8 Effective Strategies for Finding Entry-Level Marketing Jobs

Breaking into the marketing industry can be a challenge for newcomers, so we’ve gathered eight effective strategies from marketing coordinators, specialists, and other professionals. From embracing diverse early career experiences to focusing on intangibles and incremental growth, these experts provide actionable advice for securing that coveted entry-level marketing position.

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Embrace Diverse Early Career Experiences

Keep an open mind! And just try to chip away at it every day. My first job wasn’t in marketing; it was more about dealing with customers face-to-face. 

Even though it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, it taught me a ton about talking to people and handling customers, which ended up helping me land my current gig! So, wherever you end up, make sure to soak up as much as you can to stand out down the road.

Taylor Voyles, Marketing Specialist, Lucy

Showcase Personality with Video Applications

Be different, be you! How do you stand out in a world where there might be 1,000+ applicants for a job (especially a remote one)? Record a video of yourself (tip: VideoAsk, Vidyard, or Bonjoro) and let the employer get to know you, not just your resume. 

In a world that is so digital and cold, show your smile and a spark in your eye about the next step you are taking as you enter your career. Camera shy? Re-record as many times as you feel comfortable, use a prompter, figure out lighting and sound, and now, you are also learning a skill and building your confidence for that interview to come!

Olga Kovtun, Marketing Coordinator, HRPro

Admit Eagerness to Learn

Letting employers know at the outset that you’re still ‘green’ but eager to learn is key. Far too many marketers come out of school thinking they know so much because they gained a certain certification.

I assure you, you know something, but in the grand scheme of marketing, you know nothing. The deliverables vary across industries, as does the scope of your work. Learn to be open, adaptable, and a sponge for knowledge, and you’ll do great.

Carolynne Scoffield, Marketing Director

Leverage Alumni Networks for Opportunities

Utilize your higher-education alum networks! As a graduate of both a community college and a typical four-year undergraduate university, I know there are a lot of alum-connecting resources at both types of institutions aimed at helping graduates secure entry-level positions. I am always open to helping my fellow recent grads, especially those with an interest in social media, find positions or even help with the interview process. 

The best advice I can give is to really narrow down the type of marketing job you want and find an alumnus who has it. It may be nerve-wracking to reach out, but more often than not, they are willing to chat, even if it is over email. While it may not result in a job working at that particular organization, that connection opens a lot of doors to their established network—you never know who they might know! A pro tip: Always send a thank-you email after chatting; the gesture goes a long way.

Julie Doonan, Marketing Specialist, PerformLine

Build a Strong Online Presence

An effective strategy for discovering entry-level marketing job opportunities is to build a strong online presence. Create a polished LinkedIn profile, highlighting your skills, education, and relevant experience or internships. Connect with professionals in the marketing industry, join groups, and engage in discussions to expand your network. 

Also, regularly monitor job boards, company websites, and industry-specific forums for the latest openings. Demonstrating a proactive and digitally-savvy approach will enhance your visibility and increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers in the competitive entry-level marketing landscape.

Audrey Smith, Marketing Coordinator, McGohan Brabender

Engage with HR and Marketing Professionals

As a recent college graduate, finding a job right after graduating can be difficult. With an extremely saturated market, it is imperative to make yourself marketable. I focused on building up my LinkedIn account, getting references, and letters of recommendation. 

After that, I applied to dozens of relevant jobs on Indeed and LinkedIn and reached out to their HR & marketing department members via LinkedIn. I asked them what they liked about their company and if they had any tips on how I could better help my status with the job I applied for within their company. This led to some great discussions and connections, which helped me land my current job at Doba!

Christion Hatch, Marketing Coordinator, Doba

Actively Network Within the Industry

One effective strategy for finding entry-level marketing job opportunities is to “network actively.” Attend industry events, join relevant online forums and groups, and connect with professionals in the field on platforms like LinkedIn. 

Networking can help you learn about job openings that may not be advertised publicly and can also give you valuable insights into the industry and the types of roles available. Additionally, building relationships with professionals in the field can lead to referrals and recommendations, which can increase your chances of landing an interview.

Chetna Gonia, HR Recruiter

Focus on Intangibles and Incremental Growth

There’s a common attitude today among young, media-savvy people that you need to know everything or be able to do “everything” when you enter the workforce. Think about that for a second—how is that reasonable? 

College courses and extracurriculars are great practice, but they won’t teach you much about how to handle an irate client or communicate CPC performance to another team. Until you’re in the workforce proper, it’s mostly theoretical experience. Also, don’t list your college accomplishments on your resume after the age of 25; it doesn’t look as good as you think it does. 

Remember that you’re starting at the bottom, degree or no degree. A highly motivated person can make it farther with a pile of books and a part-time job than an unmotivated undergrad. When you start out, not much is expected of you other than the intangibles that make for any successful career: timeliness, honesty, diligence, and a positive attitude. Take what you can get, and remember that it isn’t forever. 

If you keep an open mind in an entry-level position, it may open you up to job tracks or aspects of the industry that you never knew of. If you’re lucky, you may like that newly discovered role more than the one you have. And if you work hard, show up, and show that you care, sooner or later you’ll get the chance to try out that new thing. 

Don’t ever leave a job without a plan, and don’t try to leapfrog from one industry to another without any experience in common. Build your path one step at a time. Learn as much as you can, wherever you are, and check in regularly with yourself about how what you’re doing now is furthering your goals for the future. If you don’t have any such goals, well, that’s a different task.

John Martin, Marketing Coordinator, Pavone Group

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