I'm never certain about the job market. One day it's on the upswing, and the next it's caught in a nosedive. It's like the deal with pasteurized milk -- Healthy? Unhealthy? I doubt I'll ever get it straight.
What I do know is that there's been cause for optimism. As reported by ABC News, national hiring has risen 37 percent when compared to last year's figures. It's also worth mentioning that our Job Connection site has seen a steady stream of posts.
So whether you're a novice entering the marketing world, or an old pro seeking a change of scenery, now's a good time to hone those instincts and take some personal stock of your most marketable traits. Where do you stand in the talent pool? How would do you distinguish yourself from the hoardes of other applicants? Does your work history stack up with today's standards?
Here's some insight from the people working behind the scenes -- the human resources pros working in digital. They're the ones skimming through your resume, and dialing up your references. Keep their words in mind as you wade through the murky waters of your job search.
What's in demand?
The marketing world is amorphous. Trends come and go by night, and new technologies can raze the landscape in an instant. It's a business sector that is receptive to change and, as such, the importance of certain talents will oscillate.
These days, says Amy Carr, executive vice president of human resources at Red Door Interactive, the emphasis is on analysis and modeling. As advancements keep pushing the boundaries of measurement, agencies are lured to applicants who know their numbers.
"At Red Door, we look for people who can format data, analyze what it means, and make informed recommendations that predict future improvements and returns on investment," says Carr.
Financial acumen is also growing in importance. As technology forms its new set of nebulous terms and concepts, marketers should know how it relates to the monetary end of the business. "They need to understand how the real-time information about results translates to our clients' bottom line," says Carr.
Got experience?
It's the classic catch-22: We need experience to get a job, but need the job to get experience. How do newbies circumvent this paradox? According to Kevin Barenblat, co-founder of Context Optional, it starts with a little tweaking of the term "experience."
"Often job seekers see 'experience' solely as it relates to jobs they've had. In fact, this is simply not the case," says Barenblat. "Experience" can apply to any venture --professional or recreational -- that reflects upon your passion for the job. Instead of waiting on an employer to answer your call, try starting some initiatives on your own end," he advises.
"Donate your time -- even if you have little -- to a project that can shows tangible outcomes," says Barenblat. "While you're looking for a job, why don't you put some work into developing a small business? Or, if you have a passion for our space and want to show what you know, why not start a blog?"
Andy Hunn, COO of Resonate Networks, takes a hammer-and-nail approach. His advice is to own up to the fact that you lack the experience, but show that you're willing to earn your dues.
"Offer to work for free for a few months so they can see the value you will add," says Hunn. "Start in the mailroom. Most importantly, expect to do more, and demonstrate you're willing to do more than the job calls for."
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