Marketing representative jobs typically include selling or promoting products, services or businesses. This often entails meeting with potential buyers and providing them with promotional materials. Reading sales reports that track the success of various marketing efforts are another important aspect of the job. Additionally, marketing representatives stay abreast of new products, competition, trends and pricing.
Opportunities for marketing representatives are found in a wide variety of industries, including education, insurance and the entertainment. An insurance marketing representative job, for example, might involve selling a certain kind of insurance. Duties for a marketing representative for a record label usually includes promoting the company’s music and selling it to store owners. A college marketing representative likely will be expected to compile information and materials that attract students wishing to enroll.
The duties of a marketing representative can vary according to the industry and level of responsibility associated with the position. Specific responsibilities can include creating promotional materials such as speeches, newsletters and brochures. Design work that includes creating graphics, logos or displays can also be part of the job. Some positions even require the ability to write scripts for commercials or videos.
Travel might be required to visit clients or attend trade shows and other promotional events. This can include working evenings and weekends in addition to a full work week. Depending on the position, out-of-town or overnight travel might be required.
Effective communication skills are essential in marketing representative jobs. Much of the work involves compiling reports, meeting with clients and co-workers, making sales or giving presentations. All of these duties require an ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Some marketing representative jobs require direct selling through telephone calls, referrals or in-person visits to a business. Some training in these techniques, whether in-house or through a college degree, usually is required. Jobs with greater responsibilities often require a college degree — usually in marketing or business administration. Entry-level marketing representative jobs might require only a high school diploma.
One of the first steps for any marketing representative job is identifying potential clients. Research is often conducted to determine which demographic group is most inclined to buy a certain product or service. A marketing representative might conduct all of the research, or it might be a done by another employee or an outside consultant who specializes in that area.
Success in marketing representative jobs requires certain personality traits as well. Marketing representative jobs require people who are outgoing and enjoy working with others. An ability to build trust with clients is essential. Basic math skills also might be required and can be used to calculate costs and analyze sales figures and other reports.