in comparison.
  

There’s no “better” option here; it depends on your personality and comfort with chaos.

No-Experience Jobs That Work

If you’ve never done sales before, look for:

• Telesales or telecalling roles.
  
• Inside sales roles in EdTech or insurance.
  
• Retail sales associate positions.
  

These roles hire people based on attitude, not experience. You just need to show that you’re willing to learn and stay consistent.

Ankit, one of the learners from Kraftshala’s programs, started with a basic telesales job at a small education firm. No degree in marketing, no big name on the resume. But he showed up, followed up with leads, and learned how to handle objections. Within a year, he was leading a small team, and that’s not because of any magic, but because he stuck to the process and asked for feedback regularly.

As Eshu Sharma, sales training head at Kraftshala, points out:

“For freshers coming from non-sales backgrounds-say, engineering, humanities, or even finance-the best sales roles are those that prioritize consultative problem-solving over aggressive pitching. Think inside sales, business development in SaaS companies, or category growth roles in startups and consumer brands. These positions allow you to lean on structured thinking, curiosity, and communication rather than just “selling hard.”

What you bring from your background-analytical thinking, empathy, or even storytelling-can actually become a superpower in these roles. Good sales isn’t about pressure; it’s about understanding and guiding. And companies today are increasingly hiring freshers who can do just that, regardless of their academic pedigree.”

Core Skills You Need To Succeed in Sales

You’ll hear it again and again, and maybe you’ll roll your eyes: it’s not about smooth talk. It’s about showing up with the right brain, picking up tricks as you walk the road. The cool part? You don’t need any old experience for this. Just soak it in, grow, and let it lead you where it will.

Here’s the deal, broken down in a way that doesn’t sound like some boring lecture:

Active Listening

You don’t need to hear the words to hear the words. It’s about catching the gaps, the pauses, the tiny bits where hesitation lingers. In sales, you don’t charge in like a bull, you hang back, watch the signs, then toss out a question or two: let the rhythm take the wheel, and your customer will feel heard, not just sold.

Resilience

This one’s simple. You’ll hear “no” more often than “yes.” What matters is what you do next. If a lead says they’re not interested, you don’t take it personally. You try again with someone else. Or maybe with the same person later, with a different angle.

Persuasion

You’re not trying to convince someone with tricks. You’re trying to help them see how what you’re offering solves something they care about. For example, instead of saying “Our product is great,” you say, “You mentioned this issue earlier. This is exactly where our product fits in.”

CRM Tools

CRM stands for customer relationship management. It’s a fancy way of saying you need to keep track of your leads. Tools like HubSpot or Zoho help you log your calls, schedule follow-ups, and see where each person is in your pipeline.

Email Writing and Outreach

A good sales email isn’t long or complicated. It’s direct and useful. You introduce yourself, mention something specific about the person or their work, and offer something that fits. You can use tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator to find contacts and platforms like Notion to stay organised.

Quick Hacks to Level Up

• When you follow up, avoid the “Just checking in” message. Say something new. It could be a case study, a recent update, or a quick tip related to your last chat.
  
• Keep your first pitch short. Try explaining it to a friend who has no background in what you’re selling. If they get it, it works.
  
• Start every first call with a question. Ask about their day, their work, or something they shared online. People like to talk, and listening gives you everything you need.
  

How These Skills Show Up in Interviews

You’ll likely be given a scenario and asked to sell something. It’s not about closing. It’s about how you ask questions, how you listen, and how you respond when someone pushes back. Interviewers are looking for signs that you’re not just reading from a script. They want to see if you’re calm, curious, and willing to learn.

Internships will test the same things. No one expects you to be perfect. But if you follow up without being told, take notes from your calls, and keep improving, you’ll be miles ahead of most beginners.

How to Grow in Your Sales Career

You’ve landed your first sales job. Now what?

A lot of people stop at just hitting targets. But if you’re serious about how to grow in a sales career, the real movement starts when you take charge of your own path. Growth in sales isn’t luck. It’s not about waiting for someone to notice you. It’s about showing results, being consistent, and picking up new skills at every stage.

Here’s what a realistic journey can look like over three to five years:

Year 1: Sales Newcomer (SDR) or Business Builder

This is where you take your first step. Here’s the deal: learn to chat with people, start building that list, learn to take rejection, and show you can show up consistently. Your targets? Simple stuff like calls, meetings, and follow-ups. Forget about getting everything perfect. Just stay steady, build your rhythm, and keep an eye on your growth day by day.

Year 2: Sales Pro or Inside Deal Maker

If you’ve been doing things right, you’ll level up. Now, you’ll be the one handling the full sales ride: from finding prospects, presenting, negotiating, to sealing the deal. The focus shifts to hitting monthly targets, making those conversions, and holding onto your clients. Some people also look at shifting from the field to inside sales or dealing with bigger clients with higher stakes.

