7 Essential Traits Every Young Marketer Needs To Master To Get Hired

In the quest to understand what traits are sought after when hiring a young marketer, we posed this question to seven industry leaders, including CEOs and founders. From valuing adaptability to remote work to recognizing drive as an unseen success factor, these professionals shared their insights on the specific traits they look for. Dive into their responses to gain a deeper understanding of what makes a young marketer stand out.

Adaptability to Remote Work is Essential For Young Marketers

When hiring a young marketer, one specific trait to look for is their adaptability to remote work. In today’s changing work landscape, the ability to work productively and independently in remote settings is becoming increasingly valuable. 

This trait ensures the marketer can seamlessly transition between in-office and remote work scenarios, contributing to their overall effectiveness and adaptability in different work environments.

Ben Lau, Founder, Featured SEO Company

Autonomy

The trait I place considerable emphasis on is autonomy. In the marketing industry, there are times when it’s about diving deep into individual work—writing, reading, and analyzing. So, I really appreciate young marketers who can thrive in these moments when they need to focus and work independently, without hand-holding or constant teamwork.

Especially in today’s world of virtual work, where you might not be in the same room as your team or you’re working across time zones, being able to work autonomously is a big plus. It shows self-discipline, a solid grasp of the craft, and the ability to take charge of your tasks. These qualities align with our company’s culture and the kind of impact we want to create for our clients.

Samantha Hawrylack, CEO, SJ Digital Solutions

Proactivity and Idea Contribution

When recruiting for our marketing department, I seek individuals who contribute ideas. While the ideas don’t have to be groundbreaking, what matters is their dedication to being proactive rather than just task-driven. Such individuals often ascend within the company, emerging as leaders in their own right.

Jason Vaught, Director of Content, SmashBrand

Curiosity is a Must For Young Marketers

The specific trait I look for when hiring a young marketer is curiosity. Curiosity is essential for marketers because it drives them to learn about their target audience, the latest marketing trends, and the ever-changing marketing landscape. 

Curious marketers are always asking questions, seeking out new information, and experimenting with new ideas. They are not afraid to take risks and try new things.

Brenton Thomas, CEO, Twibi

Coachability and Teamwork

Coachability is the top trait I look for when hiring a young marketer. The team can teach marketing fundamentals and the nuances of the business—what we usually don’t have time for is teaching someone how to be a team player. 

You can be the smartest person in the room from a technical standpoint, but if you can’t play well with others and aren’t open to growing as a unit, it’ll be tough to be successful in the long term.

Jeremy Grant, Founder and CEO, Knocked-up Money

Emotional Intelligence For Young Marketers is Critical

When hiring a young marketer, I always prioritize emotional intelligence (EQ). Given my background in psychology, I’ve observed that EQ is a key component in digital marketing. 

It’s not just about understanding the characteristics of our target audience, but genuinely connecting on an emotional level and truly resonating with them. Being able to empathize, adapt, and communicate effectively is crucial for turning potential clients into loyal ones. 

In a world where the personal touch often gets lost, a marketer with strong EQ can bridge that gap, making brands more relatable and campaigns more impactful.

Bayu Prihandito, Psychology Expert, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture

Drive

One of the things I look for is drive and a desire to succeed. Personally, I believe the rest can be taught. New marketers with the right skills can easily pick up subtle company nuances when it comes to branding and product knowledge. It’s drive and a desire to succeed that can’t be taught. 

That’s why I always look for applicants who are enthusiastic and who genuinely express a desire to work hard.

John Mooney, President, IML

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