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Digital marketing requires a diverse set of skills, both technical and creative. Switching careers to digital marketing can be a great decision if you are interested in the field and have the necessary skills.
It can seem a daunting task. When you start looking at job listings you will see that experience of some kind is listed as a requirement. Many roles are highly competed for so it is easy to understand how you might be put off from applying!
If you do not currently work in digital, you are in a similar position to a new graduate, forced to think about how you can demonstrate you've got the goods using your experiences so far in other areas.
Transferable skills, sometimes called portable skills, are the skills you have developed that can be transferred from one job to another, like good communication or time management skills.
This post will look at some of the key transferrable skills that can be useful for a career in digital marketing so you can leverage your experience and get the job you want!
Top 7 Transferrable Skills For A Career In Digital Marketing
#1 Communication
Digital marketing involves working with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, team members, and external partners. Good communication skills are essential for effective collaboration and project management. If you are a teacher, sales person, or work in customer service it is likely you can demonstrate excellent communication skills.#2 Analysis
The ability to analyse data and draw insights from it is a highly valued skill in digital. In search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising analytics are crucial for success. People with engineering or economics backgrounds tend to have a solid background in working with numbers and problem solving. This is a good foundation for working with analytics.#3 Creativity
Digital marketing involves developing and executing creative campaigns that stand out in a crowded online space. Having a creative mindset can help you generate unique ideas and develop effective strategies. Events, hospitality and teaching are good examples of careers where you could leverage your creative abilities to move into digital marketing.
#4 Writing Skills
Writing is an integral part of many digital marketing activities. For example, content marketing and email marketing. Being able to write well-crafted, engaging content is essential for success in these areas. This is a skill that some people are lucky enough to possess naturally, but it is also a skill that can be learned.#5 Project Management
Digital marketing projects often involve managing multiple tasks and stakeholders. Strong project management skills such as prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines are crucial for success. People with project management certifications, IT professionals, lawyers and engineers often have excellent experience of running and managing multiple projects.#6 Technical Abilities
Understanding how websites and online platforms work is essential for many digital marketing activities. Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and website analytics can be a valuable asset. A professional with a technical background in IT or statistics will tend to have the ability to understand things like automation and AI.
#7 Adaptability
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, so marketers need to be adaptable and willing to learn new skills and tools to stay relevant. Being open to change and able to adapt quickly is essential for success in this field. Check out 5 Top Tips for Becoming A Digital Marketer for more advice!Your Experience Can Be Relevant To Your New Career In Digital
Switching careers can take time, but with the right approach you can find the job you want. For more career advice and job seeking tips, check out our blog page here.
Interviews are a crucial part of the job application process. It's a chance for both the employer and the candidate to know each other better. While the interviewer will ask many questions to determine your suitability for the role, it's essential to keep in mind that there are some questions you should avoid asking. Hiring managers will be looking for more than your qualifications and the worst thing you can do is give the wrong impression based on your questions. In this blog post, we'll discuss five questions that you should avoid asking during an interview.
5 Questions To Avoid Asking At Your Next Interview
Asking bad questions in your interview may indicate a lack of interest, preparation, or even intelligence. Similarly, asking a good question at the wrong time can be just as damaging. Most of these questions should never be asked in a job interview, and some questions should be saved until a job offer has been made. When an interviewer asks you if you have any questions during a job interview, this is your opportunity to do three important things:- Collect final information on the things that will help you make your decision
- Demonstrate to the interviewer that you have listened and have done some research
- Show them you are interested, a good fit and would be a great choice if they make you an offer
#1 Asking About Salary And Benefits
Asking about money can be really awkward. While it's important to know the salary and benefits offered for your potential role, you need to avoid asking about it too soon. A first interview for example.
If you ask about it too soon, it may give the impression that you're more interested in the compensation than the actual job. Questions like:
- How much will I get paid
- How soon can I get a raise?
- What discounts do I get?
- Will you pay for training or an advanced degree for me?
- What other benefits do you provide?
#2 Asking About Time Off
This can be a tricky one and it comes up all the time as a recruiter. Asking about time off during your first interview may send the wrong message to the employer.
It can come across as though you're not committed to the job, and you're already thinking about taking time off. It's best to wait until you've been offered the job before you ask about vacation time or other time off. Try to avoid bluntly asking about time you won't be at work.
- How much paid vacation time would I get?
