How to Stand Out for Entry-Level Sales Roles in 2026
Advice from someone who hires them
Over the past two years we have evaluated thousands of candidates for entry-level sales roles at OneThirtyFive. With the Class of 2026 about to enter the job market, I wanted to share a few simple things candidates can do to stand out in a competitive hiring landscape.
None of these are complicated. Most of them are common sense. But you would be surprised how few candidates actually do them.
1. Treat the process like a sales cycle
This is the most important piece.
In sales you are expected to present yourself and your company in a positive light, manage the stages in the sales cycle effectively, and communicate efficiently. Your interview process should reflect those same skills.
Every touchpoint from the first application to the final interview is a signal to the hiring team about how you would operate in a real sales role.
2. Apply to in-office roles
Remote roles may sound appealing, but they are dramatically more competitive.
For many of our in-office Cleveland roles we typically see around 30 legitimate applicants. For remote roles that number can jump into the hundreds or even thousands.
Early in your career there is also a lot of value in learning in person. Many candidates entering the workforce experienced remote learning during the COVID years and saw firsthand the difference between virtual and in-person environments. When you start your sales career, your learning process is just getting started.
Being around experienced reps, hearing real calls, and getting immediate coaching can accelerate your development significantly.
3. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile
It amazes me how often I come across a candidate’s LinkedIn profile or resume with out-of-date information.
This can include incorrect email addresses, spelling errors, wrong graduation dates, or work experience that has not been updated in years. The easiest way to get an immediate DQ from a hiring manager is for your first touchpoint to look sloppy.
Also treat your LinkedIn photo like a professional profile, not a college highlight reel. Sunglasses, group photos, or party shots do not help your case.
4. Reach out to the hiring manager
This may seem obvious, but almost no one does it.
Out of the thousands of applicants we have had over the years, I can count on both hands the number of times a candidate proactively reached out to express interest in the role.
A short, thoughtful message to the hiring manager can immediately put you in a positive light.
5. Respond promptly
Once a hiring manager or recruiter reaches out to you, respond quickly.
In sales you are expected to respond to prospects in a timely manner. The hiring process is no different. Delayed responses signal disorganization or lack of urgency, both of which are red flags in a sales role.
6. Research the company before the interview
You would never show up to a discovery call with a prospect without understanding their business.
The same applies to interviews. Before your first conversation with the hiring team, make sure you understand what the company does, who they sell to, and why customers buy their product.
Showing up unaware of basic company information is an easy way to end up on the no list.
7. Come prepared with thoughtful questions
When researching the company, spend some time thinking about the questions you want to ask.
You do not need to overdo it, but try to go beyond generic questions like “What is a day in the life?”
Ask questions that show you did your homework and are genuinely thinking about how you would succeed in the role.
8. Follow up after every conversation
After every phone screen, interview, or meeting, follow up with the people you spoke with.
Thank them for their time, reference something specific from the conversation, and ask any additional questions that may have come up afterward.
It shows professionalism and reinforces your interest in the role.
9. Always get next steps
Just like in a sales process, always clarify the next step.
Before ending a call or interview, make sure you understand what the next stage looks like and when it is likely to happen.
Strong candidates treat the hiring process the same way they would treat a deal in their pipeline.
10. If you lose interest, say so
Sometimes a role may not be the right fit for you. That happens.
If you decide you are no longer interested in a position, let the hiring team know rather than disappearing.
Ghosting companies is never a good idea. You may want to work with that company in the future, or someone from that hiring team may end up somewhere else and cross paths with you later in your career. Leave a good impression whenever possible.
11. Prove your skills, actions speak louder than words
Most candidates tell hiring managers they are great communicators or natural salespeople. Very few can actually prove it.
Tools like Rep2x allow candidates to complete scenario-based sales challenges and receive objective scoring on their performance. Candidates can share their results with potential employers to demonstrate real sales ability before ever stepping into an interview. High performers on the platform may even be rewarded and connected with companies looking to hire.
Sharing those results with potential employers gives you something most candidates do not have. Verified evidence of your sales ability.
Entry-level sales hiring is competitive, but it is also one of the few careers where preparation and effort immediately stand out.
Treat the hiring process the same way you would approach a sales opportunity. Do your research, communicate clearly, follow up, and always ask for the next step.
Kevin DeFranco is the CEO and Founder of OneThirtyFive, the company behind Rep2x, an AI-driven platform that helps companies evaluate sales candidates through real-world simulations and performance scoring. Through his work with OneThirtyFive and Rep2x, he has evaluated thousands of candidates pursuing entry-level sales careers.
Learn more at rep2x.com.
Check out our Cleveland-based Business Development Roles @ OneThirtyFive here.
