Marketing is one of those rare fields that doesn't require a marketing degree. It's exciting, fast-paced, and constantly evolving.
At the time of writing, there were over 275,000 marketing jobs in the US alone. That spans entry-level marketer to senior marketing director.
The field is growing. Yet getting into marketing can still seem awkward to an outsider.
Wondering how to get a marketing job in the modern digital age? Read on to find out how to become a professional marketer.
Build Experience
You don't need a marketing degree to work in marketing. Experience is more useful because it shows what tangible results you can get.
Yet without a job, you might wonder how to get marketing experience. It doesn't have to be anything official.
You might run social media accounts for a friend's band. Get them press exposure or build an email list for them.
See if friends or family have businesses that need marketing work. Make a note of where they are when you start. Measure where they get to with your help.
You can turn these results into miniature case studies to add to your resume.
Get Certified
While a degree isn't necessary, certifications can help. A Google Analytics certification shows you understand the platform. Being able to pull data out of such a complicated interface is crucial to planning campaigns.
Certifications also show potential employers that you can take the initiative. Having relevant certifications shows them you understand the industry and what's required. Choose platforms like HubSpot or Google since they're industry leaders in the marketing space.
Finally, these certifications also show that you have some experience in using these platforms. You're not a complete beginner they'll need to train, meaning you can get started faster.
Practice Complementary Skills
Think about extra skills that make you a good asset. Love video? Learn how to shoot and edit videos.
Take courses in software like Premiere Pro or AfterEffects to build a portfolio.
Enjoy writing? Improve your writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Or hone your research and take courses in fact-checking from a website like Poynter.
These skills will show you understand more than just the marketing strategy. You can produce content yourself to be used within a campaign. These are crucial to getting a job in marketing.
Market Yourself
Your final step is to actually market yourself. An essential part of this is to create a custom cover letter for your resume or CV.
Marketing is written to make it feel like it's talking directly to a specific person. Your custom cover letter needs to do the same.
Research each company you send your resume to. Tailor your letter to their needs. Show how you'd fit into their company and solve their marketing problems.
Choose marketing companies who already work with the kind of brands you'd like to work with. For example, if you have a special interest in beauty and fashion? Approach the companies who work with those brands.
Remember to explain what you bring to the table. Sell why you'd be such a great addition to any marketing team.
That's How to Get a Marketing Job Now
With the boom in online business during the coronavirus pandemic, there's never been a better time to get into marketing. Using these tips, you now know how to get a marketing job in the new economy.
Practice your marketing skills, get experience in using them, and create a custom letter to show off your work to the best effect.
Learn more by visiting the Digital Marketing and Careers sections of the Bootstrap Business Blog right now. The marketing industry is growing rapidly and you should join the sector now!