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Showing posts tagged with: career change

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 strategiesEvents, 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.    

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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?
can give the impression you are not really interested or passionate about the job. Overall it presents a more selfish persona. Obviously, these are important things to know, particularly if you are lucky enough to be comparing several job offers! An exception to this rule would be in they ask you for salary expectation or current salary. In this case you can tell them your salary expectation /requirements are dependent on other aspects of the job like flexibility, training, or raises.  

#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?
You are there to talk about the job and demonstrate why you would be a great choice for them.  As with point #1, these kinds of questions give the impression that you are more interested what you get than what you get to do. However, before you start, at some point in the interview process, you should be asked if you have any holidays/time off booked. You can discuss your requirements for vacation and holidays, but this should be part of the negotiation when there is an offer on the table for you. There are a great many benefits to taking time off between jobs - always bear this in mind when you are talking about when you can start!  

#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”)?
(They seem crazy don't they, but these are all examples we have seen in the recruitment industry!) Focus on questions about the job. These questions may feel like they’re tension breakers or funny, but they aren’t appropriate in a job interview.

#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?
Questions like this seem to show that you haven't prepared at all - not a good look! In any interview, it's important to read the job description thoroughly before the interview and have a good understanding of the role's responsibilities. If you have any questions about the job duties, it's best to ask for clarification rather than asking what they are. You should speak to your recruiter about the role and description if you aren't sure. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the job description into the interview with you. Review it before the interview, and refer to it during the interview, as appropriate.

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?
For more interview tips you can head to our previous blog post on the how to interview well. And make sure you follow up with these 4 things to do immediately after your interview to seal the deal.  In conclusion, it's important to keep in mind that interviews are a two-way conversation. While it's essential to prepare for the interview and ask plenty of questions, there are definitely questions you should avoid asking. By avoiding these questions, you'll be able to make a positive impression on the employer and increase your chances of getting the job.  Looking for a new role? Head to Dotgap jobs now for the latest in digital marketing and ad agency vacancies.

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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

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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.  

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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?  
These are the types of information you want to present in the bullet points within your work history. This component of your CV is important because recruiters gauge your potential based on how you performed in previous roles. 

#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 
Most employers are looking for all of these skills in digital marketing and ad agencies. Demonstrating you have these skills will help you in your job search - this is especially useful to know if you are trying to move into digital marketing from another industry or if you are a new graduate and have limited work experience.

#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.  

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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.  

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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

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Recently, we've been talking a lot about how to get jobs, perform well in interviews and utilise moving companies to your advantage. However, given the current economic climate and cost of living crisis, many people are looking for stability and assurance they will be in work and able to pay their bills. Upskilling enables you to strengthen your position, improve your skills and develop new ones. In times of economic trouble, employers may focus on retention and fill job vacancies internally, making it a crucial time to upskill for your career growth. So, whether you are still looking for a new job, or staying where you are, you can secure your position and increase your chances of success by upskilling – in digital, there is no such thing as knowing too much!  

Upskilling - How To Do it

Effective upskilling involves the combination of internal skills and external resources. Depending on where you work and what your current working situation is, you should be able to use a mix of your company’s training modules as well as your own creativity to your advantage.  With so many of us working from home now it can be difficult to leverage company resources in the same way. So, whether you’re aiming to make a move, increase your pay or just make yourself more versatile, here are some of the top ways to upskill remotely, or fit it into your new hybrid working.

#1 Make it a part of your routine

If you are trying to fit in upskilling around working from home, it can be really challenging. By the time you've done your work it can be really hard to stay at your desk and commit to learning. But, here's the thing. If you don't commit to it, you won't do it. Try starting small, half an hour before you start your working day for example, or a quiet hour after your evening meal.

#2 Listen to podcasts

This seems to feature a lot in tips and blogs online and for good reason! There is a wealth of great information out there now, easily accessible and easy to fit in your life. You can listen to a podcast at the gym, on the bus, doing the washing up, or while working. Check out some of these upskilling podcasts as see what you think.

#3 Read industry news and books

While many books are available online to listen to know, podcasts aren't for everyone. Try subscribing to industry newsletters or magazines and looking for industry-related books you can enjoy with your coffee.

#4 Try out new technologies

Take the opportunity whenever possible to have a go at new technologies. This might be something you get the chance to do at work or something you need to take on yourself. The truth is, even non-tech roles require a certain amount of technical proficiency in the digital marketing world. There are usually free tutorials for many platforms which aren't too time consuming or labour intensive.

