In today’s cutthroat world, first impressions are everything, and in many cases, your first (and only) chance for your dream job in marketing is with your resume. If you’ve been sending out letters for a while and still receiving no phone calls in return, it may be best to take a step back and rework your resume. A few tweaks and simple changes could be all you need to land your next marketing job; here are a few ideas that can help.
1. Highlight Everyday Skills – Instead of simply listing vague attributes that you possess like “very responsible” (although that is important to mention, albeit in a different way) try listing the skills you bring to the table every single day. Managing Facebook ad campaigns, keyword tools that you’re proficient in, and a few other specifics may help your future employer see you in a more practical light.
- Show Your Digital Portfolio– Do you have artwork or writing that you did for past projects that you can show off? If so, put them online in a nice-looking portfolio and include a hyperlink to the site. Want to go for bonus points? Adapt the link into a QR code to show your tech-savvy side.
3. Network Through Social Media – A modern-day marketing team needs people that are adept at social media, and know how to use the tools – both internal and external – that are required to maximize its efficiency. To do this, try to connect with your potential boss and coworkers by connecting with and contacting them through social media channels. You’ll not only display your proficiency, but you’ll also show how you can use it to help the company.
4. Keep Education Simple – While you may be proud of the perfect attendance award you received in 8th grade, chances are, your future employer won’t be. When filling out the education and accomplishments section of your resume, keep it short, simple, and to the point. It’ll show that you know how to communicate concisely.
5. Change the Format – Who says you have to use the same old, boring, single-column resume format that every other person is submitting. Spice it up a little bit by using two columns, arranging them in squares, or adding some color to the presentation. At the very least, it’ll make it stand out from all the rest and show that you’re not afraid to get a little creative. However, don’t go overboard; remember to keep the overall presentation clean.
6. Show Relevant Data – Are your paid advertising campaigns consistently driving a 30% click-through rate, or higher? Were you responsible for maintaining a $50k per month advertising budget? Were your actions responsible for an 18% net bump in ROI? If so, tell them about it! Don’t be afraid to use exact numbers to show what you can do; your employer will want to know that for their own business.
7. Talk About Your Other Life – Employers don’t just want robots that are good at their jobs, they’re oftentimes considering whether or not the person is a good fit for the workplace. Demonstrate your social skills and adaptiveness by talking about your volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, or charity work. Don’t go overboard, but this section can be a fantastic way to show who you are as an individual. Moreover, if you’re short on actual work experience, this can be a great way to make up for that.
8. Identify One Core Contribution – At the end of the day, what one thing will you be bringing to the table more than any other? Are you good with people, software, ideas, or something else? In your mission statement, make a strong case for one thing that you are exceptional at that your employer simply can’t live without. It will streamline your resume and give them a reason to take a second, and much longer, look.
Caylanne Crowne is a contributing writer and the media specialist for Allegra Network. She regularly writes for marketing blogs with an emphasis in career building and print marketing.