Year 3 to 4: Account Manager or Team Lead

By this stage, you should have a solid track record. You’ve built trust with your manager, and now you might be handling key clients or even mentoring new hires. This is also where you start seeing lateral growth. Maybe you move from direct sales to partnerships or key account roles that involve strategic planning instead of daily pitching.

Year 5: Sales Manager or Growth Specialist

At this point, you’re managing others or owning a revenue target for a specific region or sector. You’re expected to guide a team, report numbers clearly, and identify patterns that impact performance. It’s not just about your own sales anymore, but how well your team performs because of your direction.

How to Accelerate That Growth

• Track your KPIs daily. Don’t rely on your manager to tell you what’s working. Build a habit of checking your own data.
  
• Ask for feedback regularly. The people who grow fast are the ones who adjust quickly.
  
• Take certifications. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or HubSpot have free courses that show you’re putting in the effort.
  
• Volunteer for internal projects. If your team is testing a new pitch or pilot, be the first to try it.
  

And most importantly, find someone one or two steps ahead of you and learn from them. That could be a mentor inside your company, a former manager, or even someone you reach out to on LinkedIn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Sales Career

Nobody walks into sales knowing exactly what they’re doing. You try, you guess, you mess up, then you figure things out. That’s normal. But some mistakes? They slow you down more than they need to. If you’re just starting out and wondering how to start a career in sales, here are a few things worth dodging early on: 

Going in blind

No prep, no clue who you’re talking to, just diving straight into a pitch? Big mistake. You’ll end up repeating stuff that doesn’t matter to the person on the other end. Always ask yourself one thing before you make the call: “Do I know why this person might care?”

Caring too much about bonuses

Incentives are cool. We all want them. But when you only chase the extra money, you miss the stuff that actually helps you grow. You stop listening. You start cutting corners. That kind of shortcut works for, maybe, a week. Long term? It hurts more than it helps.

Letting “no” mess with your head

It stings, no doubt. But if you start overthinking every no, you’ll burn out. You’re not being rejected. The offer is. There’s a difference. Sometimes, people just aren’t ready or interested. Don’t make it personal. Just log it and move on.

Saying things just to close

If you’re making promises you can’t keep, just to get someone to say yes, it’ll come back to you later. The client will call support, complain, ask for refunds, and guess who they’ll remember? You. Not in a good way. Just be real. If something isn’t possible, say so.

Not writing anything down

You’ll swear you’ll remember that one conversation. You won’t. If you’re not tracking your own calls, replies, and notes somewhere, you’ll keep repeating the same stuff that doesn’t work. Make it a habit. Doesn’t have to be fancy.

That’s it. You’ll still mess up sometimes. Everyone does. But if you stay sharp and fix things quickly, you’ll be just fine.

Want Hands-On Sales Experience? Kraftshala Can Help

You’ve read about the skills, steps, and mistakes. Now, imagine getting real practice right before entering your first sales role. That’s exactly where Kraftshala’s PGP in Sales, Marketing and Business Leadership fits in.

Kraftshala’s marketing and sales programs are loved by students and professionals alike. They hold an Advocacy Score of 95 %, which means people genuinely recommend them because the learning sticks, not just because it sounds good.

What makes this a natural next step?

• Mock campaigns and pitch training: You get to run real-scenario exercises so you aren’t walking into interviews with just theory.
  
• Placement support: Over 2,400 students placed in marketing and sales roles, with salary packages starting at ₹ 7.5 LPA, and some going up to ₹ 17 LPA.
  
• Live sessions with brand experts: Trainers come from real companies, the people who’ve done it, not just talked about it.
  
• Hands-on projects: You’ll work on actual sales projects
  

You’ve learned the theory. Now it’s about doing, getting feedback, improving, and stepping into jobs that actually value what you’ve practised.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How can I start a career in sales with no experience?

Start with roles that don’t care about your resume as much as they care about how you talk to people. Telesales, inside sales, or even retail jobs can be a solid entry point. If you show up, listen well, and don’t give up after the first “no,” you’ll learn fast and get noticed quicker than you think.

Is sales a good career in India?

Yes, and it’s becoming even better now with how fast companies are growing, especially in tech and education. The money depends on performance, not degrees, which makes it fair if you’re willing to work. And the growth? It’s real, but only if you stick with it beyond the first few tough months.

What are the types of sales jobs for freshers?

There are plenty of positions like SDR, BDE, retail associate, and even field reps for local brands. Most people think sales is one thing, but it’s not. Some roles are full-time in the office, others are remote, and a few even let you learn while you earn; so it really depends on what fits your style.

How quickly can I grow in sales?

If you’re consistent and actually hit your targets, it’s not uncommon to get promoted within a year or so. But that depends on the company too: some promote faster, some move slow. Either way, tracking your performance from day one helps you build your case when the time comes.

Do I need a degree to get into sales?

Not at all. Plenty of people get hired without one, especially for inside sales and entry-level business development roles. If you can hold a good conversation, stay calm under pressure, and follow up properly, that’s what most companies are really looking for.