Tips for success
As we’ve mentioned in previous updates, September and January are peak times for recruitment and the pipeline of roles coming through indicates a busier time than usual. However, with a sizable proportion of senior marketing and digital leaders looking to make their next career move, the competition for roles is extremely high. You would expect application levels for senior positions to be at a more niche level, but we’re seeing hundreds of (occasionally more than one thousand) applications for recent roles – including Head of Marketing, Head of Digital Growth, Interim Marketing and Revenue Director, and Interim Chief Marketing Officer, to name but a few.
With that in mind, it’s important for all candidates to make the most of every opportunity in order to stand out from the crowd. We’re sharing some top tips below to help you do just that.
Refresh your CV and update your LinkedIn profile
These are the first things you should do before applying for any role and we cover our guidelines for writing a stand-out CV and making the most of social media in the Content Hub. We also suggest adapting both of these assets for each role you apply for – identifying and including keywords from the job advert or brief so that you’re instantly recognised as a good match for the role.
Look for a specialist recruitment company
While there are obvious recruiters that come to mind, they’re often quite general and not necessarily suited to senior positions in specific functions. We recommend spending some time finding an executive search firm that is experienced and knowledgeable in marketing and digital roles for several reasons: they know the market, they have the contacts, and they are more likely to be working with the brands on your wish list.
Connect with consultants on LinkedIn
If you want to be considered for roles, connecting with your chosen firms’ consultants is key – primarily because LinkedIn Recruiter requires a 1st connection for them to message you. Keep reaching out to them, keep them updated on your career journey, and if a specific role interests you, let them know why you’re right for the role. While their time is limited, especially during busy recruitment periods, a short update message won’t go unnoticed.
Consider how you communicate
In these busy times, it’s worth thinking about the way in which you communicate. For example, a consultant will receive up to 100 emails and LinkedIn messages every day – sometimes more – and the occasional video message they receive from a candidate really cuts through. It’s not only an engaging way of communicating with recruitment consultants, it also gives them an opportunity to get to know you as a person. They might instantly gauge from your character and mannerisms how well you could fit within a company’s culture.
Think about your keywords
Most recruiters and executive search firms now use software to identify potential candidates with specific job titles or skills, so it’s important to make sure that your digital assets – the CV you upload and your LinkedIn profile – include specific keywords that will be picked up. While it’s tempting to expand or add more information around your headline, job titles and skills, accuracy is key.
Take some time to expand your skillset
In a Q&A with David Rose, Senior Director, International Digital and Marketing Technology, he shared how he prepared for his next career move, including further learning and development. This included completion of Marketing Week's Mini MBA with Mark Ritson and the University of Oxford's Artificial Intelligence Programme. There are lots of free courses available online, too, and the addition of these skills do make a difference.
Network, network, network
Paths often cross in marketing and digital roles, and recruitment, so taking some time to reach out and engage with senior leaders and recruiters, particularly in companies you’re drawn to, is helpful. If you can get to flagship events, like Marketing Week’s Festival of Marketing or The Drum Live, that’s great, but there is plenty you can do online, too. Comments are key on LinkedIn, so celebrate others’ achievements or share your positive thoughts on key topics – they expand your network and keep you front of mind.
Practice some interview questions
With increased competition, clients are often expanding their shortlists, so it’s a good idea to put in some practice for interviews, and we’ve put together a guide on polishing your interview skills. Take some time to revisit the job brief and think about potential questions that might arise. It’s also worth preparing yourself for questions around company culture and you’ll often find examples of their approach on the company website or social media accounts.
Consider interim roles
If you're hoping for a permanent role but struggling to find the right role or company, consider interim positions. There are several benefits for candidates working on an interim basis: if successful, you’re placed quickly; you have the opportunity to build a strong portfolio; you can really make your mark in a short period of time; and you often have greater flexibility for work/life balance. While interim roles are not suited to everyone, they can most definitely boost your career.
Keep a positive mindset
We often talk about the importance of a positive mindset, both in your work and in your life as a whole. However, this is vitally important in the recruitment process because it can feel disheartening at times. If you’re feeling worried or overwhelmed, spend ten minutes each day on some mindfulness meditation, have a nice walk outdoors, or do whatever it is that helps your mind to rest and recalibrate. And remember that waiting for the right role at the right company, if you can, will help to build a long and happy career.
With an increase in exceptional senior marketing and digital roles, you will find what you’re looking for. We hope these tips will help to boost your own career journey.
If you feel ready to move towards the next stage in your career, or if you’re hiring for your team, please get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for B2C and B2B marketing, digital and technology roles in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.
If you’re ready to make your next move, we regularly post new opportunities on our LinkedIn company page. If you apply for a role on the platform, it requires a 1st connection for us to respond, so please make sure to connect with Suzie Walker. Our company page is also frequently updated with the latest hiring news, expert interviews, and candidate guidance, so well worth following.
