The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Best jobs for people who love to talk
Plenty of jobs rely on strong communication skills, but that can mean a number of things, from being able to present your thoughts in a clear, concise fashion to being an excellent writer. In some cases, however, the communication skill in question is rather literal. Big talkers, please step up to the mic—it’s your time to shine. Someone who has the gift of gab and is able to share that gift with many different personality types is valued across loads of industries.
Using information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Monster identified jobs where you can put your chatty side to work.
Advertising sales representative
What you’d do: Ad sales reps spend the majority of their days on the phone with clients in order to sell advertising, marketing, and media spots. A key to their success? Developing solid relationships with their clients, which, of course, means having lots of conversations.
What you’d need: Bachelor’s degree and on-the-job training.
What you’d make: $53,310 per year
Announcer
What you’d do: Step up to the mic to present music, news, sports, the weather, time, traffic, et cetera on radio or TV. Announcers need to constantly stay updated on trending topics to ensure they are prepared to weigh in on breaking events on air, either through their commentary or in discussions with guests.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or broadcasting is typically required; an internship or experience at a college radio or TV station may be expected, as well.
What you’d make: $31,990 per year
Coach
What you’d do: Whether the game is golf or ice hockey, a coach’s job is to teach, train, and motivate athletes who compete to win, either for their school or recreational team. Coaches exert lots of lung power during practices, matches, and games. It can get loud!
What you’d need: Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree, plus prior experience either as an athlete or coach to demonstrate an extensive knowledge of the sport you’re coaching.
What you’d make: $34,840
Customer service representative
What you’d do: A valuable part of every industry, customer service reps are constantly fielding questions and concerns from customers, either over the phone or face-to-face, and sometimes even through email or live chat. Customer service reps are expected to have all the answers and be able to communicate clearly.
What you’d need: High-school diploma and on-the-job training are required, as are soft skills, such as patience and tact. View a sample resume for a customer service representative.
What you’d make: $34,710 per year
Event planner
What you’d do: Event planners are in charge of orchestrating and handling every last detail of events, ceremonies and professional meetings. This requires a lot of conversations. They first meet with clients to discuss requirements and budgets, and then begin to arrange locations, transportation, and other details. The planner is in continual communication with the client and vendors to make sure everything falls into place in a timely manner.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree is typically required. Experience in the hospitality industry may be expected for some positions. View a sample resume for an event coordinator.
What you’d make: $50,600 per year
Fitness instructor
What you’d do: Think of fitness instructors and personal trainers as motivational speakers who lead group classes and private sessions to encourage clients to get in better shape. They typically teach in a gym, health club, recreation center, or other facility, and possibly in the homes of individual clients.
What you’d need: Formal training requirements vary by specification; certification may be expected.
What you’d make: $40,390 per year
High school teacher
What you’d do: Remember what it was like on the other side of the desk? Now it’s your turn to dole out the knowledge from the front of the class—morning to afternoon, five days a week. Teachers must have a comprehensive understanding of the subjects they teach and have the stamina to talk throughout the day, often repeating the same material to different classes of students.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree and state certification are usually the minimum requirements, but additional training in specialty areas may be required. View a sample resume for a teacher.
What you’d make: $61,660 per year
Human resources specialist
What you’d do: Human resources specialists recruit, place, and guide employees through HR procedures. In order to do that effectively, they must develop strong relationships with most everyone they meet. (That means a lot of friendly banter.) In addition, they consult with employers to find gaps in employment, interview applicants, refer job candidates, and organize new-employee orientation.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree, especially in business or HR, is often expected, but further education may be needed in some instances. Interpersonal skills and respect for privacy and confidentiality in personnel matters are a must.
What you’d make: $61,920 per year
Interpreter
What you’d do: Interpreters help people communicate across language barriers by converting one language into another, usually in offices, schools, courtrooms, hospitals, and conference centers. This means an interpreter is automatically a part of any and all conversations happening within the presence of their client.
What you’d need: Native-level fluency in English and at least one other language are a must, and a bachelor’s degree is a typical minimum requirement.
What you’d make: $51,830 per year
Public relations specialist
What you’d do: PR specialists are like megaphones. These big talkers are in charge of getting the word out on a timely schedule. They’re constantly meeting with people and making phone calls in order to promote their company or brand to the public, which includes consumers, investors, and reporters.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in a field such as PR, journalism, communications, or English is a minimum.
What you’d make: $61,150 per year