If you’re wondering how to get a job in sales and marketing but fear your fast-talking, slow-typing personality will hold you back, you’re not alone. Many job seekers struggle to translate their verbal strengths into résumé-friendly bullet points.
The good news? Sales and marketing roles are built around connection, persuasion, and energy; all qualities that favor strong talkers over silent keyboard warriors. In fact, being eloquent, engaging, and quick-thinking can be your greatest asset in these fields.
This article will teach you how to channel your natural communication talents into a career path that values people over perfection. Whether you’re just entering the job market or pivoting from a text-heavy role, you’ll find practical strategies here to land the job and flourish in it.
Understand the Industry
Sales and marketing roles are people-facing and results-driven. Unlike technical writing or data analysis jobs, these fields value relationship building, persuasion, and confidence.
Sales Focuses On:
- Prospecting and lead generation
- Presenting product value
- Negotiating and closing deals
- Handling objections and follow-ups
Marketing Focuses On:
- Customer engagement
- Brand communication
- Campaign strategy and execution
- Market research and feedback loops
Both rely on interpersonal communication. While writing is part of the field, most entry-level sales roles emphasize speaking, presenting, and in-person interaction over typing prowess.
Find the Right Fit
If typing isn’t your strong suit, target positions where speaking takes center stage. Consider these roles during the sales and marketing job search:
1. Field Sales Representative
These professionals meet clients face-to-face, whether in B2B or B2C settings. They demonstrate products, build rapport, and close deals in person.
2. Inside Sales Agent (Phone-Based)
You can excel in telesales or inside sales roles if you’re persuasive over the phone. Many organizations use phone outreach to qualify leads, book demos, or handle renewals.
3. Brand Ambassador or Product Promoter
These roles involve representing a brand in public, often at events or retail locations. They’re built for extroverts who enjoy storytelling, public interaction, and spontaneous conversations.
4. Event Marketing Coordinator
Event marketers engage with attendees, host demos, and gather feedback. It’s a role that blends organization with a strong verbal presence.
5. Customer Success or Account Manager
Post-sale roles focus on nurturing client relationships. These positions involve regular check-ins, verbal feedback collection, and strategic upselling.
Create a Résumé That Highlights Speaking Skills
Even if you’re better at talking than typing, you still need to submit a written résumé. However, there’s no rule that says it must emphasize writing.
Use Keywords That Reflect Communication Strength
- “Presented to C-suite executives…”
- “Built relationships with over 200 clients…”
- “Led in-person demos at industry events…”
- “Hosted weekly webinars to engage prospects…”
Highlight Results, Not Writing
Focus on the outcomes you achieved through conversation, such as closing a large sale, diffusing customer frustration, or securing partnership deals.
Include Public Speaking and Presentation Experience
If you’ve given speeches, hosted events, or led team meetings, list those as assets. They count just as much as technical writing experience.
Practice for Interviews
The interview stage is where your communication skills can outshine any lack of writing ability. But like anything else in life, preparation is still key.
Anticipate Behavioral Questions
Employers often ask:
- “Tell me about a time you convinced someone to see things your way.”
- “How do you handle rejection or objections?”
Prepare stories that demonstrate charisma, empathy, and negotiation.
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Use your storytelling talent to convey value. Show how you turned a cold lead into a loyal customer or energized a stagnant campaign through verbal outreach.
Ask Great Questions
Top candidates are curious. Ask about team dynamics, sales cycles, or customer engagement tools. Your genuine interest and active listening will speak volumes.
Leverage Video and Voice to Build Your Brand
Your typing may not impress recruiters, but your voice and presence can. Use multimedia platforms to your advantage.
Record a Video Introduction
Attach a 60-second video to your job applications or LinkedIn profile. Speak directly to the camera, introduce yourself, and highlight what you bring to the table.
Start a Podcast or Audio Blog
Share your thoughts on trends in marketing, cold-calling tactics, or sales psychology. Even a few short episodes can show initiative and communication prowess.
Host or Participate in Webinars
Engage with communities or groups related to your target industry. Speaking on panels or leading online discussions builds credibility and connections.
Network Verbally
Networking doesn’t always happen over email. If you’re better at talking, seek situations where speaking is the norm. Doing so will open you to countless opportunities down the line.
Attend Industry Meetups or Career Fairs
Be sure to bring business cards, ask thoughtful questions, and follow up with voice notes or short calls rather than long emails.
Use LinkedIn Voice Messages
Instead of typing a cold outreach message, use LinkedIn’s voice feature to leave a personalized message. It’s a great way to stand out and show off your speaking skills.
Join Toastmasters or Local Speaking Clubs
Being part of these organizations will allow you to practice speaking in a professional setting and meet people who value verbal communication in business.
Seek Companies That Value Personality Over Perfect Grammar
Not every company prioritizes long reports or documentation. Target organizations that prioritize enthusiasm, culture fit, and performance metrics.
Startup Environments
Smaller companies often care more about hustle and adaptability than résumé polish. They welcome team members who can pitch ideas, represent the brand, and engage with customers.
Sales-Focused Companies
Businesses that rely heavily on outbound sales appreciate confident communicators who can close over the phone or in person.
Field Marketing and Promotions Agencies
Agencies that run events, brand activations, and street teams need engaging personalities who can speak persuasively in unscripted environments.
Upskill Strategically
You don’t need to become a novelist, but learning to communicate clearly in writing will still help.
Use Voice-to-Text Tools
Apps like Otter.ai or Google Docs voice typing can transcribe your speech into text, allowing you to draft emails or notes quickly.
Stick to Templates
Create reusable scripts for email follow-ups, sales proposals, or outreach messages. Edit and personalize them as needed—but don’t start from scratch every time.
Take a Business Writing Crash Course
Even a short online class can boost your confidence. Focus on concise writing, structuring your points, and eliminating fluff as much as possible.
Prove Yourself With Performance, Not Punctuation
Once you’re in the job, your success will depend on how well you connect, close, and contribute, not how fast you type.
Track Metrics That Matter
Focus on your conversion rates, deals closed, meetings booked, and repeat clients. These numbers speak louder than grammar checks.
Get Customer Testimonials
Verbal praise can be powerful. Ask happy clients or customers to share feedback with your manager or post it on LinkedIn.
Offer to Represent Your Team at Events
Visibility builds credibility. Use your speaking ability to host team meetings, join client calls, or present updates. Doing so will go a long way.
A Few Final Tips
- Own Your Strengths: Stop apologizing for yourself and what you lack and start leading with what you do well.
- Stay Professional: Being talkative is not a bad thing, but learn when to listen. Balance energy with empathy.
- Be Coachable: Employers love candidates who are eager to learn and adapt. Show you’re ready to grow—even if you don’t write novels in Slack.
Main Takeaway
Getting a job in sales and marketing doesn’t require lightning-fast typing skills or award-winning essays. It requires connection, confidence, and clarity. These are skills you likely already have in abundance. Focus on the roles that value conversation over composition, learn just enough writing to keep your professional tools sharp, and let your personality shine!
Turn Conversation Into Career Currency
Praxis Management Group Inc. offers entry-level opportunities in Sandy Springs, GA. From face-to-face marketing roles to direct sales positions, our programs help you start a fulfilling career in business development. You’ll build confidence in the field, engage with customers, and learn how to translate everyday conversation into long-term client relationships.
Apply now to start your journey in sales and marketing—no typing test required!