Each year, more and more people turn to the world wide web and decide to go digital. Whether it’s buying clothes or even just taking an online course, there’s never been a more of a demand to cater for this online audience, and with no sign of slowing down, this digital demand is only expected to grow and grow.
The digital marketing industry is to expand in upcoming years, which comes as great news for those students who are looking to get into the industry. This means that it’s more than likely that there will be more opportunities for graduates who are looking to begin a career in digital marketing as soon as they finish their studies.
However, as with any job, you’ll need the right CV that recruiters are looking for. Displaying your skills and experience which will make you stand out above the many other applicants applying for the same position. However, these skills and experience can difficult to gain while you’re still studying… Well, that is unless you know how.
If you’re interested in getting into the digital marketing industry once you’ve graduated, then here are just a few ways you can build up your CV to stand out above the rest.
1. Create Your Own Blog or Website
Creating your own blog or website is great for two reasons. Firstly, it helps you to gain practical knowledge and experience of the field in which you are hoping to work in. Employers and recruiters actively look for applicants who are proactive in gaining knowledge and expertise on their own volition.
Secondly, it’s a great way to demonstrate those skills and interests which employers are looking for. For instance, if you’re interested in the content creation, you can show off your skills which would make you the perfect candidate for the role by creating content for your site in the form of text, video or even podcasts.
Alternatively, if you feel that you’d be more interested in the more technical side of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), then it’s the perfect opportunity for you to hone your skills and understanding of what you’ll be doing on a much larger scale, which will impress employers.
2. Guest post or Write Features for Online Articles
Whether you decide that you’re going to create your own blog or you’re struggling to find the time to curate your own site because of your studies, you should consider contributing to websites and blogs that accept submissions.
This indicates that not only can you create content, but also demonstrates:
- Your great content ideas
- Your great outreach marketing skills
- Your knowledge and understanding of the subject you write about
- Your excellent content pitching skills
Whilst looking for websites that do accept submissions and guest posts, it’s helpful to read some existing examples of content on their site to get a better understanding of the tone and audience of the site. Once, you have read a few examples, you’ll be able to come up with a few great ideas and titles suited for their site and email them your pitch. That way you’ll be able to embellish your CV with all the websites you’ve written for besides your own.
3. Be Active on Social Media (In the Right Way!)
It’s a rarity nowadays to find someone who’s not on social media; however, the right online presence can be great for your CV. Most recruiters will view your social media profiles bur, by being active on social media and providing the links in your CV, you will demonstrate your proficient use and understanding of content creation and how to market that content.
By maintaining your social media account, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you have the managing, monitoring and maintaining skills it takes to succeed in digital marketing. Remember to be positive and professional, as you’ll want to showcase the best version of yourself to employers.
4. Market yourself and your skills on your CV
If you’ve got a genuine interest in working in the digital marketing industry, then another great way to demonstrate your skills is by marketing yourself and your skills on your CV. Although this may seem a little boastful at first, this is, in fact, an important skill to have when it comes to applying for a job in any industry, not just digital marketing.
Recruiters look through thousands of CVs of hopeful applicants each day, so in the first instance, you only really have a few seconds to capture their attention to consider your application, as recruiters will usually only review applicants properly upon a second screening of your application. That’s why it’s essential that your CV:
- Identifies your strengths
- Sells your skills and interests
- Provides examples of you demonstrating your strengths
- Is representative of your own ‘brand’
- Is tailored to each individual position you apply for
5. Do Well in Your Studies
It’s easy to get caught up in improving your job prospects and CV while you’re still at University, but it is essential to ensure that you don’t lose sight of the reason why you’re there in the first place. Remember that your studies should always be your main priority, and not only will that save you a disappointment in the long run, but employers will take into consideration degree and module outcomes as part of the recruitment process.
There are many ways in which you can improve your digital marketing CV, and although I’ve covered a few here, I’d be interested to know anyways you’ve managed to improve your job prospects while still completing your degree!
Guest post by Charlotte Ross, SEO Specialist for the Digital Marketing and SEO Agency Dojono.com