How Do I Get A Job In Digital Marketing?

One of the most common questions we get asked by recent graduates or people looking to alter their career is about working in Digital Marketing. It is the Holy Grail for a lot of people coming out of a business/marketing qualification and is one of the mostly highly competitive spaces to go into when searching for work. It is difficult to get these positions but not impossible.

First of all why do you want to work as a Digital Marketer? Are you techie, a nerd or a geek? To be successful in this space you need to be passionate about the tools you are using to reach the people you are trying to target. This is a space that moves so fast that knowledge gained can be redundant within 6 months and if you don’t have the desire to keep pace you will get left behind. Keep embracing new technologies, be an early adopter and don’t fall by the wayside.

Now that we know you really want this career let’s see how you can gain an edge against your competition:

1. Get a qualification. 

You are going to need a qualification in marketing with a strong focus on digital in it. If it’s not in the title then mention the digital courses in your education. Any additional courses you can do for free in your spare time should be mentioned – Companies want you to be good with software packages like Hubspot – download it and play around!

2. Build an online presence! 

You are applying for a digital role so you need to have a digital presence – Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter – all should be up to date and active (especially Linkedin as this is the first place a recruiter or hiring manager will look). Blogs, digital portfolios or anything that shows contribution or activity online can be an effective tool. You want to stand out so blog about something you are passionate about!

3. Specialise in something. 

Social Media, Digital Content and e-Marketing are probably the 3 biggest areas within Digital Marketing and if you can show that this niche is your gig then you will fare better in applying to those roles.

While having a broad understanding of digital marketing is important, it's also beneficial to specialize in a specific area that aligns with your interests and strengths. This can make you stand out in the job market and increase your chances of finding relevant opportunities. Determine which aspect of digital marketing you enjoy the most and focus on developing expertise in that particular area.

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4. Stay up to date with industry trends

The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and strategies by following industry blogs, subscribing to newsletters, attending webinars, and participating in relevant online communities. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your ability to adapt to new challenges.

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5. Work experience 

This is the tricky bit. Most employers want to see some experience on your CV so where possible do internships and ask for work while there. Also look at volunteering to improve the online presence of local clubs or businesses – do they have a Facebook page and can you increase the amount of likes they get?

 Stay up to date with industry trends: The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and strategies by following industry blogs, subscribing to newsletters, attending webinars, and participating in relevant online communities. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your ability to adapt to new challenges.

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6. Mention all of this on your CV! 

As a recruiter I don’t have time to read a cover letter from every applicant so if the info isn’t on your CV then I won’t see it. Be clear and concise but make sure I see – education, digital experience, and digital skills.

Remember, landing a job in digital marketing requires a combination of knowledge, practical skills, and relevant experience. The key thing about getting work in digital is to realise that the person you apply to will immediately check out your online presence and level of activity. If I am looking for someone to publish content online and you can show that you do that on a regular basis you should be a step or two ahead of some of your rivals. None of the above will guarantee you a job in digital marketing, but it will certainly set you on the right path!