Top 5 Mistakes Grads Make in Their First Sales Job And How to Avoid Them
1. Chasing the Commission Too Soon
It’s tempting. You land your first SDR role, hear about the commission structure, and instantly start picturing that £5K paycheck. But rushing in with a “sell sell sell” mindset before mastering the process is a fast track to frustration. Top-performing grads don’t try to close everything in week one – they focus on learning the product, refining their pitch, and building habits that actually lead to long-term success.
2. Taking Rejection Personally
You’re going to get ignored. You’re going to get hung up on. You’re going to have moments where you think you’re terrible at the job. That’s normal. Rejection in sales isn’t personal: it’s part of the process. Grads who succeed are the ones who bounce back fast, laugh it off, and keep dialling. Resilience isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a skill you build every single day.
3. Not Asking Enough Questions
Sales is about curiosity. Whether you’re in tech sales or executive search, grads who ask questions – to their manager, their prospects, their peers – learn faster and perform better. The worst thing you can do is stay silent and pretend you’ve got it all figured out. Nobody expects you to be perfect. They do expect you to be coachable.
4. Relying on Email Alone
Cold emailing feels safer than cold calling but that’s exactly why most grads overuse it. The truth is, email alone won’t get you results. The phone is still where the best conversations happen. If you want to stand out, use a multi-channel approach from day one: calls, emails, LinkedIn, voice notes. Don’t be the rep who hides behind HubSpot.
5. Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else
It’s easy to panic when someone else books three meetings on their first day and you’re still trying to remember your login. But comparison kills confidence. Every grad comes in with different strengths: some are natural talkers, some are brilliant researchers, some just learn fast. Focus on your own progress. Play your own game.
Final Thoughts 🤔
Your first sales job will be messy, intense, and full of learning curves – that’s exactly how it’s meant to be. Make mistakes, take feedback, and don’t expect to feel like a pro overnight. The grads who rise fastest are the ones who stay curious, stay coachable, and stay consistent.
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