Are you considering a career in marketing? Whether you’re about to graduate from college, transitioning from another type of work or ready to move from the client side to the agency world, read these tips before you start your job search.
Define Your Value - Think about your potential employer’s needs and pains first. Research what they do well, but focus on how you might fill a void at their agency. You’ll make a strong impression if you can say to an interviewer, “I believe I can help you in this area or with that problem.”
Then, back up your assertions with samples of your work, relevant solutions you’ve developed for others and testimonials that support your claims. In other words, show your unique and specific value.
Choose Carefully - If you’re not in a hurry to find your next job, take the time to look deeply into each agency you might join.
Learn about their culture, financial health, the industries and clients they serve. Have they had any public relations or legal issues? On average, how long do clients and employees stay with the agency? Can you talk with their current and former team members to get a sense of what the environment is like?
By doing your homework, you have a better chance of identifying the agency that’s the best fit for your skills and work style.
Here are a few thoughts from other MadAveGroup team members.
Ask Questions - Begin by asking yourself, “Why do I want to work in marketing?”
What is it about the field that excites you? Which of your skills and qualities would be valuable to an agency and its clients? How would you define a successful marketing career?
If you can’t answer those questions, marketing may not be your true calling.
And then, do you like working alone or as part of a team? That answer can help you decide if you should join an agency or cut your own freelance path.
Gwen Hagen / Senior Marketing Manager
Present Your Virtual Self Well - Be careful how you present yourself online. The digital impressions you leave behind are fair game for any employer evaluating everything from your personality to your language skills and opinions.
Make sure your social media pages showcase the person you want your potential employer to see, even if that means removing potentially objectionable content. Update your LinkedIn page to share stories of how you thought creatively and solved problems. Post testimonials from former managers and clients who can attest to your past work experience and successes. And consider presenting your ideas and work samples creatively on your own website or in a blog or portfolio.
Those efforts can round out your digital footprint and give you more opportunities to show your talent and versatility to potential employers.
Jon Marker / Director of Business Development for SensoryMax
Follow Your Passion - If you’re just starting your career, don’t make the mistake of simply chasing the money. Find something you're passionate about and then find an agency that will give you the best opportunity to excel in that role. Your 45-year-old self will be very glad you pursued work that’s important to you. The financial wins will come when you show up every day, invest your care and creativity and enjoy what you do.
Most importantly, when you’re interviewing for that role, prove your passion. Show your potential employer how the work you’ll be doing is important to you and how that commitment will benefit the company.
Learn about working at MadAveGroup.
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