- How soon can I take a vacation after I start work?
- How many paid personal and/or sick days are allowed?
#3 Asking Overly Personal Questions
While you want to seem friendly and relaxed, asking personal questions during the interview might be considered inappropriate. Make sure you are aware of the company's formality and what is expected. If in doubt, speak to your recruiter! Questions about the interviewer's marital status, religion, or political views should be avoided. It's important to keep the conversation professional and relevant to the job. Questions like this are completely inappropriate and will probably kill your chances of getting a job:- Want to go out for drinks or coffee later?
- Is s/he married or have a significant other?
- Are all the employees here “hot” (or — much worse — “as hot as you are”)?
#4 Asking About The Company's Reputation
Asking about the company's reputation may give the impression that you're not familiar with the company. It's essential to do your research before the interview and have a good understanding of the company's history and reputation. As a candidate, you should focus on how you can contribute to the company instead of questioning its reputation. Avoid questions like "what does the company do?" or "who is the main competition" because you should already know these from your research and asking them will seem as though you are unprepared and uninterested. Research the employer and the location before you go to the interview to be prepared to ask good questions in the interview. If you aren’t interested in them, they surely are not interested in you. A good way to find out more about the company than you can find online is to ask about company culture, for example:- How would you describe your company culture in 3/5 words?
- What kinds of employee achievements are most recognised?
- What is your favourite part of working here that I wouldn't see on a tour/read about online?
#5 Asking About The Job Duties
While you should show an interest in the job role and your duties, asking about them in the wrong way may give the impression that you've a) not familiar with this kind of job, b) haven't read the job description or c0 you've read it and forgotten it!
- What does the person in this job do?
- What are the requirements of the job?
So, What Should You Ask In Your Interview?
You need to prepare by reading and researching the company, job role and if you know who you are interviewing with you can research them! Often, they will answer most of the common interview questions. Be prepared and think about more questions than you think you will need and take notes throughout the interview so you can remember things that catch your interest. Personal (but still professional) questions are great for example:- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- What have past employees done to succeed in this role?
- What qualities are the most important to succeeding in this role?
- Is there anything else I can do or provide to help you make your decision?
- Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications or experience?
Creating a digital marketing portfolio is an essential step for any professional looking to showcase their work and stand out from the competition. You can use LinkedIn to showcase your work. LinkedIn lends itself well to copy, content or graphic design but with so many portfolio websites available, it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit for your needs.
An impressive digital portfolio can be that extra boost that makes an application stand out. This is especially important for those trying to enter the marketing profession for the first time. A portfolio will showcase that you have learned how to do different aspects of marketing, as well as showing your work product capabilities. 
Here's Our Pick of 3 Websites for Creating Your Digital Marketing Portfolios
Creating that stunning digital portfolio can seem impossible. Where do you start? There are countless websites that claim to have high-level tools to aid you in your creative process. While many of them do, there are a few that truly work wonders in creating portfolios for marketers and designers alike. In no particular order, here's our pick of the best free sites.
#1 Wix
Wix is known to be one of the free options when it comes to portfolio creation. It is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and customizable website builder. It offers a wide range of templates, from simple designs to more advanced portfolio websites. You also have access to powerful features such as drag-and-drop editing, SEO optimization, and social media integration. The drag and drop tool makes it infinitely simpler to produce what the marketer wants. It is very flexible and functional without requiring any coding knowledge. Whether you are looking for a very simple choice or a more techy and professional outlet, Wix gives you the flexibility you want when starting out.# 2 Flickr 
Flickr is a well-known portfolio site. While it is a good place to display your own work, it is a great way to interact with other digital marketers and serves as inspiration for future projects.
It isn't for everyone though - the heavy focus on the community aspect can make it difficult to get your work seen. Many people using Flickr recommend building a secondary digital marketing portfolio website and connecting to it from Flickr.
Flickr has created a large community of creatives that are open to feedback, portfolio engagement, and images from other users. Flickr is also great for ideas and collaboration on projects.
#3 Behance
Behance is a very visual platform. If your content involves more of a literary or analytic theme, you might find this one isn't for you.
Behance is perfect for designers, illustrators, and creative marketers. It is well-known for creatives to showcase their work, network with other professionals, and get discovered. It offers a range of portfolio templates to choose from and provides the ability to easily share your work on other social media platforms.
