This month, we have been talking about career progression and how you can change jobs to optimize your learning and build experience. But how do you demonstrate skills and talent when applying for a graduate role? In digital industries, marketing graduates are in a good position, as they know the latest developments and newest digital tech. 

Graduate employers are looking to recruit motivated applicants who have relevant skills and who will fit into their company culture. A good degree is a standard requirement and while some will look for certain technical expertise, most are focused on potential. The question remains, how can you find relevant ways to showcase skills like commitment, teamwork and motivation to learn without previous work experience in the industry? Read on for our tips: 

# 1 Commitment

A key step in career advancement is to establish loyalty and commitment, not only to the industry but to your team and company. For obvious reasons, this can be difficult if you are applying for your first role.

Commitment gives you credibility and value as an employee. So how can you demonstrate these qualities using your life so far, before you become a marketing graduate? 

• Make sure you demonstrate your passion and genuine interest for the industry. Is this just a job? Or the start of a career?
• If you spend your spare time, reading and even working on projects related to your field of work, make sure you include this in any application or interview -these sorts of activities demonstrate commitment.
• Talk about long term plans. Be clear about your plans and goals for personal development within the company!
• You can also join groups on social media such as Facebook or LinkedIn and engage with discussions

#2 Team Player 

Working well on a team improves productivity as each member is working towards a common goal, and the company culture created is a positive one, encouraging members to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and motivate them. So, as a marketing graduate, how can you demonstrate you are a team player and available to help your colleagues?

• If you’ve ever played team sports, this is a great example of, quite literally, being a team player!
• Think about any group projects you might have taken part in over your educational career and how you communicated, organised and problem-solved with that group.
• Whatever your example, emphasise group successes and be clear about your actions and their contributions.

#3 Motivation 

Hiring managers and prospective employers will be looking for motivation as one of their key attributes in any potential hire, especially in a graduate. This is your chance to show you have the drive to work hard and perform well. You need to show what motivates you at work and whether you are able to work on your own initiative. Without employment history in the industry, you can still demonstrate your motivation the following ways:

• Build an active presence in your industry on social media. Join groups and participate in discussions to show your interest and ideas
• Volunteering in a role which chares skills or in the industry is also very well received – you must be motivated to work for free!
• Think about the language you use on your CV when describing your accomplishments. Avoid generic verbs like “led,” “managed,” or “built” and replace them with word like “negotiated,” “persuaded,” or “appointed.”

Click here for more action verbs you can use on your CV

Marketing Graduates: You’ve Got This!

Getting a job as a marketing graduate comes down to this: Transferable skills.

Transferable skills are competencies that can be carried over from one activity to another. So don’t undervalue your experience. You should get involved in a wide range of activities and work experience while you are at university to develop these skills so you can promote yourself to employers. 

Are you a marketing graduate? Dotgap has a wide range of opportunities for you! Check out our current vacancies here.