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What is a marketing/sales representative and how to become one
A marketing/sales representative promotes and sells products or services to customers. They identify clients, develop strategies, and meet targets. Marketing/sales representatives use various communication channels to engage with customers, such as phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings. They also conduct market research and gather feedback to improve products or services. A successful marketing/sales representative requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They must also stay up-to-date with industry trends.
What general advice would you give to a marketing/sales representative?
Andrew Gershoff Ph.D.
Department Chair, The University of Texas at Austin
Second, students should try to think more broadly about following their interests and still finding employment. So taking some time to learn about career paths that they hadn't considered is worth doing. Many jobs rely on similar skills and may offer similar fulfillment and happiness.
Third, students should be ready to explore possibilities at companies they may not have heard of. Now, is an excellent time to look at companies that may only have a few jobs to offer, but may be doing some of the most exciting things a student can be part of. Finding a good fit is essential to happiness in a career, which may not be at a "name brand" firm.
Finally, students should keep in mind that their journey is their own. It is easy to discourage if you are having a difficult time, and your peers find success. But it can be freeing to focus on developing new knowledge and skills that interest you. Your success will come, and it doesn't have to be defined by someone else.
Avg. Salary $62,917
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%
Asian 5.22%
Black or African American 3.90%
Hispanic or Latino 14.60%
Unknown 3.72%
White 72.33%
Genderfemale 46.90%
male 53.10%
Age - 48American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 48Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a marketing/sales representative?
Pros
High earning potential
Opportunity for career advancement
Flexibility in schedule and location
Ability to shape a company's brand image
Satisfaction from helping customers find the right product or service
Cons
High-pressure environment with performance expectations
Long and irregular work hours, including weekends and holidays
Frequent travel may be required
Potential for burnout due to high stress and workload
Need for constant self-promotion and networking
Marketing/sales representative career paths
Key steps to become a marketing/sales representative
Explore marketing/sales representative education requirements
Start to develop specific marketing/sales representative skills
Skills Percentages Customer Relations 16.35% Business Relationships 15.32% Sales REP 11.47% Product Knowledge 10.84% Customer Service 8.36% Complete relevant marketing/sales representative training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New marketing/sales representatives learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a marketing/sales representative based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real marketing/sales representative resumes.Research marketing/sales representative duties and responsibilities
- Track all leads activity, leads/opportunities and manage reports using Salesforce.com.
- Utilize CRM database to manage and track prospect interaction to ensure accurate documentation of window requirements and ongoing communication.
- Serve as a product specialist to sales team for web design, paid search, SEO and social media services.
- Develop working knowledge of Salesforce, customer relationship management software.
Prepare your marketing/sales representative resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your marketing/sales representative resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a marketing/sales representative resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable marketing/sales representative resume templates
Build a professional marketing/sales representative resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your marketing/sales representative resume.
Apply for marketing/sales representative jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a marketing/sales representative job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first marketing/sales representative job
Karla Brekke
Marketing/Sales Representative
As I reflect on my career journey, it's a path built on layers of creativity, strategy, and healthy client relationships. My name is Karla Brekke, and for over two decades, I've thrived in the realm of design and visual communication. My story isn't just about design; it's about how my passion for artistry seamlessly merges with marketing strategy and salesmanship.
From Design to Strategy: A Natural Evolution
My journey began with a love for design that transcended mere aesthetics. Following my formal 4-year education at UW-Milwaukee in Design & Visual Communication, I dove headfirst into the world of graphic design, branding, and advertising. My internship gave me the confidence I needed to land my first ‘real job’ as a graphic designer alongside the print industry. As my career progressed, I found myself drawn to the strategic side of design—the art of transforming a simple design project into a comprehensive marketing campaign.
Serving as a Strategic Partner
Working for small family-owned printing businesses provided me with a unique opportunity to wear many hats. While my title may have been Art Director, I often found myself stepping into the role of Marketing Strategist and Sales Representative. For me, it wasn't just about creating visually stunning designs; it was about understanding my clients' needs and goals and guiding them towards effective marketing solutions built on a good design.
Growing Clients, Driving Sales
One of my greatest strengths lies in my ability to grow clients and increase sales through strategic design initiatives. What may start as a modest design request—a logo, a postcard, or an ad—often blossoms into a comprehensive marketing campaign involving assorted print and digital media publications. By focusing on the functionality of design and the user experience, I've been able to create campaigns that not only captivate audiences but also drive tangible results for my clients.
Embracing UX Design: The Next Frontier
As I look towards the future, my goal is to further integrate UX design into my repertoire. I see UX design as the natural evolution of visual communication—a way to not only create beautiful designs but also ensure they are intuitive, user-friendly, and ultimately, effective. By retaining a focus on functionality and user experience, I aim to continue pushing the boundaries of design and marketing, del
Average marketing/sales representative salary
The average marketing/sales representative salary in the United States is $62,917 per year or $30 per hour. Marketing/sales representative salaries range between $42,000 and $92,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do marketing/sales representatives rate their job?
Marketing/sales representative reviews
Cultivating relationships with customers and accessing customers needs , I like solving their problems with the product or service that I am pre selling to them before passing the lead to a sales executive.
Pay was consistent and you pick your own rate based on the commission you choose to bring in. Spending so much time together created a bond between the team where uplifting one another on bad days became part of the job. I guess it depends on your particular work environment but the bonds created kept us going.
Communicating and helping my clients.
The travel was extensive. Sometimes. It took more than month to close a deaĺ.
Updated January 8, 2025
