The job hunt is here and it’s daunting.
Whether you graduated last May or are just now beginning your final year of college, the time to look for the marketing job of your dreams is upon you, and it’s daunting. You’re probably scared that there aren’t enough jobs out there for you. Or maybe you just keep running into entry-level jobs that somehow require 2-5 years of experience.
Don’t worry, though! I know how you feel
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I myself am a recent college grad, and I’m here to tell you that finding a job in marketing isn’t as impossible as it may seem. Sure, job hunting is a beast of a burden, but when you know the secrets of the search, it makes things a whole lot easier.
1. Search the Web, (and don’t be afraid of Craigslist)
If you haven’t checked your prospective employer’s website for job openings yet, now’s the time to do that. But don’t be discouraged when you don’t find anything listed – plenty of marketing companies simply forget to or don’t post job openings directly onto their site. Job hunting sites like Indeed.com and Glassdoor.com often have job listings that aren’t on company sites, and you can use these sites to search for jobs by title, location, pay, and more. And if all else fails, turn to Craigslist (with a wary eye for spam, of course). While you’ll have to browse through plenty of junk and fake jobs, once in a while you’ll find a diamond in the rough. I should know – I found my job at IMA through Craigslist!
2. Attend Networking Events
Look up your local chapter of the American Marketing Association and see when and where their next event is being held. Most of these events are free and open to the public, and they’re a fantastic opportunity to meet people working in the marketing field. I didn’t attend any marketing networking events during my job search, but after going to one, I wish I had – I was handed more business cards than I’d ever had in my whole life! If you’re a nervous networking first-timer, ask a friend to tag along for moral support.
Another, more unconventional type of networking event you can attend is one for those who are unemployed. Because of the job losses over the last several years, these events are becoming more prominent. Many times speakers are there to give the attendees tips and tricks to finding a job, interviewing, and many more aspects of job hunting. Also, since everyone there understands your job search struggle, they’re willing to extend a hand and help you make connections in any way they can.
3. Use LinkedIn
Remember setting up that LinkedIn profile at the advice of your college professors? Now you finally get to use it. If you know which companies you’re interested in working for, go to their LinkedIn profile to see if you might have any connections with one of the current employees. You can use this knowledge to get an introduction to someone at the company, which is a much more effective way of landing an interview than simply emailing resumes.
4. Be Willing to Relocate
If you want to work in marketing at all costs, you need to be willing to relocate. Smaller cities and towns just won’t have as many marketing jobs as New York or LA, and that’s that! If your greatest goal is to find a marketing job, apply to every position you find and have an open mind about where you could end up.
5. Ask for Help
It might seem strange, but people will be willing to help you find a job if you just ask. And it’s not just your family members and friends’ parents – complete strangers will be willing to help you! During my job search, I emailed successful marketers in my area asking for any tips they might have for breaking into the marketing industry, and not only did they respond, they were willing to meet me for coffee and send emails on my behalf. When you’re honest & humble and you ask for help, the worst thing that can happen is that you’ll get a no; the best is that you’ll get a job.
6. Intern
Nobody hopes for an internship right out of college, yet it’s becoming more and more prevalent to have one after your senior year. Internships can be incredibly rewarding for a post-grad. For many, the thought of an internship conjures images of bringing people coffee and replacing printer paper, but most companies have changed the way they use interns. Many marketing internships these days act as a screening or training period for perspective employees.
And even if the company you intern for chooses not to keep you on as staff after your internship, you can still gain valuable experience and make meaningful connections that will lead you to your next job. Be cautious of unpaid internships though; according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 63% of paid interns receive at least one job offer, whereas only 37% of unpaid interns receive a job offer (Source). My thought is, if they’re not willing to pay you as an intern, they’re probably not willing to pay you as an employee. Look for internships that offer pay and work that will teach you meaningful skills for your future.
Are there any tips that you would add?
Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.
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photo credit: wili_hybrid via photopin cc Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.