Landing My First Marketing Job
Landing your dream marketing job can feel overwhelming, especially in a competitive field. In this post, I'll share my experience of breaking into the world of marketing, along with actionable tips to help you on your path.
Applying to your job
I’m currently studying in Aachen, a city known for its technical prowess. Despite a background in sales, I gravitated towards marketing – a field that ignited my creativity and strategic thinking. While opportunities in Aachen seemed limited, I refused to be discouraged.
I scoured platforms like LinkedIn, Xing, and Indeed for marketing roles. My advice? Cast a wide net! Apply to every relevant position you find, even if the company isn't initially familiar. This strategy can lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities, just like it did for me.
The first interview
Through my efforts, I landed a digital interview with a software firm. The interview process was insightful, focusing on more than just technical knowledge. Here are some questions you might encounter:
Tell us about yourself and your interest in marketing.
Briefly summarise your expertise and focus on the skills that make you stand out, especially for this particular position. Research the company you are applying to and reference your previous experience in terms of how you can help the company thrive
What motivates you to pursue a career in marketing?
Be as honest as possible: What fascinates you about marketing? I referenced my creativity and my curiosity in finding out what drives people, what creates a need and how to create a community. You can also research marketing campaigns that you find interesting and briefly explain why.
Do you have a personal website or online presence?
You don't need your own website to succeed. However, I have been asked by several recruiters about my website because it makes me stand out from other candidates. You can very well substitute a website with an online presence. An excellent platform for a digital professional online presence is LinkedIn. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is well maintained and looks professional. Don't be afraid to publish articles and share your expertise with others, this is a great asset especially in the marketing field.
The interview also covered work preferences and company culture, ensuring a good fit on both sides.
Beyond the First Hurdle: What to Expect After a Digital Interview
Following my digital interview, I was invited for an in-person meeting. This would be your opportunity to showcase your skills in real-time. Here's what you might encounter:
Sample Tasks: Be ready to tackle marketing-related tasks, like writing content or analyzing data.
Presentation and Discussion: Be prepared to present your approach and discuss your thought process behind the task.
The Thrill of the Offer (and What's Next!)
Thrilled to receive a job offer, I've been growing and learning ever since. This experience has completely transformed my initial perception of marketing. It's a dynamic field that goes far beyond what I first envisioned. Now, I'm passionate about creating content that connects with people and humanizes the brand.
This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll delve deeper into the learnings and experiences that have shaped my marketing journey so far. In the meantime, you can learn all about how you can captivate your audience through storytelling.