Whether you are looking for the attention of digital marketing hiring managers, or that of agencies, Behance is a great way for new marketers to show off their skills. A key aspect of its functionality lies in growing the audience of its creators.
Which One Will You Choose For Your Digital Marketing Portfolio
No matter what platform you choose, creating an online portfolio is an important step in marketing yourself as a creative professional. With the right portfolio website, you can showcase your work, connect with other creatives, and stand out from the competition. The site mentioned in this article are only a small selection but there is something to suit everyone. Are you looking for your next step in digital marketing? Dotgap is a recruitment agency with a difference. We are ex-agency so we know the ins and outs of working in this industry and are committed to helping you progress. Get in touch now or visit our jobs page for more vacancies If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check out these previous posts: Elevate your Job Search With These 3 Tips For Using Social Media 5 Essential Things You Must Include On Your Digital Marketing CV in 2023
If you are working in digital marketing, it is highly unlikely you will not have an online presence. We have talked about the importance of carrying out a social media audit to make sure your social media and online presence is professional and consistent. this article will look at taking this one step further to actively use social media to your advantage. Social media can be a powerful tool to help boost your career. Whether you use it to network, stay up-to-date on industry news, or showcase your work, here are 3 ways to boost your online profile.
#1 Use Social Media to Connect With Professionals
One of the best ways you can use social media to further your career is to connect with professionals in your field. Whether you join a Facebook group or use Twitter to follow influential people in your industry, these connections help you stay informed about the latest industry trends and news and help you build a strong network of contacts that could be useful in your career. Additionally, engaging with these professionals can help you gain knowledge and valuable insights into the field, and even create opportunities for you to make more meaningful connections. Ultimately, building relationships with professionals in your field can be an important way to support your career growth. When engaging online, be helpful. You can foster long-term relationships by offering advice with no expectation of anything in return. Connect with people at all levels, just remember to keep your connections related to your industry and interests and introduce yourself with a reason for your connection!
#2 Showcase Your Work on Social Media
Social media can be used as a powerful tool to showcase your work. By using it to promote your portfolio, share your latest projects and engage with potential employers and collaborators you can easily boost your online profile. Using platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn and other popular networks you can reach a wider audience and create a more visible presence. Additionally, social media can be used to efficiently promote your work and gain recognition by showcasing your skills, experience and accomplishments. Furthermore, engaging with potential employers and collaborators can be a great way to build relationships and gain insight into the industry, while also reinforcing your commitment to the field. Ultimately, using social media to promote your work is a valuable asset to your professional career.
#3 Stay Up-To-Date With Industry News
Social media is invaluable for staying up-to-date on industry news. Following relevant hashtags or joining industry-specific groups can be an incredibly useful way to stay connected with the latest trends and developments, as well as helping you build connections with other professionals in the same field. Through such platforms, you can stay informed about the latest industry news, developments, and strategies, and be better equipped to make informed decisions. Using your new found knowledge you can share interesting articles and content to boost your online profile. Additionally, you can engage with confidence in discussions, share ideas and resources potentially leading to collaborations and other opportunities that can help further your career.Make Social Media Work For You
As you can see, social media can be an effective tool for boosting your career. Whether you use it to connect with professionals, showcase your work, or stay up-to-date on industry news, there are many ways to use it and many platforms to choose from, with these 3 tips, you’ll be well on your way to maximising your social media presence. Remember: consistency and professionalism are key. For more job search tips, advice on interviews or digital marketing career paths head to our blog here.
Writing a successful CV in 2023 might sound like a daunting task. There are a lot of job vacancies but competition is fierce. A lot has changed and continues to change in the world of recruitment too. New hiring techniques and different candidate requirements post-pandemic have caused a seismic shift towards flexible and remote working. With the ever-evolving job market, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the most effective CV writing techniques. In this blog post, we will explore five important things to consider when crafting your CV in 2023: using keywords, formatting, and showcasing your accomplishments.
#1 Using Keywords
Keywords are words or phrases associated with a job description or industry and they help recruiters match you to a job. They help hiring managers quickly identify whether or not you are a match. The average hiring professional with spend just six to eight seconds scanning through to determine whether or not the candidate is right for the role. It is, therefore, important to focus on using keywords when writing your CV in 2023. When crafting your CV, be sure to review the job description, research the industry and include all relevant keywords that highlight your skills and experiences.
