Individuals transitioning into sales should target companies that sell to their previous industry. Deep domain knowledge, industry language fluency, and an existing network are invaluable assets that often outweigh a lack of formal sales experience, providing the quickest route to a new career.
Modern hiring, reliant on AI and applicant tracking systems (ATS), filters candidates based on keywords and specific experience profiles. This process often automatically rejects highly capable mid-career professionals from non-traditional backgrounds before a human even sees their resume, creating a systemic barrier.
For candidates with non-traditional backgrounds who are filtered out by automated systems, the job search must become a sales prospecting campaign. This means actively using networks and making direct calls to create human connections, rather than passively submitting resumes to online portals.
If you can't land your ideal role, take a less desirable but accessible local sales job. After two years, your resume will contain the necessary experience and keywords to pass the automated screening systems that previously rejected you, opening doors to better opportunities.