What Grads Get Wrong About Sales (And What It’s Actually Like)
When most graduates think about sales roles, their minds jump to stereotypes – pushy salespeople, endless rejection, and cold calling all day. But the reality of modern sales, especially in tech and executive search, is quite different. Understanding what sales really involves can help grads decide if it’s the right career and avoid common misconceptions that hold them back.
Myth 1: Sales is all about being loud and aggressive
Many grads believe you have to be extroverted, pushy, or “salesy” to succeed. In reality, top salespeople focus on listening, problem-solving, and building genuine relationships. Confidence matters, but it’s more about being authentic and understanding your client’s needs than shouting the loudest.
Myth 2: Sales is just about cold calling all day
Cold calling still exists, but it’s just one part of a broader sales process. Today’s sales roles involve research, networking, managing relationships, and using data and tech tools to target prospects smarter. Graduates who think sales means nonstop phone calls are missing the bigger picture.
Myth 3: You need tons of experience or a business degree
Many grads assume sales jobs require years of experience or a fancy degree. The truth is many firms hire fresh grads and train them up because they want people who are coachable, driven, and hungry to learn. Your attitude and work ethic often matter more than your background.
What sales actually looks like for grads
A graduate sales role means learning how to identify customer problems, present solutions, and navigate conversations that lead to deals. It’s fast-paced, challenging, and requires resilience, but it’s also rewarding because you see direct results from your effort.
You’ll build commercial awareness quickly, develop communication skills, and learn to handle objections professionally – all valuable skills for any career path.
How to succeed as a grad in sales
- Focus on learning and asking questions early on.
- Build strong listening skills, understanding clients beats talking at them.
- Be organized and track your progress to stay on top of targets.
- Embrace rejection as a learning opportunity, not a personal failure.
Final Thoughts
Sales isn’t what many grads expect – it’s often more strategic, relationship-driven, and rewarding than the old stereotypes suggest. If you go in with the right mindset, you’ll develop skills and experiences that set you up for a successful career, whether in sales, executive search, or beyond.
Looking to start your career? Check out our latest opportunities!