#2 Formatting
This isn't a new one but it is worth revisiting. Formatting is a really important element of your CV. Your CV should be easy to read and well organized. Be sure to use headings and subheadings to break up the text and highlight important information.
Moreover, make sure that your contact information is clearly visible at the top of the page. This will make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to contact you.
Using bullet points to summarise key experience is a good way to pack information in an easy -to -read format. Keep to simple fonts and layouts. Let your experience and skills do the talking.
#3 Showcasing Your Accomplishments 
It is important to showcase accomplishments in your CV. Rather than simply listing your experiences and skills, be sure to include any successes you have had in your past positions. This can help you stand out from other applicants and provide a more comprehensive view of your abilities. This means highlighting the output of your duties, rather than the duties themselves in your work history.
- Focus on offering proof of your qualifications by including specific examples, figures or case studies that illustrate your abilities.
- Wherever possible, quantify your contributions and achievements to show the value you’ve created for your past employers. For example, have you helped to reduce costs, eliminate bottlenecks, increase productivity, drive more revenue, or improve operations?
- Did you meet or exceed your project goals or complete a project on time, ahead of schedule or under budget? Have you received any awards or special recognition for your performance?
#4 Most Requested Skills
These are the top five requested skills (in descending order):- Adaptability and flexibility
- Communication
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Time management
#5 Use Social Media To Your Advantage
More than ever, recruiters and hiring managers are using social media to help in their selection of candidates to invite to interview. So, you should include links to relevant social media accounts. For example, you might wish to include the details of your LinkedIn profile and Instagram accounts alongside your contact information. Just make sure that whichever profiles you link to. Just make sure you ensure these are up to date and that they don’t contain any inappropriate or unprofessional content. A social media audit is a must! If you have a side hustle or profile related to your passions and hobbies, it might be better to link to those accounts rather than simply give your personal accounts.
Now, Put It Into Action!
Crafting a successful CV in 2023 requires a combination of up-to-date techniques and strategies. By focusing on using keywords, formatting, and showcasing your accomplishments, you can ensure that your CV stands out from the rest. You will need to tailor your CV for each job you apply for, but if you get a good template set up using the tips above this shouldn't take you too long. Good luck out there! For the latest in digital marketing and ad agency jobs, head to Dotgap now to browse or get in touch. We are ex-agency ourselves and so we understand the industry better than anyone and are committed to helping you find your dream job.
Digital marketing is an ever-growing field with plenty of job prospects and career opportunities. Whether you're just starting out, or want to switch to this field, it's important to understand the basics of getting into digital marketing. In this blog post, we'll discuss the necessary steps you need to take to become a digital marketer.
5 Top Tips To Become A Digital Marketer
To become a successful digital marketer, you need to have a good understanding of the latest marketing techniques, as well as the ability to apply them to the unique challenges of the digital space. Here are some tips to help you get started.
What Education Do You Need?
While it isn't a requirement to have a university degree, having an understanding of the basic principles and techniques of digital marketing is essential to your success. This includes search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and more. You should also make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and strategies in the industry. If you want to do a degree, or are considering your university options then marketing or a related field would certainly be useful. A degree is not as useful as having demonstrable knowledge of digital marketing tools and techniques and relatable experience is key.
Experience Is Key
Experience is another key component to becoming a successful digital marketer. Most employers will require some level of experience before hiring. Taking related jobs, doing freelance work or internships can provide great learning experiences. Having a good understanding of the industry and its various tools will give you an advantage when applying for jobs. Of course, this raises a challenge for new graduates who may have more qualifications than experience. Check out our previous post on how to demonstrate you've got the goods for our tips!
Upskilling Is Vital For Digital Marketers...
Digital marketing is a fast-evolving industry. As such, it requires a strong understanding of technology. You should become familiar with the latest tools and platforms in the digital marketing world, including analytics software, web design tools, and content management systems. You will work with many other people to provide clients with the best service and so it is really good to demonstrate your knowledge outside your specific job role. You can enhance your technical skills by reading about analytics or brushing up your writing or design skills. You could consider learning how to code HTML and CSS to help you understand search engine optimization for websites. Read more out more about upskilling here.
... And Get Certified To Prove It!
To demonstrate your knowledge and skills, you could consider getting certified in digital marketing. There are plenty of online courses and certifications available, such as Google Analytics, Social Media Marketing, and Digital Marketing Strategy. With a certification, you can show potential employers and clients that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the digital marketing industry. It's also important to have a good grasp of the latest trends, tools, and strategies in digital marketing. Keeping up with the latest information is key to staying ahead of the competition.
