Here is an example of a company using a rational approach to sales experience in their ad:
Technical sales experience is preferred but can be substituted for an individual who proves to be driven and motivated with the desire to be successful in this career.
I realize the “driven and motivated” part is nebulous, but it is better than requiring 5+ years of direct industry experience. Here’s the tip – strong salespeople have skills and motivations that transcend experience. The best approach is to write the ad towards those skills and motivations instead of “time-served” experience requirements.