So, you’re interested in sales—but your resume doesn’t exactly scream “closer.” Maybe you’ve never worked in a sales role before, or maybe you’ve been in a completely different industry. Either way, here’s the good news: you can absolutely start a sales career with no experience and succeed.
In fact, some of the most successful sales professionals today started with zero formal sales training. What set them apart? Hunger, discipline, and the right support system. Whether you’re eyeing insurance sales jobs or looking for entry-level sales jobs with long-term potential, this guide will walk you through every step.
Let’s dive into how to get started—and how to thrive.
Why Sales is the Perfect Launchpad (Even with No Experience)
Sales is one of the few industries where your background matters less than your mindset. If you’re driven, coachable, and a good communicator, you already have a strong foundation.
In fact, according to LinkedIn’s 2023 Future of Work report, sales is one of the top five most in-demand jobs in North America, and over 45% of those jobs don’t require a college degree or prior experience.
That means the door is wide open. And if you’re looking at insurance sales jobs, the growth potential is even better—with financial services sales expected to grow by 6% by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Makes a Great Entry-Level Sales Role?
Not all entry points are created equal. When searching for sales jobs with no experience, here’s what you want to look for:
- Training & mentorship: Does the company invest in helping you grow?
- Product clarity: Is it easy to understand what you’re selling?
- Income structure: Are there clear, fair ways to earn more as you perform better?
- Leadership: Do managers actually lead, or just push quotas?
At The Delaney Agency, for example, new agents get 1-on-1 mentorship, leadership development tracks, and sales training that focuses on people first, not pushy scripts. That support makes all the difference.
Step-by-Step: How to Start a Sales Career With No Experience
1. Shift Your Mindset: Everyone Starts Somewhere
You’re not behind—you’re just beginning. Sales is learned through action, not textbooks. Start by telling yourself, “I’m here to learn, and I’m ready to grow.” That mental reset is powerful.
2. Develop Transferable Skills
You already have skills that translate to sales. Maybe you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, or education. Those roles build communication, empathy, and problem-solving—all essential to sales.
Here are the top soft skills recruiters look for in entry-level sales candidates:
- Active listening
- Relationship-building
- Self-motivation
- Adaptability
Even if you’re starting fresh, these can put you ahead of the game.
3. Find the Right Training Program
Companies like The Delaney Agency offer comprehensive onboarding—think roleplaying real conversations, learning how to structure your day, and using modern sales tools. Look for an organization that teaches how to get into sales, not just how to close.
Pro tip: Avoid companies that throw you in with no training or expect you to sell immediately with zero context.
4. Master the Sales Conversation
Sales isn’t about pitching—it’s about connecting.
Learn how to:
Ask questions that uncover needs.
Listen for emotion and urgency.
Offer solutions that feel personalized.
The best entry-level sales jobs will help you turn conversations into conversions, not just teach you to push products.
What to Expect in Your First 90 Days
Starting from scratch can feel overwhelming, but the first 90 days are where most of the growth happens. In the first two weeks, your focus will be on learning product knowledge, observing real sales conversations, and getting comfortable with the basics.
During weeks three and four, you’ll begin roleplaying common scenarios, handling objections, and participating in your first live calls. By weeks five through eight, you’ll start holding independent conversations, building confidence in your closing techniques, and refining your style.
Finally, in weeks nine to twelve, you’ll start hitting your first performance milestones, developing a consistent rhythm, and feeling more in control of your sales process. Consistency and practice are key—every rep counts.
Real Talk: Challenges You Might Face (And How to Beat Them)
Yes, there will be tough days. Sales rejection is real, and not every lead turns into a client. But every “no” teaches you something.
Some common struggles:
- Feeling overwhelmed by targets
- Struggling to find your voice
- Comparing yourself to more experienced reps
Solution? Find mentorship early. At The Delaney Agency, new agents are paired with leaders who’ve been there. And because many of them started without experience, they understand the learning curve.
Why Insurance Sales Is a Strong Starting Point
If you’re serious about building a long-term career, insurance sales jobs offer:
- High earning potential (commissions, bonuses, residuals)
- Recession-resistant industry
- Opportunities for leadership and business ownership
And unlike high-pressure retail or door-to-door gigs, insurance sales lets you build meaningful relationships that last for years.
The Delaney Agency Difference
Most agencies teach sales. We teach leadership through sales.
At The Delaney Agency, new agents don’t just learn how to sell—they learn how to build. That includes:
- Weekly mentorship calls
- Real-world leadership opportunities
- A supportive, mission-driven culture
- Financial education and entrepreneurship skills
It’s more than a job—it’s a chance to launch a business that grows with you.
Your Lack of Experience Isn’t a Limitation—It’s Your Edge
If you’re a go-getter, coachable, and simply love to help people, you don’t need years of experience to be successful in sales.
What you need is the right training, the right mindset, and the right opportunity. Luckily for you, the Delaney Agency has all three.
So, if you are asking yourself, “How do I get into sales? or, “What are the best entry-level sales jobs in insurance?” – here is your answer. You don’t need to wait until you feel “ready”. Start today, and get better every day.
