6 answers
Marie
Student
Bronx, ID
1
Question
Asked
824 views
How Can I Best Position Myself for a Marketing Role in a Competitive Job Market? ?
I’m particularly interested in pursuing a career in marketing, focusing on digital strategies and brand management. During my academic career, I’ve gained experience with market analysis, content creation, and campaign planning through internships and coursework.
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6 answers
Cicely Pearson
Marketing
4
Answers
Walnut Creek, California
Updated
Cicely’s Answer
Hi Marie! Great question. You have a ton of great responses already. I am going to respond to the most valuable lesson from my career in marketing:
Real-world experience is invaluable in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Employers value candidates who demonstrate their ability to tackle challenges, collaborate with teams, and deliver results.
-Volunteer for Projects: Offer to help local businesses, clubs, or non-profits with tasks like social media management, branding, or content creation. These experiences showcase your initiative and problem-solving skills.
-Pursue Internships: Look for internships in digital marketing, brand management, or market analysis. They provide hands-on exposure to campaign planning and strategy execution.
-Start Personal Projects: Launch a blog, YouTube channel, or Instagram page to showcase your creativity and ability to engage an audience. Use platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Blogger to manage content while gaining valuable skills.
Develop In-Demand Skills
Honing specific marketing skills will help you stand out to employers.
-Analytics: Learn how to interpret marketing data using tools like Google Analytics or Excel. Marketing Analytics: Data-Driven Techniques with Microsoft Excel is a helpful resource for building your data-driven decision-making skills.
-Content Creation: Master the art of creating engaging content through free tools and platforms:
Canva: Design graphics and social media posts.
Pixlr: Edit photos for free.
CapCut: Create and edit videos for social media.
Grammarly: Enhance your writing for clarity and professionalism.
-Recommended Reading:
Marketing Analytics: Data-Driven Techniques with Microsoft Excel
The 1-Page Marketing Plan
These books provide practical insights to strengthen your knowledge and skills in marketing.
If you're looking for additonal resources, Kindle Unlimited is a great option for accessing marketing books, and there may be student discount programs available. Alternatively, you can explore your local or school library for similar materials.
By combining practical experience with skill development, you’ll not only build a robust portfolio but also gain the confidence to tackle the challenges of a marketing career.
Good luck and let me know if you have any further questions.
-Cicely
Real-world experience is invaluable in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Employers value candidates who demonstrate their ability to tackle challenges, collaborate with teams, and deliver results.
-Volunteer for Projects: Offer to help local businesses, clubs, or non-profits with tasks like social media management, branding, or content creation. These experiences showcase your initiative and problem-solving skills.
-Pursue Internships: Look for internships in digital marketing, brand management, or market analysis. They provide hands-on exposure to campaign planning and strategy execution.
-Start Personal Projects: Launch a blog, YouTube channel, or Instagram page to showcase your creativity and ability to engage an audience. Use platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Blogger to manage content while gaining valuable skills.
Develop In-Demand Skills
Honing specific marketing skills will help you stand out to employers.
-Analytics: Learn how to interpret marketing data using tools like Google Analytics or Excel. Marketing Analytics: Data-Driven Techniques with Microsoft Excel is a helpful resource for building your data-driven decision-making skills.
-Content Creation: Master the art of creating engaging content through free tools and platforms:
Canva: Design graphics and social media posts.
Pixlr: Edit photos for free.
CapCut: Create and edit videos for social media.
Grammarly: Enhance your writing for clarity and professionalism.
-Recommended Reading:
Marketing Analytics: Data-Driven Techniques with Microsoft Excel
The 1-Page Marketing Plan
These books provide practical insights to strengthen your knowledge and skills in marketing.
If you're looking for additonal resources, Kindle Unlimited is a great option for accessing marketing books, and there may be student discount programs available. Alternatively, you can explore your local or school library for similar materials.
By combining practical experience with skill development, you’ll not only build a robust portfolio but also gain the confidence to tackle the challenges of a marketing career.
Good luck and let me know if you have any further questions.
-Cicely
Arielle Amchin Orazio
Business Marketing Strategy/Program management
10
Answers
Wood-Ridge, New Jersey
Updated
Arielle’s Answer
General resume advice: Quantify your impact of your achievements, so its not just a list of activities, but also show that you can measure your activities to defined outcomes.
Hey Arielle, I totally agree with you and was wondering if you could give an example of how some could "quantify" their impact. This might help the user figure out how to change their resume!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Ieteke Klamer
Finding new customers
2
Answers
Sarreguemines, Grand Est
Updated
Ieteke’s Answer
Hello Marie,
It's fantastic to see that you're clear about your goals and have already begun accumulating valuable experience! No doubt, you're on the path to success!
One suggestion I'd like to offer is to consider establishing your personal brand online. This could involve regularly updating your LinkedIn profile, expanding your network, and creating or sharing insightful posts.
Additionally, customizing your CV or application to align with the company you're applying to can make a significant impact. Incorporating elements like their brand colors or logo can be an effective way to showcase your skills and attention to detail.
For an exciting way to gain even more experience, consider engaging in volunteer work. Activities such as content creation or event planning for a non-profit organization can be incredibly rewarding, both for you and your community!
It's fantastic to see that you're clear about your goals and have already begun accumulating valuable experience! No doubt, you're on the path to success!
One suggestion I'd like to offer is to consider establishing your personal brand online. This could involve regularly updating your LinkedIn profile, expanding your network, and creating or sharing insightful posts.
Additionally, customizing your CV or application to align with the company you're applying to can make a significant impact. Incorporating elements like their brand colors or logo can be an effective way to showcase your skills and attention to detail.
For an exciting way to gain even more experience, consider engaging in volunteer work. Activities such as content creation or event planning for a non-profit organization can be incredibly rewarding, both for you and your community!
