Top tips for finding a great marketing job in 2024

It’s often said that marketing roles are among the last companies look to hire for and the first that tend to go – especially when certain industries are struggling. For many in the field, this was the truth in 2023, as the overall job market cooled, the tech sector took a hit and uncertainty about the future caused many organizations to cut marketing jobs and/or proceed with an abundance of caution. 

Now that we’re into 2024, a lack of clarity remains about what the employment landscape will look like for the year. Whether you’re starting out your career and looking for an entry-level marketing role, or you want to take that next step as a marketer, we’ve got some important tips to help with your search, even though the job market waters are murky. 

1. Spend time thinking about what you want and where you’re at in your marketing journey. 

Knowing what you’re looking for in your future marketing position is critical. Do you love creating content? If so, a social media coordinator, digital content creator or blog writer position could be ideal if you’re early on in your career. If you thrive on the conversion side of the ledger, roles like data analyst, SEO/SEM manager or lead generation specialist could make sense. If you have varied experience, a more generalized role like marketing manager or director of marketing might be the right move.  

It's normal to apply like crazy to every role that somewhat fits your background, but even if you’re able to land a job, that approach may not be the right one. If you can, take a big picture approach and really try to consider what type of marketing position will help you feel properly challenged and fulfilled. 

2. Build/update your portfolio. 

Having an online portfolio of your past work can be extremely valuable, whether your experience is more as a digital marketer or on the content side. Hiring managers don’t want to just see experience on a resume, they want to see the actual work you’ve produced. Past blog articles, digital ads, creative and campaign samples can all be valuable when it comes to telling potential employers what you bring to the table. If you already have a portfolio, make sure to update it with recent work, and if possible, include samples that speak directly to your top jobs. 

3. Incorporate valuable keywords into your LinkedIn profile and resume. 

Artificial intelligence is all around us, and it’s being used more and more by recruiters and hiring managers. One of the best ways to get noticed on LinkedIn and when applying directly to a job position is to include top keywords on your profile and resume that relate to your experience and the role you’re applying for. One way to research these keywords is to act as a hiring manager yourself.  

4. Research companies you care about. 

Being happy at your job is more than the money and the job title. Now, more than ever, employees want to work for organizations with strong values and a mission outside of just turning a profit. The World Economic Forum reported that 59% of people leaving their jobs want a company that better fits their values. Job boards and LinkedIn are great ways to find open positions, but your ideal role may not bring all that much joy if you’re working in an industry or for a company you’re not passionate about. Bottom line: Spend time identifying the industry and the companies you want to work for. Use Glassdoor and other review sites to understand their company culture. Visit their website and social media pages and try to discern if they’re truly living their values.  

5. Network. Network. Network. 

It’s not what you know. It’s … yeah, yeah, yeah. You get it.  

But there’s serious value to connecting. If you’re looking to make a career jump and begin your journey as a marketer, talking to experienced professionals can be greatly beneficial. The same goes for those at any level.  

One place to start is to research local and virtual groups in the marketing field. If you’re able to join a certification program, you’re probably going to get extra bang for your buck by both gaining knowledge and connections. You can also connect on LinkedIn with those companies or in fields you’re interested in. The great thing about networking is the abundance of free and low-cost options, and usually the only requirement is to bring good questions and you’re listening ears. 

Looking for a new marketing role, or just interested in having a conversation with a creative recruiter? Let’s chat about marketing roles today.