We all know the three words we should use to describe ourselves when asked in a job interview: cool, calm and collected.
Well, to be a successful Marketing Executive the three Cs become confident, creative and, a word Granny uses to describe that Scottish guy off Dragon’s Den, canny.
Confidence is a virtue that is a power player in any jobs sector, but it really does come into its own when promoting your organisation.
Your job title may vary from Marketing Executive or Officer to Brand or Account Executive but, whether you’re selling products, services or ideas, you need to exude the utter belief and irrefutable positivity that will instantly persuade others of the value of your wares.
This is a truth no matter what medium you happen to be working in: face-to-face pitches, television or radio, traditional press or online platforms such as social media. If confidence is the day-to-face face of your role, creativity is at the heart of your job description.
It’s all very well having the organisational skills to plan product launches, market research and public relations events, all within a carefully considered budget, but it’s the height and breadth of your imagination that will bring these projects to life.
And then there’s being canny: the ability to be cautious when everyone else is jumping in like sardines into a net, the wherewithal to identify the right opportunity to promote your company at the right time, the prudence to measure the impact of your pitch for the greatest effect – all grist to the Marketing Executive’s mill, all ingredients for success.
Marketing Executives aim to maximise profits through developing sales strategies that match customer requirements.
While the three Cs should see you fine in situ, an HNC/HND or Degree in Marketing won’t look too shabby on your CV if you’re a new entry into the sector.
This is also a good time to note the number one most asked question at Marketing Executive interviews: “Why do you want this particular job?”
Make a mental note: this is not an invitation to toady to the MD, it is an opportunity to measure up your skills to the vacancy and demonstrate a perfectly logical match.
Before you know it, you’ll be working hand-in-hand with the Advertising Department, immersing yourself in cutting-edge market research, and liaising with sales staff and customer services.
Those already in the marketing fray will, no doubt, be looking to climb – cannily, mind you – the career ladder, perhaps eyeing the £50,000-plus salaries enjoyed by Marketing Directors.
Well, at the risk of sounding a little Kipling (Rudyard, that is, not he of the exceedingly good cakes), if you think you have these skillsets, if you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, yours is the earth and everything that’s in it, and, what’s more, you’ll be a Marketing Executive, my son/daughter!