The first step is to take your resume and make it one column, as in no columns. When these application systems review resumes, they don’t generally scan the full resume if the content is split up with columns or textboxes and special formatting. Use one font throughout, using multiple fonts is messy visually for recruiters and hiring managers.
Next, based on the jobs you are trying to get, let’s say we focus on “digital marketing coordinator”, you need to add relevant skills for the jobs you have had. You can highlight transferable skills and achievements that demonstrate your potential in marketing.
For each job, list out around three responsibilities and if you can, three accomplishments that are quantifiable.
For example:
Salon Receptionist
Responsibilities:
- Implemented targeted marketing campaigns to promote salon services and products, resulting in increased client retention and sales.
- Managed social media accounts and created engaging content to boost salon visibility and attract new customers.
- Analyzed client data to identify trends and support marketing strategies, leading to more effective promotional efforts.
Achievements:
- Increased product sales by 15% through effective upselling techniques and promotional campaigns.
- Grew the salon’s social media following by 30% in six months by creating and sharing engaging content.
- Implemented a customer feedback system that improved client satisfaction rates by 20% and provided valuable insights for marketing initiatives.
These responsibilities and achievements showcase your ability to handle marketing-related tasks, analyze data, and drive results, making you a strong candidate for an entry-level marketing position.
You could have similar responsibilities and accomplishments if you worked at a landscape company.
You should not lie about what you achieved or did. Learning how to quantify your achievements is a skill. Let’s go through how to develop these numbers.
- If you had 100 clients and 15 bought additional products or services because you spoke with them, that would be 15%.
- If the salon had 100 followers and you grew that to 130, that would be a 30% increase.
- The percentage increase is calculated as: (Increase / Original Amount) x 100
- In this case: (30 / 100) x 100 = 30%
- Let’s say the original satisfaction rate was 75%. A 20% increase would be calculated as: 75% + (75% × 20%) = 75% + 15% = 90%
These are not the only types of metrics you could include. Percents work well because your skills are scalable. Other stats can work here, too. If you are working at a job right now, be on the lookout for opportunities to make contributions and have quantifiable outcomes. If you are not working right now and do not have stats you can remember, research what the business achieved while you were there. For example, if you were a waitress or dishwasher for a restaurant, did they win any awards for customer service while you were there? Your work contributed to that. The same goes for other businesses and awards.
For more real-life examples, be sure to check out the profiles of people on LinkedIn who have roles similar to the ones you are trying to break into. Search LinkedIn for “marketing coordinator” or the role you’re seeking and see who comes up. You will often find someone who has had this role, and their profile lists their responsibilities and stats.
Once you have updated your resume to reflect relevant skills for the role you are trying to break into, check out companies that are hiring for this role. Search LinkedIn for the hiring manager. Some companies have a hiring manager, recruiter, or just the person this role would report to.
You can send a connection request to this person and include a brief line. Here’s one example you could update:
“As a recent grad with a passion for marketing, I’d love to connect and learn more about opportunities at [Company Name], particularly in coordinator roles.”
Now once they’ve accepted your request, here are a few options for what to say next, keeping in mind this example has you aiming for a Marketing Coordinator role:
Option 1: Direct & Appreciative
“Thank you for connecting! I’m very interested in the Marketing Coordinator role at [Company Name] and would welcome the opportunity to learn more about it and how my skills and education could be a good fit for your team.”
Option 2: Slightly More Personalized (If you know something specific about the company/hiring manager)
“Thanks for connecting! I’ve been following [Company Name]’s work on [Specific Campaign/Project]. As a recent grad eager to apply my marketing skills, I’d be very interested in discussing potential opportunities, particularly in a coordinator role.”
Option 3: Focused on Learning & Networking
“Thank you for accepting my request to connect. I’m always looking to learn more about the marketing industry and the work [Company Name] is doing. Would you be open to a brief chat sometime about your experience and any advice you might have for someone starting out?”
(This is good if you primarily want informational interviewing).
Key things to keep in mind:
- Be polite and professional.
- Reference the specific role you’re interested in (ex: Marketing Coordinator).
- Express your enthusiasm for the company.
- Keep it concise.
- Have a clear call to action (e.g., learning more, or a brief chat). Without a clear ask, you are less likely to get an answer.
After Sending:
- Be responsive: Check LinkedIn regularly for their reply.
- Be patient: They may be busy, so don’t expect an immediate response. A follow-up in a few days or so is okay if you don’t hear back.
- Research the company and the hiring manager: The more you know, the better you can tailor your conversation.
When they agree to have a call with you, all of the above tips apply. Be professional, and understand their schedule is very busy, if they suggest times that do not work for you, be polite and offer other times that you are available. It’s okay to ask if they have a scheduling link for their calendar; that way, you can find a time with a lot of back and forth.
The worst thing you can do is not show up to this appointment. It will come across as disrespectful and may prevent you from connecting with them in the future.
Here’s what you should do to prepare:
- Confirm the details: Make sure you have the date, time, and name of the interviewer. Clarify whether they will call you or if you need to call them, if it is a phone call and not a video call.
- Research:
- Research the company and the job.
- Look over the job description again.
- Research common interview questions and prepare answers, highlighting experiences that demonstrate your qualifications. Preparing answers beforehand can ease any nerves.
- Prepare your environment:
- Find a quiet, comfortable, and private space.
- Eliminate distractions by turning off the TV and music and silencing your cell phone. Limit background noise because if it’s hard for them to hear you or you to hear them, you may be wasting valuable time repeating yourself.
- Let family or roommates know you are expecting a call and need quiet.
- Prepare your materials:
- Have your resume and portfolio ready, either printed out or open on your computer for you to refer back to. You shouldn’t read off your resume, but when they ask questions, you will have it there for reference.
- Prepare notes on your qualifications and skills related to the job.
- Write down questions you want to ask the interviewer. Asking questions shows your interest in the position.
- Prepare yourself:
- “Arrive” 5-10 minutes early to calm your nerves.
- Dress professionally to boost your confidence.
- Practice your answers to common interview questions, but avoid sounding rehearsed.
- Have 2-3 questions ready for your interviewer, they will ask if you have questions. Make sure they are related to the role, and not the perks – you can ask about perks later. Some examples:
- What separates those who do well in this role from those who excel?
- What do you like about working at this company?
- Do you feel this company has helped you grow professionally during your time here? (Only ask if they have been there for at least several months)
- During the call:
- Be polite and professional.
- Listen to the interviewer and don’t interrupt.
- Speak clearly and confidently.
- Take your time and articulate your words carefully.
- Smile, as it can project a positive tone, but don’t fake it. Be genuine, nod when you’re interested in what they’re saying, and use open body language on a video call just as you would in person.
- Take notes throughout the interview.
- After the call:
- Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview and ask about the next steps.
- If you don’t already have the interviewer’s email address, ask for it and immediately send a thank-you note reiterating your interest.
Good luck!
If you would like more support, reach out for some options with the Prof.