You’ll be pleased to learn that breaking into sales is a lot easier than getting into other fields. Unlike other industries that include that terrifying entry-level “needs 2-5 years of experience” clause on the job description, many sales roles do not.
That being said, it always helps to be at least one step ahead of the game when considering a new career.
So, if you’re a recent grad, career changer, or just a confused job seeker, we know the perfect online classes to dip your toes in sales—whether that means learning what the role entails or getting to throw “proficient in Salesforce” on your resume, we’ve got it all.
1. Sales Basics for Non-Sales People, Udemy
So you’re not a sales-y person. No problem! Learn the basics of how to get into the right mindset, how to gather information about your customer, and then how to execute a successful sale, all in one hour. You’re practically there.
Cost: $35
Length: 1 hour/ 28 lectures
2. Get a Job in Sales: Your Fast Track to Career Success, Udemy
When a class says all you need is “a willingness to learn and take action,” you know you’re in the right place. No matter whether this is your first job ever, or your first new job in a while, this course will give you the experience and the confidence to go after that sales position.
Cost: $50
Length: 48 minutes/ 13 lectures
3. Introduction to Salesforce Certification and Career Planning, Udemy
Not every company uses Salesforce, a program focused on customer management, but having this on your resume could be a huge boost. And, you don’t need any previous experience or coding knowledge to take it!
Cost: $20
Length: 1 hour, 20 minutes/ 16 lectures
4. Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills, Coursera
We talk a lot about negotiating your salary, negotiating a raise, and even negotiating work-from-home days, but in sales, your job is to negotiate (and win).
So, brush up on your tactics with a class focused on the start to finish, from preparing, to closing the deal, to picking up lessons for the future.
Cost: $49
Length: 7 weeks of study, 75 minutes a week
5. Effective Communication and Sales Techniques Course, ALISON
Wish you could get all the key tips and tricks for kicking butt in sales? Now you have it—this class will cover preparing your best presentation (even how you should dress) and adjusting to obstacles, challenges, and objections along the way.
Cost: Free
Length: 2-3 hours
6. Sales Prospecting and Lead Generation Course, ALISON
Prospecting. Lead generation. Confusing buzzwords, that is until you take this course. It’ll walk you through the process of researching and finding clients, as well as how to handle cold calling and store your sources in online databases.
Cost: Free
Length: 2-3 hours
7. The No-Brainer Method for Social Selling on LinkedIn, Udemy
Speaking of prospecting, LinkedIn will be your biggest asset in sales. So, learn how to use it not just for your job search but for finding and communicating with potential customers.
Cost: $50
Length: 1 hour, 10 minutes/ 15 lectures
8. How to Influence People and Double Your Persuasion Skills, Skillshare
Sales people are natural influencers. If you’re not known for being persuasive, have no fear—interpersonal skills can be learned. That is, if you take this class on the nine most powerful techniques in influencing social situations.
Cost: Free with trial
Length: 53 minutes/ 17 videos
9. Presentation Essentials: How to Share Ideas That Inspire Action, Skillshare
Learn from the best (a.k.a., a very popular TED Talk speaker) on how to become a natural presenter—then, use that to kill it in your sales career.
Cost: Free with trial
Length: 33 minutes/ 6 videos
10. Assertiveness Basics: The 30-Minute Communication Guide, Udemy
Get some expert personal development advice in this super-short class on building confidence, being assertive, handling conflicts, and reaching out of your comfort zone. Afterwards, you’ll be more than ready to get in front of clients (or, maybe just the interviewer to start).
Cost: Free
Length: 31 minutes/ 12 lectures