Careers and Employability

Three things you need to know to get a job in Marketing: a Guest Blog by Cidel Marshall

As a current 3^rd year Human Resource Management and Marketing student, going into the process of applying for graduate jobs in such a competitive climate is very daunting. So the opportunity to go to this seminar and get tips straight from an employer could not have come at a better time. In my mind the biggest thing I wanted an answer to was; how do I make my application stand out from the crowd? Which I’m sure was a key question that money other students in the presentation room also shared.

 After a light introduction the three main tips were revealed as:

·         Accuracy

·         Creativity

·         Know who I am

Taken at face value these tips may be something that every potential graduate thinks they know. However the way each element was broken down into a breadth of detail, hints and tips, emphasised how the simplest things can easily be overlooked.

In relation to Accuracy (grammar, spelling, dates) this was explained as a determinant factor when recruiters are sifting and sorting through applications. The rumours that one or two mistakes in these areas could be detrimental to your application are absolutely TRUE. Coming from an employer’s perspective, mistakes in these areas are viewed as a reflection of the time and care you have given to your application. Therefore proof reading is essential and should NEVER be compromised because of a deadline, first impressions really are everything.

The point about Creativity hit the nail on the head for me as it answered my initial question perfectly. Although applications can often me monotonous, it is important to remember that the field you are applying for is far from this. Marketing professionals are often exposed to the most imaginative and innovative working environments, which they are required to actively participate in. Thus it is essential to keep this in mind when applying for any job in this industry, creativity in the way you market yourself is key in differentiating yourself from other candidates.

Finally the last point of Know Who I Am simply refers to doing your research not only on the job role, but the company and its industry market. This has many advantages as it shows the employer your genuine enthusiasm and interest into the role and occupational field you are applying for. As well as this, during the application process competency questions are always something that many recruiters use to select their best candidates. Throwing in a bit of industry specific terms to help articulate your answers is always beneficial, and shows you have done your research.

Amongst these three tips we were also given a bit of advice which definitely surprised me and many other students in the room. YOUR PRESENCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES IS IMPORTANT. Anything you post on social media websites albeit pictures or comments may fall into the hands of your future employer. Thus it is absolutely essential that your internet presence does not include anything that may showcase your talents in a bad light. So for many of us who have enjoyed all the joys of student life and are happy to share our boozy nights out pictures with the world, now is the time to delete the comments and keep those photos hidden. The only side you want your employer to see it your best, so keep that in mind when you’re online.

To summarise, this event was very insightful and reminded me that it’s often the simplest things that we overlook that can really make or break and application. So it’s essential that we carefully construct each part of our application, with stringent care and consideration to the field and job role we are applying for.