Finding that coveted first Marketing role is tough. We’ve all been there. But here are a few tips to help you land your first Marketing gig.
1. Craft a Standout Personal Brand
Before you market products or services, market yourself. Develop a personal brand that reflects your passion for marketing, your unique skills, and your personality. Your online presence, from LinkedIn to personal blogs, should tell a compelling story of your journey into the world of marketing. My “personal brand” came from a blog of mine called Playground of Randomness. This blog landed me both of my Marketing roles.
2. Build a Diverse Skill Set
Learn everything and anything that you can. Try to build skills for both traditional and digital Marketing. The more versatile you are as a Marketer, the more appealing you are to potential employers.
3. Build a Portfolio
Build a portfolio to show your best work. This can be social media posts, blog posts or even market research. Don’t have anything to show? Create your own experience by starting a blog or a social media account.
4. Seek Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
I hate suggesting this (especially in this economy) but internships or volunteer opportunities are a great way to gain insights into the industry. You learn real-life Marketing experience while showing off your passion for marketing to potential employers.
5. Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Craft a targeted resume for each position you apply for. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the specific requirements of the job.
Landing your first marketing role is an experience that you will not forget. While your first role may not be your dream role OR what you expected it to be, it will always be a memorable moment for you. So enjoy this little period of self-discovery.