Marketing refers to a wide variety of departments. From advertising and product development to public relations and web marketing, there are many types of marketing jobs you can focus on. When looking for a new job or when looking at potential freelance marketing jobs, ensure that you understand the needs of the potential employer, then you can gear your cover letter and resume to the position needed. A market researcher has a totally different set of qualifications, personality traits, and strengths than a successful advertising manager does.
Having experience in marketing, you understand the need for proper branding of a product or company. You must look at yourself with the same idea in mind. Your resume must sell you as an invaluable addition to the company's marketing team. In fact, your resume and cover letter are the most important marketing materials you may ever write. A dynamic and professionally presented portfolio can land you your dream marketing job. Your resume must highlight all the knowledge, skills, and qualities you will bring to the table. Explain clearly the accomplishments of your career so far, the personality traits that make you the right person for the job, and the projects you have proven your abilities on. This will get the employer's attention and make them want to know more.
Do not use a generic resume and cover letter. You are trying to sell yourself for a specific position and your marketing job resume should reflect that. Read the job posting and incorporate the qualities they mention in their ad.
Research the hiring company so that you can include some information you learn in your cover letter. You can find valuable information through Internet searches on the company name, industry directories, trade journals, or the employer's website. This will show the employer that you took the time to inform yourself. If possible, address your cover letter to an individual responsible for hiring. Your resume is more likely to be looked at if it is sent to a specific person.
Ensure that your resume looks professional. While you want to get their attention, remember that you are applying for a position that requires a strong work ethic and attention to detail. Your resume should be delivered on plain paper and in business appropriate fonts. You are not creating a flyer or brochure; you are selling yourself as a professional.
Once your resume gets your foot in the door you need to seal the deal with your interview. First, you will receive a phone call from the potential employer. Be prepared for this call, and prepare anyone who may answer the phone that there may be an employer calling. This phone call may be the first part of your interview. Have potential answers to any questions they may ask already prepared in your mind. An employer will be assessing your communication skills even if you are caught off guard with chaos around you.
Once you make it to the interview there are a few steps you can take to help you get the marketing job that is perfect for you.
A great way to prepare for your interview is to list all the potential questions you think will be asked. Then prepare concise and honest answers so that you are ready when asked. Know your career goals, your strengths, and your specific aspirations in the field of marketing. It is good to think about what marketing campaigns are your favorites and why they catch your attention. This will convey a passion and interest in the industry.
When trying to break into an entry level marketing job you should sit down and list all the related work and life experience you have. Think of all the qualities needed to be successful in your area of interest and explain how you have demonstrated these traits in the past. Even if you never worked in marketing, you may have designed an employee charity campaign or volunteered with a non-profit organization that offered you experience that is relevant. Find a way to incorporate all the skills you have developed throughout your life that will be useful to the company you are interviewing with. Prepare some examples of problem solving skills you have demonstrated in the past.
It can be helpful prior to your interview to create a target audience profile. Who will you be interviewing with? What motivates them? How can you best relate to them and set yourself apart from the other candidates? Developing an audience profile is beneficial when looking for a full-time job or trying to gain customers as a freelance marketing consultant. When selling your services to potential clients or employers you must know what they are looking for before you can deliver. Spend time researching what their needs are and you will be able to explain why you are the right marketing professional for their needs.
Newspaper classifieds, job boards, company websites, and recruiting companies are great places to start your search for potential jobs. Not all jobs are posted so it can be beneficial to go to company websites to find a name to send your resume to. Even if the company is not presently hiring, they may keep your resume on file until they need you.
Most companies require some marketing operations to make their company successful. This gives you thousands of options for what direction your marketing career will take. With the right preparation, research, and resume, you can find the best marketing jobs for you — no matter at what stage of your career you are.
