How to Scoop Up That Marketing Job and Wow Your Peers

In today's competitive workforce, landing a great marketing job can be taxing. What many of us fail to understand is it's important to sell ourselves. Simply arriving at an interview with the usual answers to questions may not be enough. Read on for some tips for how I've landed some great positions in my career, and how I've also established great relationships with clients for my own business.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PowerPoint
• Internet connections
• Resume
• A sense of humor
• An ability to research

1. The strongest selling point I've offered has been leaving the employer with a memory of what my value proposition is. As the employer interviews several candidates, they may forget what made you unique and settle on another candidate. Don't let this happen. For each position I interview for, I've always created a mini PowerPoint presentation addressing the questions inside an interview. This requires researching the company, finding what value you can add that sets you apart from the competition, and addressing this in the presentation. This presentation will be left with your resume, to remind them of your offering. It doesn't have to be elaborate. I created a basic template that I can re-use and tailor it to each position.

2. The fundamental questions should be addressed. What value would you bring to the industry, the company, and the position. Have you won any awards for innovative ideas? Have you restructured change that saved the company money? These are your bragging points. Be sure to place them inside the presentation. What are your weaknesses and strengths? Why did you choose their company?

3. Bring a portfolio of your work along to refer to when you are discussing the position. You should collect samples of your work to demonstrate your ability to carry through. Place examples of this in your presentation. Did you create an ad that brought sales to a new dimension? Did one of your press releases bring editors flocking to your company? Was there a particular trade show that brought new business? Address this in the presentation.

4. Be specific, don't generalize. Don't say things like I boosted sales. Tell them how. I boosted sales by creating a seminar that motivated our sales staff to sell XYZ product, because of a renewed interest in it's features. I saved revenue by eliminating the use of DHL expenses for sending samples and using XYZ service at a lower cost.

5. Analyze the lingo they use. Adapt it into your vocabulary for the interview. If they are referring to their software as actionable, then your interview should also refer to actionable products you've worked on. If they have a strong focus on Operational Excellence, then demonstrate how you've achieved Operationa Excellence to show you will fit inside the culture and have an understanding of what they are searching for.

6. Demonstrate a sense of humor if it is appropriate. Key into the discussion and listen. You will find elements of what the interviewer is saying the best way to direct your responses. If they indicate some of this in the initial phone interview, then you should address this in your presentation.

7. Practice delivery of your presentation, so it comes off effortless. Not only will this give you a sense of confidence, but it also sets you apart from the other candidates.

Tips & Warnings

• Rehearsal is everything. A well prepared delivery tells your future employer that you will represent them well with their customers
• A well prepared presentation guides you through any questions and allows you to form the answers in advance. This way your interview seems effortless
• Address each question you believe they may toss at you.
• You can often find these on Monster or other employment sites.
• If they are limited on time, they may not want you to review your presentation during the interview. If this is the case, then leave it with your resume and follow their lead.