As a marketing professional, you may be confident in your ability to sell products or services to customers--but how skilled are you at selling yourself? In order to get the best marketing jobs, you need to put your sales skills to work at every stage, from resume creation to interview and follow-up, and actively close the deal with employers.
These ten tips will help you land your dream marketing career by selling the ultimate product: You.
Good market research is the foundation of any successful campaign. You need to know as much about your target audience--in other words, prospective employers--as possible in order to sell to them successfully.
Take the time to learn about each employer you're submitting an application packet to. Visit the company's website and read up on their mission, goals, and direction. Check out current employee and manager profiles on LinkedIn, and follow their activities. Performing market research for your job search will give you an edge over the competition.
Every marketer knows the value of a strong Unique Selling Proposition (USP). In terms of your career, you need to pinpoint your personal USP, and be ready to pitch it to employers. What makes you different from the other job seekers--why should an employer choose Product You above the rest? Be able to deliver your USP in 15 words or less, and you'll be well on the way to the marketing career you want.
When it comes to marketing materials, you wouldn't put out anything that's less than flawless--so make sure you're investing the same effort into shaping the tools that promote you. Ensure that your resume and cover letter are engaging, powerful, and letter-perfect, and set up your online portfolio as a dynamic landing page with the goal of selling you to employers. Don't forget your call to action, in the form of your contact information.
Choosing the right distribution channels is essential for a successful marketing campaign. There are multiple channels you can work through for your job search, including:
Don't dilute your job search efforts by spreading yourself across every available channel. Instead, focus on the channels where your target audience is most likely to be found. Review the companies you're applying to, find out where they typically hire from, and concentrate your efforts on those channels.
Regardless of the distribution channels you choose, most career experts agree that networking is a crucial component for any job search. Use your existing networks, both in the business world and on social media, to put out the call that you're available and seeking employment.
As a successful marketer, you always have a practiced pitch ready for customers. Your job search should follow the same rule. Be ready for interviews by putting in plenty of practice--research likely questions and rehearse your answers out loud, and set up mock interviews with friends, family members, or professional contacts. Don't forget to pay attention to your non-verbal communication as well as your spoken words.
Successful marketing allows you to charge the right price for your product. In terms of the product that is you, the price is your compensation--which includes your salary as well as your benefits. During your job search, you should have a solid idea of the average compensation package for similar positions, along with what you're worth personally in terms of skills and experience. This will help you negotiate the best price with employers.
One of the best marketing techniques is the presentation of a pain point, along with an explanation of how your product can ease that pain for the customer. Be able to explain your value to a hiring company by pointing out a problem they're experiencing, and revealing how you can solve it.
Passion is a key ingredient in sales. Whenever you interview for a desired position, seek ways to demonstrate your passion--point out what you love about your career, and the job itself, and explain why you're eager to make a difference.
You can also show passion and confidence by acting "as if." When you arrive for an interview, be prepared to show that you belong by adhering to the dress code, using strong non-verbal communication (including eye contact), and demonstrating that you've done your homework about the company.
The pitch initiates the sale, but the follow-up closes the deal. When an employer shows interest in you during an interview, always follow up the contact promptly with an email, or a phone call if possible. Reinforce your interest in the position and ask whether you're being considered, and when you might expect a decision.
When you apply your skills as a marketer to your own career, you'll enjoy increased engagement and a greater return on your investment in yourself.
Here are just a few of the “hot jobs” Clearpoint is working on this week. Please apply for anything that is a fit for your skills and experience, and as always please feel free to share with your networks.
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