How to find remote sales jobs (and what to avoid)

There’s a lot of skepticism surrounding remote sales, especially when it comes to finding legitimate job opportunities. And let’s be honest: You should be skeptical. Remote sales is still new, and with its rapid growth has come a wave of bad advice, scams, and wasted time. The problem is that most advice you’ll find from sales influencers or online forums sends you down unproductive paths:

• Upwork or LinkedIn: Overwhelming, hyper-competitive, and rarely effective.

• Remote sales Facebook groups: Filled with empty promises and scammy offers.

• Job boards: Hit-or-miss, with most roles already saturated by applications.

So, where do you turn if you want to find real, high-quality remote sales opportunities? The truth is, there are two proven methods for landing remote sales roles that are rarely talked about. And today we’re going to cover what you need to know about these strategies, their pros and cons, and how to leverage them effectively.

1. Cold Outreach (Social Media DMs)

Cold outreach involves proactively reaching out to business owners and decision-makers through platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), or even email. Instead of passively waiting for job postings, you’re putting yourself directly in front of the people who can make hiring decisions.

How to Craft the Perfect Cold DM:
Here’s an example of a message that gets results:

Hello [Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I came across your content recently. I love your message and the impact you’re making. It’s inspiring to see how you’re helping people.

I’d love to be part of that movement and help you scale your mission.

I’m not asking for a job, I’m asking for a chance to prove what I can do. Where can I apply to join your sales team?

Why this works:

• It’s personalized: You’re showing that you’ve done your research and genuinely care about their mission.

• It’s low-pressure: You’re not demanding anything; you’re offering value.

• It sets you apart: Most candidates rely on formal applications—this approach feels fresh and proactive.

The Downsides of Cold Outreach:
While effective, this method isn’t without challenges:

• Time-intensive: You’ll need to send hundreds of messages before landing a response, let alone a job.

• No guarantees: Many businesses don’t actively hire through DMs, so you’re relying on luck and persistence.

If you’re patient and willing to put in the work, cold outreach can yield great results. But if you’re looking for something faster and more reliable, the second method might be a better fit.

2. Placement

Placement programs are designed to connect skilled candidates with companies that are actively hiring for remote sales roles. Unlike traditional job searches, where you navigate endless job boards or rely on cold outreach, placement programs streamline the process by acting as a bridge between you and the right opportunities.

How Placement Programs Work:

1. Candidate Preparation: Most placement programs include some form of training or skill development to ensure candidates are ready to step into their new roles with confidence.

2. Business Partnerships: Programs typically work with a network of companies looking for vetted sales talent. These companies often prefer placement programs because they save time and ensure higher-quality hires.

3. Matching Process: Once you’re trained and ready, the program matches you with businesses that fit your skills, interests, and goals.

4. Support: Some programs go the extra mile by offering ongoing mentorship or additional resources to help you succeed after placement.

Benefits of Placement:

• Efficiency: Placement programs significantly reduce the time it takes to land a role, especially compared to cold outreach or job boards.

• Exclusive Opportunities: Many companies only hire through placement programs, giving you access to roles you won’t find elsewhere.

• Lower Risk: With pre-vetted companies and structured processes, placement programs reduce the guesswork and risk of stepping into a bad opportunity.

What to Watch Out For in Placement Programs:

Unfortunately, not all placement programs are created equal. Some promise the world but fail to deliver, leaving sales reps frustrated and out of pocket. Here’s how to identify legitimate programs:

1. Transparency: A good program will clearly explain their training, placement process, and what you can expect. Vague promises or flashy marketing are red flags.

2. Credibility: Look for programs with a strong track record of success, backed by real testimonials and tangible results.

3. Genuine Partnerships: Verify that the companies they work with are reputable. If a program can’t provide details or proof of their partnerships, proceed with caution.

4. Support: Avoid programs that drop you immediately after placement. Ongoing mentorship or resources are signs of a program that truly invests in your success.

What Good Placement Looks Like: The RSA Model

A prime example of an effective placement program is one with a clear, structured process, strong partnerships, and a focus on long-term success. For example, here at The Real Sales Academy, we offer:

• A Placement Portal: A centralized system where students can access exclusive opportunities with businesses actively seeking trained sales professionals.

• Established Partnerships: Trustworthy relationships with companies that value skilled sales reps and offer legitimate, high-earning roles.

• Endless Opportunities: A constant flow of remote sales roles with six-figure earning potential, allowing students to step into life-changing careers.

This kind of structure ensures that our students are matched with roles that fit their skills and goals, while companies receive top-tier sales talent ready to perform. Programs like RSA demonstrate how placement can save time, reduce uncertainty, and unlock opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach.

Placement programs are one of the most effective ways to land a remote sales role, quickly and confidently. By understanding how they work and knowing what to look for, you can use placement as a powerful tool to accelerate your sales career.

Which Method is Right for You?

• If you’re willing to invest time: Cold outreach is a great way to stand out and make direct connections, but it requires persistence and patience.

• If you want to move quickly and efficiently: Placement programs like RSA save you time, reduce uncertainty, and ensure you’re stepping into a role designed for success.

Both methods have their place, but ultimately, the best path is the one that aligns with your goals and timeline.

By focusing on proactive strategies like cold DMs and leveraging trusted placement programs, you can break through the noise and find remote sales opportunities that fit your ambitions.

Remote sales isn’t just a job, it’s a career with limitless potential. But success depends on how you approach it. The right strategy, preparation, and choices can be the difference between endless searching and landing a career that transforms your life.

Your next move isn’t just a step, it’s the foundation for everything that follows. Make it count.