Network With Digital Marketers
Seeking out and networking with other digital marketers is a great way to learn more about the industry and stay up-to-date on the latest trends. You can join online communities, attend conferences, and join local meetups to connect with other professionals. Co-working spaces can be great too.Take Your First Steps Today!
Taking the right steps to prepare can help you land the job you want more easily. With the right knowledge and tools, you can be on your way to becoming a successful digital marketer. For more job seeking tips and tricks, visit the Dotgap blog page today and get ready for your new role.
Happy New Year! Now is the perfect time to start thinking of resolutions to help advance your career in marketing. As the industry continues to rapidly evolve and expand, setting goals for yourself can help you stay ahead of the competition and achieve the success you desire. Here are some inspiring resolutions that marketing professionals can set for themselves in 2023.
Top 3 New Year's Resolutions for Marketing Professionals in 2023: Expand Your Network
Having a strong network of connections is essential in the marketing world. Making new connections can help you gain access to knowledge and resources that you wouldn't otherwise have. Make a resolution to attend industry events and workshops, join networking groups, and reach out to other marketing professionals whether that is online or in person!
Stay Up-to-Date on Industry Trends
The marketing industry is constantly in flux, with new technologies and trends emerging on a daily basis. Staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in the industry can help you stay ahead of the curve and be more effective in your daily work. Make a resolution to set aside some time each week to research the latest industry news and trends. A major trend for 2023 seems to be the importance of short 'snackable' video content. 'Gen Z' are the first generation to have grown up with the internet through their entire lives. Dynamic digital content is more important than ever to keep users engaged! 2023 will require expert strategy and focus, read more from Google experts in this interesting article on 2023 trends.
Focus on Self-Improvement: Upskilling
As mentioned above, it’s important to stay current on the latest techniques and strategies. The best way to keep up in the fast world of digital marketing is to dedicate time each week to research and study. Make a resolution to focus on self-improvement and invest in yourself. Take an online course, read industry publications, and attend seminars and webinars to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and strategies. Stay accountable by scheduling 30+ minutes a week on your calendar that’s dedicated to industry research. Take this time to read industry newsletters, or listen to industry podcasts to see keep up with the latest marketing innovations. Check out our previous blog post Upskilling: What Is It And Why It Is Important For Me
Realistic And Achievable New Years Resolutions
The new year is the perfect time to set resolutions that will help you reach your goals and become a better marketing professional. Make your resolutions to stay up-to-date on industry trends, expand your network, and focus on self-improvement. With these resolutions, you'll be sure to have a successful 2023 in the marketing world. As always, Dotgap are on hand to help you find your next job and progress your career in digital media. Get in touch today for more information.
Party season is in full swing and while there is nothing wrong with letting your hair down, if you are looking for career progression or a new job the festive period can be the perfect opportunity to network.
Whether you love or hate them, work events and networking opportunities can feel scary and intimidating but if you approach it with the right mindset, you can build new relationships and learn new things. To help you get the most out of your events this season, we have put together a short list of Christmas event Dos and Don'ts.
Festive Networking for Jobseekers: Dos
Listen
There is nothing worse than talking to someone who is looking around the room or clearly not paying attention to what you are saying. Listening actively is a skill, be engaging with the person you are speaking to. Be interested, curious and ask questions, if you do need to break off the conversation, be polite and excuse yourself.Be Authentic
Whether you are at your works do hoping to be considered for a promotion or at an event looking for new connections, you need to be authentic to be memorable. People talk, and it will become obvious if you are not who you say you are. Body language can be crucial, simple things like a smile and eye contact are remembered. Be genuine. You will meet many different kinds of people. Some will connect with you, and some won't
Research & Preparation
Make sure you have prepared short and succinct answers to 'what do you do' and other common networking questions. Be careful not to be too rehearsed. In the same vein, it can be helpful to have some topics prepared to talk about to avoid awkward silences. Think about holidays, Christmas plans or traditions for example. If you are looking to meet or talk to someone in particular it wouldn't hurt to do some research. A read through of their LinkedIn profiles to get an idea of the basics and see if you have any common connections. You could even connect with people ahead of the event!Mingle
It can be very easy to stick with who you know especially if you are an introvert. Depart from the person you walked in with, even if it’s just for a little while and approach somebody you don’t know. Always excuse yourself politely from your current conversation. If you aren't sure how to approach people, don't be afraid to just ask! It is highly unlikely that someone will say no.Be Picky
Remember - your time is valuable, so don't overfill your calendar! Choose which events to go to based on who is going to be there and what your goals are.
