3 answers
Timothy
Student
Union City, California
1
Question
Asked
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Difficulty in finding a job in Marketing?
I just graduated with a degree in Marketing. I am having difficulty finding a job that is suitable for my major.
During my studies, I have accumulated some knowledge and skills such as:
Building a marketing strategy
Managing social networks
Organizing events
Analyzing the market
Using online marketing tools (Google Analytics, Facebook Ads...)
However, when I started looking for a job, I felt quite vague and did not know which field to focus on. I have applied for several positions such as:
Online marketing staff
Event organizer
Customer service staff
But so far I have not received any positive feedback.
With my skills and experience, which marketing field should I focus on?
What skills do I need to supplement to increase my competitiveness in the labor market?
What are some effective channels to find a job in the marketing industry?
How to make a good impression on the employer in an interview?
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3 answers
Morgan G
Management Consultant
4
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
Congratulations on graduating with a degree in Marketing! It's great that you have a solid foundation of skills and knowledge. Let's address your questions to help you navigate your job search more effectively.
Which Marketing Field to Focus On
Given your skills in building marketing strategies, managing social networks, organizing events, analyzing the market, and using online tools, here are a few areas you might consider specializing in:
1. Digital Marketing Specialist: Focuses on online marketing strategies, SEO, SEM, and social media marketing. Your skills with tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Ads are particularly relevant here.
2. Social Media Manager: Involves managing a company's social media presence, creating content, and engaging with audiences. Your experience with social networks will be valuable
3. Event Marketing Coordinator: Combines your skills in event organization and marketing strategy to promote and manage events.
4. Content Marketing: Involves creating and distributing valuable, relevant content to attract and engage a target audience.
5. Market Research Analyst: Uses your analytical skills to study market conditions and consumer behavior to help companies understand potential sales of a product or service.
Skills to Supplement
To increase your competitiveness in the labor market, consider developing the following skills:
1. Data Analysis: Improve your ability to interpret data and metrics. Tools like Google Data Studio or Tableau can be very useful.
2. Content Creation: Enhance your skills in writing, video editing, or graphic design. Tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite might be helpful.
3. SEO/SEM: Deepen your understanding of search engine optimization and search engine marketing to improve visibility for clients.
4. Email Marketing: Learn how to create effective email campaigns using platforms like Mailchimp or HubSpot.
5. Project Management: Skills in managing projects can be beneficial, especially if you're interested in roles like event marketing.
Effective Job Search Channels
1. LinkedIn: A powerful tool for networking and job searching. Make sure your profile is up to date and highlights your skills and experiences.
2. Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Marketing-specific boards like MarketingHire or FlexJobs can be useful.
3. Networking Events: Attend industry events, webinars, and workshops to connect with professionals in your field.
4. Company Websites: Check the career pages of companies you're interested in to find openings.
5. Recruitment Agencies: Consider agencies that specialize in marketing roles.
Making a Good Impression in an Interview
1. Research the Company: Understand their products, services, culture, and recent news. Tailor your responses to show how you can add value.
2. Highlight Relevant Experience: Use examples that showcase your skills and accomplishments that align with the job description.
3. Ask Thoughtful Questions: Show interest in the role and company by asking insightful questions.
4. Demonstrate Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and adaptability are key in marketing roles.
5. Follow Up: Send a thank-you email after the interview, reiterating your interest and appreciation for the opportunity.
By focusing on these areas, you can refine your job search strategy and improve your chances of finding a suitable position in marketing. Good luck!
Which Marketing Field to Focus On
Given your skills in building marketing strategies, managing social networks, organizing events, analyzing the market, and using online tools, here are a few areas you might consider specializing in:
1. Digital Marketing Specialist: Focuses on online marketing strategies, SEO, SEM, and social media marketing. Your skills with tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Ads are particularly relevant here.
2. Social Media Manager: Involves managing a company's social media presence, creating content, and engaging with audiences. Your experience with social networks will be valuable
3. Event Marketing Coordinator: Combines your skills in event organization and marketing strategy to promote and manage events.
4. Content Marketing: Involves creating and distributing valuable, relevant content to attract and engage a target audience.
5. Market Research Analyst: Uses your analytical skills to study market conditions and consumer behavior to help companies understand potential sales of a product or service.
Skills to Supplement
To increase your competitiveness in the labor market, consider developing the following skills:
1. Data Analysis: Improve your ability to interpret data and metrics. Tools like Google Data Studio or Tableau can be very useful.
