Sales is an incredibly exciting sector to work in, but it can be hard to get a foot in the door. Don't think that a lack of direct experience will be a barrier, however, because there are other things you can do to promote yourself when you're applying. Recruiters like experience, but any recruiter worth their salt knows that experience only counts for so much.
Even more valuable than experience is personality. People buy from people, so recruiters want to find someone who has that special something. Charisma, charm, a sense of humour and good at chit-chat – those are just some of the traits which make you personable. If you have them by the bucketload, you're in a good place.
You'll also need to demonstrate that you're a quick-thinker. That's a soft skill you'll have developed elsewhere, in another walk of life. Find examples – whether from university or an unrelated job – and really delve deep into those examples on your CV.
To further increase your chances , you could choose to take a course or some extra learning. Even an online module shows you're committed to understanding the art of selling and are serious about this career path. Check out the business section of your local bookshop and read up on sales, because dropping a few titles and authors into the conversation will impress them. No learning ever goes to waste - if you further your sales education, let recruiters know about it.
Landing your first sales job means really demonstrating your personable nature and commitment, so don't worry about the lack of first-hand experience.
Personality is worth more than experience
Find examples of your quick-thinking nature
Take a course and read up on sales