Festive Networking For Jobseekers: Don'ts
Overbook We just mentioned this last point but it's worth remembering. If you are invited to a lot of events, you can get tired and easily burnout. You won't be your best self at these events if you are worn out. Quality is better than quantity, consider the value of the event to you and to the person who invited you. Get drunk. This is probably the most obvious "don't" and the first thing people say when you ask them what they shouldn't do! However, it happens year after year so it is important to remind yourself. Nobody wants to be that person and embarrass themselves. Use your phone. When you are talking to someone or in a group conversation put it away. Or, excuse yourself if you need to take a call etc. An exception to the rule is if you’re obviously tweeting or promoting the event you’re at. Another thing to note is if you’re taking photos with your phone always ask if the person minds you sharing the photography on social media.
Get too political
When it comes to discussing politics there is a time and place! Staying in tune with your audience is the most important. Keep your conversation light and professional. Oversharing should be avoided.
Monopolise
Be wary of being too 'salesy' and self-promoting. Only bring up projects you’re working on if it comes up naturally in conversation. Keep other guests or people you know in mind if you think they would be a good connection for someone you are talking to.
Festive Networking Follow-up
Perhaps the most important piece of advice is to make sure you follow up with people you make a connection with. If you have business cards, take them, or connect on LinkedIn. Try and send those you met a connection or message within 24 hours. Getting the hang of networking at this time of year can mean you are remembered and given the heads up on a vacancy or opportunity ahead of its publication. At the very least, it can make you closer to your co-workers or make you friends in your industry making your day-to-day more enjoyable. So, what are you waiting for? get out there and enjoy yourself! We currently have plenty of vacancies at Dotgap. Head to our jobs page for more. If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy these from our blog: How To Maintain Your Work Life Balance And Feel Good About It There's Still Time To Get A Job In 2022: Here's How To Do It
As we edge closer to a recession, many Britons' feelings are echoing those of 12 years ago. In 2010, 9 out of 10 Britons said they would consider leaving the UK for a life abroad. More recently, the coronavirus sent a lot of ex-pats home, and when the borders began opening up, many people were keen to restart their dreams of relocating to other countries.
Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a similar situation yet again. While other countries may seem attractive, the current impending recession is set to be a global one so there are many things to consider if you have your heart set on moving away. Changing jobs can still be a great way to find new opportunities for job growth and career development. But while we have talked about the benefits of moving jobs before, changing jobs in a recession presents a different set of challenges.
A recession occurs when economic productivity is rapidly declining. Recessions increase your chances of losing your current job and do make it more challenging to secure a new one. Many young people will try and find a better-paying job in times of economic instability. If you are employed, think carefully before you leave, and read this article for advice on relocating for work in a recession.
Financial Considerations Are Even More Important When Changing Jobs In A Recession
First things first, you need to make sure that you are fully aware of all the local regulations. Look into your sector to make sure there are enough opportunities. This is especially important if you are planning to become self-employed in a new country. If you are investing or retiring abroad, you will have to make sure your income or savings will really be enough to cover your expenses. Currency fluctuations can really impact your move abroad and affect your ability to live comfortably in your new country. If you do decide to move abroad during a recession, you really have to ensure your financial situation is strong enough to cover the costs. Do your research into all the potential costs and how to keep them low! We would recommend you secure a job before moving. Many companies will offer assistance with visas and even offer a relocation bonus. If you haven't found your job yet, start looking for a job asap and make sure it will pay you enough to cover your daily expenses.
Choose Your Location Carefully
Choosing the right location for you will depend on the kind of work you are looking for. Whether you are looking for a job in digital marketing, starting your own business or investing will all influence your options. You also need to consider your age and whether you have children or not. Many countries have complex and expensive visa requirements. Australia and New Zealand are still among the most popular countries to move to. There is a booming digital marketing and ad agency economy over there and no language barrier. However, we are facing a global recession. That means Australia and New Zealand are likely to be facing similar strains in recruitment. Some less traditional locations you could consider are Poland or the Czech Republic. While they do suffer economic problems the living costs are relatively low and there are digital marketing opportunities available for English speakers. Whatever you choose, make sure you do your research and don't rush into anything.