2. Content Creation: Enhance your skills in writing, video editing, or graphic design. Tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite might be helpful.
3. SEO/SEM: Deepen your understanding of search engine optimization and search engine marketing to improve visibility for clients.
4. Email Marketing: Learn how to create effective email campaigns using platforms like Mailchimp or HubSpot.
5. Project Management: Skills in managing projects can be beneficial, especially if you're interested in roles like event marketing.
Effective Job Search Channels
1. LinkedIn: A powerful tool for networking and job searching. Make sure your profile is up to date and highlights your skills and experiences.
2. Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Marketing-specific boards like MarketingHire or FlexJobs can be useful.
3. Networking Events: Attend industry events, webinars, and workshops to connect with professionals in your field.
4. Company Websites: Check the career pages of companies you're interested in to find openings.
5. Recruitment Agencies: Consider agencies that specialize in marketing roles.
Making a Good Impression in an Interview
1. Research the Company: Understand their products, services, culture, and recent news. Tailor your responses to show how you can add value.
2. Highlight Relevant Experience: Use examples that showcase your skills and accomplishments that align with the job description.
3. Ask Thoughtful Questions: Show interest in the role and company by asking insightful questions.
4. Demonstrate Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and adaptability are key in marketing roles.
5. Follow Up: Send a thank-you email after the interview, reiterating your interest and appreciation for the opportunity.
By focusing on these areas, you can refine your job search strategy and improve your chances of finding a suitable position in marketing. Good luck!
Charlie Jennings
Director of sales
9
Answers
Lexington, Kentucky
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
Timothy congratulations on earning your degree, that is quite an accomplishment but it doesn't mean that you are qualified for higher paying marketing jobs. I'm not being negative, I'm just being real. I would LOVE an opportunity to actually speak with you about your studies and your career goals, so my comments will be general in nature and not critical of you personally. I have had many graduates apply for jobs who expected a six figure salary and a corner office who were unwilling to "start at the bottom", guess what, they didn't get hired. And I've had others who would do anything asked of them for little or no pay just to obtain the experience, it's all about attitude. When I graduated from broadcast school I worked three jobs part-time and I had to room with two other guys just to afford to live on my own. I had to do all that to gain practical experience that wasn't taught in school, I had to build my resume and more importantly I had to build a reputation for being dependable, for having a good work ethic and for being a "team player" who was willing to do anything asked of me. The only constant in media and marketing is change, sooner or later someone will move on and if you've made a positive impression on the hiring manager that window of opportunity will open for you. Again, I don't know what specific type of marketing you have interest, but you might consider sales as a starting place. It seems all upper management jobs begin in sales. When I was a DJ for radio station, I had to interact with our clients so sales was forced upon me, that sales experience open doors for me as a manager of radio, then print, then cable TV, then I was recruited by an ad agency. Without that sales experience, which I initially resisted, climbing the corporate ladder would have taken much longer AND it pays well. I hope some of this will help in some way, you can this!
Kim Gravell
Retired Principal at Gravell Insights, LLC
154
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Timothy
You have been given some excellent advice and guidance by mentors. The only thing I will add is to consider that the breadth and impact of strategic marketing affects the entire organization. It is helpful to understand the various departments and functions of an organization (sales, operations, finance, etc) and take them into consideration as you make strategic marketing decisions. You may want to consider working in those areas or at least spend some time understanding how they function as part of your learning and growth process.
You may also want to consider adjacent job opportunities that will augment your experience such as public relations, business development, account management, recruitment, relationship manager, etc. All of these roles will utilize the skills needed for effective marketing and will build your knowledge base and experience to be most effective in a strategic marketing role (should you choose).
You are off to a great start by asking the right questions. My very best wishes for a successful journey.
You have been given some excellent advice and guidance by mentors. The only thing I will add is to consider that the breadth and impact of strategic marketing affects the entire organization. It is helpful to understand the various departments and functions of an organization (sales, operations, finance, etc) and take them into consideration as you make strategic marketing decisions. You may want to consider working in those areas or at least spend some time understanding how they function as part of your learning and growth process.
You may also want to consider adjacent job opportunities that will augment your experience such as public relations, business development, account management, recruitment, relationship manager, etc. All of these roles will utilize the skills needed for effective marketing and will build your knowledge base and experience to be most effective in a strategic marketing role (should you choose).
You are off to a great start by asking the right questions. My very best wishes for a successful journey.