Lauren Blood
Application Consultant
8
Answers
Wigan, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hey, Marie!
To position yourself for a marketing role in a competitive job market, focus on building a strong personal brand, showcasing relevant skills and experience, and demonstrating a commitment to staying current in the field. Here’s a step-by-step approach tailored to your goals:
Define Your Unique Value Proposition -- Identify what sets you apart from other candidates. For example, your hands-on experience with market analysis, content creation, and campaign planning can be positioned as a foundation for delivering data-driven and creative marketing solutions.
Showcase Your Portfolio -- Create a digital portfolio that highlights your work, such as campaign plans, content pieces, or data analyses. Use platforms like LinkedIn, a personal website, or even Behance to showcase these projects.
Refine Your CV and Cover Letter -- Tailor your CV and cover letter for each application, emphasising the specific skills and achievements that align with the role. Use metrics where possible (e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 25% during my internship by creating targeted content”).
Gain Certifications -- Demonstrate your commitment to learning by completing certifications in relevant areas like Google Analytics, HubSpot Content Marketing, or Facebook Blueprint. These are valuable credentials in digital marketing.
Leverage Networking -- Connect with professionals in the industry through platforms like LinkedIn, marketing events, or alumni networks. Reach out to ask for informational interviews or advice, which can open doors to hidden opportunities.
Demonstrate Digital Savviness -- Stay up to date with digital marketing trends and tools. Familiarise yourself with platforms like SEO software, email marketing tools, and social media analytics to showcase your adaptability to emerging technologies.
Gain Practical Experience -- Continue building experience through internships, freelance projects, or volunteering. If possible, contribute to a real-world campaign for a small business or non-profit, which provides tangible results to showcase.
Build a Personal Brand -- Use your own social media channels or blog to discuss marketing trends or share insights. Positioning yourself as a thought leader can make you stand out to potential employers.
Prepare for Interviews -- Develop clear examples of how you’ve applied your skills in internships or coursework. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
Target Specific Roles and Companies -- Research companies whose values and work align with your interests in brand management and digital strategies. Tailor your approach for each organisation, showing genuine interest in their mission and demonstrating how you can contribute.
By presenting yourself as a proactive, skilled, and adaptable candidate, you’ll position yourself as an ideal fit for competitive marketing roles.
Create a digital portfolio
Complete a Certification
Connect with 10 professionals in the industry
To position yourself for a marketing role in a competitive job market, focus on building a strong personal brand, showcasing relevant skills and experience, and demonstrating a commitment to staying current in the field. Here’s a step-by-step approach tailored to your goals:
Define Your Unique Value Proposition -- Identify what sets you apart from other candidates. For example, your hands-on experience with market analysis, content creation, and campaign planning can be positioned as a foundation for delivering data-driven and creative marketing solutions.
Showcase Your Portfolio -- Create a digital portfolio that highlights your work, such as campaign plans, content pieces, or data analyses. Use platforms like LinkedIn, a personal website, or even Behance to showcase these projects.
Refine Your CV and Cover Letter -- Tailor your CV and cover letter for each application, emphasising the specific skills and achievements that align with the role. Use metrics where possible (e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 25% during my internship by creating targeted content”).
Gain Certifications -- Demonstrate your commitment to learning by completing certifications in relevant areas like Google Analytics, HubSpot Content Marketing, or Facebook Blueprint. These are valuable credentials in digital marketing.
Leverage Networking -- Connect with professionals in the industry through platforms like LinkedIn, marketing events, or alumni networks. Reach out to ask for informational interviews or advice, which can open doors to hidden opportunities.
Demonstrate Digital Savviness -- Stay up to date with digital marketing trends and tools. Familiarise yourself with platforms like SEO software, email marketing tools, and social media analytics to showcase your adaptability to emerging technologies.
Gain Practical Experience -- Continue building experience through internships, freelance projects, or volunteering. If possible, contribute to a real-world campaign for a small business or non-profit, which provides tangible results to showcase.
Build a Personal Brand -- Use your own social media channels or blog to discuss marketing trends or share insights. Positioning yourself as a thought leader can make you stand out to potential employers.
Prepare for Interviews -- Develop clear examples of how you’ve applied your skills in internships or coursework. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
Target Specific Roles and Companies -- Research companies whose values and work align with your interests in brand management and digital strategies. Tailor your approach for each organisation, showing genuine interest in their mission and demonstrating how you can contribute.
By presenting yourself as a proactive, skilled, and adaptable candidate, you’ll position yourself as an ideal fit for competitive marketing roles.
Lauren recommends the following next steps:
Amy C.
Director of Strategic Communications
35
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Everyone's answers here are great. Something to keep in mind is that often there are hundreds if not thousands of resumes for a role. It's incredibly helpful if you can make a connection that can put your resume into the hands of the recruiter. It's okay to reach out to people you don't even know to see if they will help. For example, you can find connections on LinkedIn who went to your university and work at the company you are hoping to join and message them - they will more than likely at least pass your resume along to someone who will give it a real look.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Hilary Englert
Marketing
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Hilary’s Answer
This is super exciting!
You have great recommendations so far - one I might add is if there are groups or organizations at your school that you can join and build and showcase marketing skills - that is a great opportunity. Also if there are older students who have joined the workforce that you get experience working with, they can be strong connections at companies that you can then reach out to who know the quality of your work. Just an extra idea that both builds your portfolio and network at the same time with people in the workforce.
You have great recommendations so far - one I might add is if there are groups or organizations at your school that you can join and build and showcase marketing skills - that is a great opportunity. Also if there are older students who have joined the workforce that you get experience working with, they can be strong connections at companies that you can then reach out to who know the quality of your work. Just an extra idea that both builds your portfolio and network at the same time with people in the workforce.