Changing Jobs In A Recession Requires Consideration of Lifestyle And Living Costs
If you do your research and have realistic expectations about the country you are moving to, you should be able to change jobs and relocate during a recession. The most important thing to remember is to be realistic about what you can afford and be prepared to have a different quality of life from the one you're used to in the UK while you settle in and find a job. Dotgap works with companies in the UK and Australia and we have been committed to keeping media professionals doing what they love throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so through the recession. If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy these articles on our blog: How To Find A Job When Jobs Are Scarce: Navigating A Recession As A Job Seeker 3 Ways To Optimise Your CV For International Job Search
New job anxiety is very common. In the media agency and digital marketing industries, you might find new jobs and roles that are thrust upon you regularly. If you are feeling anxious about your first day at a new job, you are not alone! It is totally natural and valid to feel this way. There are many reasons to feel anxious about a new job and these might not always be clear, or the same, for everyone.
Your anxiety symptoms can be managed using these three simple tips. But, please remember, if your symptoms persist or are causing you problems daily, and affecting the way you usually live your life you should seek further assistance.
Preparation Can Really Ease New Job Anxiety
A new job can mean a new commute, or a new schedule. Remote work means there is often one less thing to worry about if you suffer from anxiety- no getting lost on your way to the office! It can mean a total change to your current schedule though which can exacerbate new job anxiety. So, what can you do. Make an effort to prepare everything you need for the morning, the night before. Prepare lunch and your outfit, tidy your desk. If you are leaving for your job, place your packed bag by the door. Small steps like this put you in control and free up your time in the morning helping you keep a clear head and feel confident. First day nerves can increase you feelings of imposter syndrome and make you feel insecure. When your first day nerves get the better of you it is easy to lose sight of why you are there. The first thing to remember, is that you have beaten the competition to this job. You have been given it for a reason! Before you start, take some time to go over the job description and remind yourself why you want it, and what your responsibilities are. Keeping this sense of purpose will help guide you through your first day and remind you what to expect. So, take some time out beforehand to go over the job description for your new role, and remind yourself of your responsibilities. That way you’ll be able to go in with a real sense of purpose, not to mention know what to expect as the weeks progress. Focussing on the day-to-day aspects of the job role can help distract you from your nerves.
Don't Expect To Know Everything
You have already showcased your skills at interview. They have reviewed your experiences and qualification and you have been selected for the job. Do not feel as though you need to know everything right away. Your employer will expect you to ask questions and be unsure of things at this stage... it is your first day after all! Key skills in digital media jobs include willingness to learn and communication so utilise these skills in your interactions throughout your first day and the weeks to come. Minor errors are part of the learning process, just make sure you take accountability for your actions and learn from any mistakes. Hiding things or trying to pass blame is unprofessional. Remember: You've passed the biggest test already! Keep reminding yourself of this and stay calm and confident.
Deep Breathing For Anxiety
Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system which helps calm and relax you. It is the opposite to your body's 'fight or flight' response. When anxiety or overwhelm get too much, your brain is trying to protect you and the subsequent overthinking is trying to prepare you for what might be about to happen. If you feel panicky before or during your first day, try switching to deep breathing for a few minutes to help activate the relaxation response. Try this short exercise now and see how it makes you feel: Sit still and upright. Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. Breathe in long and slow for four counts, paying attention to the belly expanding, then breathe out for a count of six, feeling the air leave your lungs and deflating your belly fully.Use Resources To Help Your Anxiety
When you work in digital marketing, you are often required to wear many hats. This can add to your new job anxiety. Make use of any resources your company can offer, communicate if you are overloaded and don't be afraid to ask for help.
When you have a lot of different responsibilities and tasks on the go, a 'brain dump' is a great exercise to clear you head before getting on with your number one task. Simply write down everything running though your head (it doesn't have to look nice or be grammatically correct). This allows to you make a note of anything you may need to come back to, allowing your mind to focus.
Good luck in your new job!
If you enjoyed this post, you may also want to check out these posts on the Dotgap blog:
How To Interview Well: Top 5 Dos and Don'ts
7 Tips For A Successful Day At Your New Graduate Job
If you find anxiety impacts the way you see yourself, others, and your world, it may be a good idea to find a mental health professional to talk with.