How To Stand Out When Applying For A Marketing Job In Scotland

Marketing Job Scotland

Do you live in Scotland?

Are you looking for a job in digital marketing?

The good news is, there are lots of opportunities for finding digital marketing jobs in Scotland. With hundreds of marketing agencies across the country, there is a wealth of opportunity.

As the owner of a PPC agency, I’ve reviewed a huge number of CVs and job applications over the years. Some of those have been exceptional (resulting in a job offer) and others have been not-so-exceptional.

In this article, I’m going to share 10 ways you can stand out when applying for a digital marketing job in Scotland.

Types of Marketing Jobs: Agency Or Brand?

“Marketing” is a very broad term, covering a huge number of roles. The official definition is:

“The activity or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.”

It’s the industry norm to split marketing jobs into two types:

  • Brand-side – when you work in a marketing position for a brand/organisation
  • Agency-side – when you work for an agency, on brands

On the brand side, some of the roles may include:

  • PPC Manager
  • Social Media Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Chief Marketing Officer
  • SEO Manager

In the agency world, some of the roles may include:

  • Account Executive
  • Account Manager
  • Account Director
  • Client Services Director
  • Social Media Manager

There are a huge number of marketing roles – it’s all about finding the right one for you.

Graphic of people on laptops

Why A Job In Marketing?

Marketing is an incredibly exciting industry to work in.

It’s ever-changing, filled with amazing people and it’s a skill set that every business needs. When you work for a marketing agency, you will have the opportunity to work with lots of different types of businesses – with the work you do for them actively growing their bottom line.

Not just that, but everyone can find a marketing role that suits them. If you’re a creative person, you can find a role that allows you to embrace that, such as content creation, blog writing or video editing.

If you’re more of an analytical person, you could find a role in PPC, data analysis or SEO. There is something for everyone.

At Yatter, we are constantly on the lookout for people to join our client services team (such as account executives and account managers). If you’re reading this article, I’m going to presume you’re an ambitious person, and you could be a perfect fit.

Working at Yatter is great. You get to work with a great team, on some exciting client’s spending budgets of anywhere from £3,000-£500,000 per month. You get to embrace your creative side AND your analytical side and you’re guaranteed to learn something new every day.

But enough about us… here’s how YOU can stand out:

10 Ways To Stand Out When Applying For A Marketing Job

#1 Film A Personalised Video

What better way to show your personality, creativity and communication skills than in a video? Pick up your phone and record a quick video introducing yourself and sharing why you’re interested in the role.

If you’re applying for a role within a client services department, it’s important that you’re comfortable on video calls (you’ll be having a lot with your clients!). So, sending a video tells your potential employer that you’re comfortable with that! It also gives an insight into you, your personality and communication skills.

#2 Email The Owner of The Company Directly & Connect On LinkedIn

Whether the owner of the company is the final decision maker in the hiring process or not, it’s worthwhile contacting them.

If they are the decision maker, you have a huge opportunity to make a good first impression, stand out from the crowd and get one-up on the other candidates.

If they aren’t the decision maker, you can be pretty confident that they’ll tell the decision maker they like you… if you made a good impression!

#3 Prove Your Worth By Doing Work In Advance

The concept of working for free gets a lot of stick. Some people claim it’s the best thing in the world, where others say it’s the worst thing in the world.

For me, it’s not something you should look at doing long-term (you should value your time). But if you’re looking to make an impression, there’s no better way to do it. You immediately show your keen and showcase your skills at the same time.

For example, if you’re applying for a content creator position, you could write a blog post for the agency you’re applying for. Or, you could write a blog for one of their clients!

If you’re applying for a role within PPC, you could create campaign plan, showcasing your skills in campaign building, copywriting and creative design!

#4 Do Research & Suggest New Ideas

Before any interview, it’s important to show that you’ve done your research. It proves you value the role, the time of the company and also proves that you are proactive – a vital skills to have when in a client services role.

Once you’ve done your research, create some new ideas for the company you’re applying for. They don’t have to be big or spectacular, but there’s no better way to show how you’re going to add value to the team than by sharing some ideas the agency hadn’t already thought about.

For example, share some blog ideas, ad creative ideas or even simple website edits.

#5 Tailor Your CV So It’s Specific To The Job You’re Applying For

Whenever we make a push for hiring, we’re always inundated with bland, generic CVs filled with no substance. When writing your CV (and cover letter), make sure you tailor it to the job you’re applying for.

This obviously takes a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re applying for lots of roles. But at the least, remove the jargon from your CV and ensure it’s filled with relevant experience. Share case studies and results you’ve achieved. You need to show – in simple terms – the impact you will have on the company.

#6 Share The Resources You Learn From

When I’m hiring, I like to know whether the applicants do any learning in their spare time. If someone does learning outside of work, it tells me they’re passionate about what they do which is a massive bonus. I’m always keen to know what podcasts they listen to, which books they’ve read, which influencers they follow etc.

If they enjoy learning from the same resources as me, I immediately know they’ll share a similar philosophy which acts as a great filter.

So if you’re looking to stand out – seek out resources to learn about marketing and be sure to share those when you’re applying for the position.

#7 Show How You Can Positively Impact Business Revenue

Although you’re applying for a marketing position, its important to understand that the work you’re doing is ultimately to increase the bottom line of the clients you’re working with. Having an understanding of business is vital.

It’s not just important for your clients, but it’s important to understand how you impact the business you’re applying for. Thus, you can stand out by illustrating how you will positively impact the agency and their clients.

#8 Be On Time, Be Keen & Show Enthusiasm

This is as basic as it gets, but you’d be surprised how poor some applications are.

I’ve had people show up late to interviews, not show up at all and some show up with no idea what the role is about. If this happens, it’s an immediate no from me.

So by simply being on time, showing enthusiasm and doing all the basic things well, you’ll be standing out from others.

#9 Have A Solid Online Presence

If you apply for a role, chances are the person hiring is going to check our your socials – I certainly do. And whether or not you agree with this, your social media presence will create a first impression.

So – be careful what you share on social media. If you want to make a great impression, ensure your LinkedIn profile is set up properly – branded well, good image, a filled out description and post regularly about your thoughts and insights on the marketing world.

Anyone who has a filled-out profile and creates content will catch my attention. Content creation is by far the most important thing you can do as it goes a long way in proving that you’re a culture fit as well as qualifying you as someone with technical authority.

#10 Follow Up

Last but not least, you’re a marketer and thus you need to think like one when applying for marketing jobs. Once you’ve applied, follow up and then follow up some more. Agency life is hectic (as the client always comes first) so don’t be alarmed if you’ve not heard back quickly.

Don’t be annoying with it – that’ll only put people off. But don’t be afraid of reaching out directly to get an update. If you don’t get the job, be sure to ask for feedback on why… then go ahead and connect with the people who were hiring.

Keep in touch with them, create content online and next time they’re hiring, there’s a strong chance you’ll be high up on their shortlist.

Graphic of someone looking for a digital marketing job

I hope you’ve found this article useful on your search for a career in digital marketing. At Yatter, we’re always on the lookout for talented marketers looking to progress their career! If you’d like to join an exciting, fast-growing agency working with exciting clients across the world, please check out our careers page.

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