We’ve all seen the photographs on social media of interesting workplaces, distinct cultures, Silicon Valley-style amenities, and cool clientele. What the photographs don’t show are the long days, the quick pace, the ongoing learning, the capacity to wear many various hats for different customers, and the defeat of having clients rip apart your ideas and efforts.
It takes a unique kind of person to not just work at an agency, but also to flourish and achieve. While others appreciate the freedom to focus only on one brand and one specific goal, as many client-side roles allow, we enjoy the adrenaline rush that agency life provides. But, well, we’re a rare breed.
Are you determined to work for an agency? We are searching for go-getters that stand out and demonstrate (rather than simply say) that they are passionate about digital marketing. These are a few of the qualities we seek and the questions you should ask yourself in order to best position yourself for a successful career with an agency.
Are You a Life-Long Learner/Self Educator?
Digital marketing is evolving at the speed of light. To succeed, you must be a self-educator who incorporates self-education into your daily practise and ritual. We are not only interested in what you have been academically taught, we are also interested in what you do on a daily basis to develop yourself.
If you’re new to the sector, the best way to begin is by utilising all of the free internet resources, particularly the free certificate-based programmes. We’ve listed a few below, but your professional goals and interests should influence which pathways you take (SEO, PPC, SEM, copywriting, technology, project management etc.)
• Google Analytics Certification – Google Analytics is the internet’s most popular site analytics service. They provide a number of trainings and certifications.
• HubSpot Inbound Certification – This is a must-have credential for every aspiring digital marketing expert. HubSpot also provides additional important certifications and trainings.
• Membership in Copyblogger (free) – Copyblogger is a thought leader in the field of content marketing ideas and practises. Not only is it useful for copywriters, but also for digital marketers in general. They provide free trainings and curricula.
Everyone learns differently, and there are literally thousands of excellent tools for all sorts of students (listeners, readers, watchers, visualizers). We can’t tell you what will work best for you, but here are several resources to get you started. Following these ten blogs will open up a whole new world of discovery for you as you create new habits and everyday routines that will help you succeed now and in the future.
Are You Taking an Active Role in Your Future Profession?
The concept of “showing rather than explaining” is critical in today’s marketing environment. It’s simple to say you’re doing something, but it’s considerably more powerful if you can demonstrate it. A blog is an excellent example. Just stating, “Yeah, I like to blog,” is no longer sufficient. These days, agencies want to see that you have a blog and that you are consistently updating it.
Setting up your own blog does not have to be as difficult as web design and development. WordPress allows anybody to quickly and simply create a personalized blog.
Consider your blog to be your personal sandbox where you can test new ideas, discover what works, and expand your general understanding of digital marketing. It will teach you the fundamentals of content strategy, including analytics, conversion, list development, and distribution.
What do I write about is the most often asked question. The answer to this question will be determined by your emotions and interests. Do you enjoy craft beer? Create a craft beer blog. Do you enjoy yoga? Create a yoga-related blog. The objective isn’t to create the finest yoga blog in the world; it’s to learn and develop the daily practice required to thrive at an agency. If you’re stuck for ideas, use it as a customized notebook of what you’re learning and how it pertains to your goal of landing your ideal job inside an agency.
Do You Have Relevant, Real-Life Experience?
This might be an internship for fresh graduates. An internship may not be practical for those trying to change careers. But, we all know a small company owner who is overworked and in need of assistance. Why not find a method to help someone while also honing your skills?
Having relevant experience allows you to apply what you’ve learned through your self-education and marketing background to create a plan that will assist them achieve their company goals. After you’re finished, why not create a case study that you can give to potential agencies to demonstrate your expertise and willingness to work in client services?
Experience is essential. If you don’t have any, don’t sit about waiting for it to fall into your lap. Make it happen on your own.
Do You Have a Strong Social Presence?
Are you a Twitter user? If so, do you actually use it? What specifically are you utilising it for, and does it relate to the job you want to pursue? The same is true for other social networking profiles, especially LinkedIn.
While it is true that you need a solid LinkedIn profile, it must go beyond that. Potential agencies will examine your social accounts, not only what you publish, but also who you follow and the insights you provide when sharing and reposting links. Utilize social media as a platform for distributing material that you make or find. The more solid your social channels are, the more you will stand out. What you publish and repost will indicate how serious you are about breaking into digital marketing and the agency industry, as well as providing insights into your thinking.
Do You Stand Out? If So, How?
If you regularly perform the first four things, you will seem fine on paper, but the unfortunate fact is that your resume may never get in front of the proper person.
At Vital, we receive an average of 20 resumes every day that all look the same. To truly stand out, you must be inventive in this area. We can’t offer you the solutions, but it’s marketing, and if you genuinely want to convince potential employers that you’re serious, it’s time to promote yourself and attract their attention.