#5 Use online course providers

There are so many courses available online now. Udemy and LinkedIn Learning provide thousands of course options for a reasonable price - LinkedIn offers a one-month free trial. Google Analytics Academy and Codeacademy have free courses available and both provide fantastic insights for those working in digital industries.

#6 Attend virtual events

Even though we are back out in the world there are still plenty of online events and conferences which allow you to attend from your own home and connect with people around the world. A great way to learn and upskill without leaving the house - saving you time.

Upskilling Is Futureproofing

With virtual options and free courses available, if you are thinking about upskilling for any reason, there really is nothing to stop you. Just don't overload your schedule. Start with small and manageable learning and see what works with your lifestyle. Don't forget to ask your employer if there is something specific related to your role or company you want to learn - they may be able to share excellent resources with you and might even give you time to learn in your working day. For more content like this, head to the dotgap blog!

 

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As we are coming out of summer, the Christmas countdowns will be starting before you know it. The rest of the year has a tendency to slip away very quickly and if you are job hunting, you may feel as though everything grinds to a halt and you may as well wait until the new year to find a new job.  You may have even heard that companies don’t hire in the fourth quarter of the year because of the holidays. The truth is though, the worst time of year to find a job is actually over the summer, during the school holiday period.  Hiring remains relatively high across all sectors with a notable increase in hiring across hospitality and leisure, retail and media, marketing, advertising, PR and sales. These industries are the most active recruiters at the moment.   October through December are certainly very busy for businesses but companies all across the country will still be actively recruiting and keen to have open positions filled for the new year. On top of this, if you don’t find your dream job to apply for there are still plenty of things you can do to help get a job before the year ends. 

Networking Can Help You Find A Job 

Part of the reason the holiday season seems like a daunting time for jobseekers and hiring managers is the busy social side of the end of the year. It is likely your calendar will fill up with social events with friends, family and work events all vying for space. Instead of writing off the last quarter of the year to parties, why not make them work for you? 85% of job openings are filled through networking in the UK. Now, we aren't suggesting you try and network with your granddad at your Aunt Linda's Christmas lunch but you never know who you might meet at a holiday party. Someone might know of an opening at their work or put you in touch with a friend who's hiring. Consider taking business cards with you or connecting on social media. Keep it professional though - Linked In is best. For tips of how to network successfully, check out this article on networking at tech events.

Be Ready For Short Notice Interviews 

As we have already mentioned, hiring doesn’t slow down in Q4. However, you need to remember that many employees take time off for the holidays and this can slow down the recruitment process while staff cover for one another. You might notice you wait longer than usual for a reply to emails. Don't let this put you off your efforts to find a new job.   You may receive interview confirmation and a date with little notice. With staff off, it will be harder for companies to organise interviews. o, you should be ready to go at short notice. Read up on interview skills, think of answers to common interview questions and think about why you want to work for this company. When you get called in for an interview, you'll just have to focus on researching the company. You'll be able to go in armed with knowledge and feel confident you are prepared.   

Get A Headstart On The New Year

Obviously, there are many reasons you may not find a new job by the end of the year but there are still reasons why you should be active in your industry during Q4. The fact that many believe there is no hiring in Q4 will work in your favour, you might find there are less applicants and you are more likely to land an interview.  Even if your dream company isn't actually hiring until the new year, you will benefit from networking. It is a great time of year to network and if you are memorable, you might be the first person they bring in for an interview. You can avoid being lost in a pile of new year's applications. 

Now Is A Great Time To Find A Job

The average time to hire in 2022 is 42 days. If you take into account the time on either side of that for you to find a new job, and to get ready to start, the whole process can take longer. By October, many companies will be making plans for the new year which includes seeing whether they need new staff. Instead of hiring someone in January, it’s much more beneficial to hire someone in the months before so their new hire can be fully onboarded and ready to contribute once the calendar rolls over. For your next opportunity, contact doptgap today and find your next job!

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Obviously, there are a great many factors to consider when you are considering changing jobs. Things like location, pay, company culture and how much you enjoy or don't enjoy your current job are all highly relevant. If you are in a position to change jobs tactically or a new opportunity has presented itself, this article can give you helpful guidance on optimising your moves to help your marketing career!  As you progress through your current job, you may notice your interests shift. In the fast-paced world of media, marketing, advertising and digital you may notice your job role shifts too. You can find yourself looking elsewhere for a new challenge or discover a new role you want to follow. To make sure you are changing careers an appropriate number of times to best demonstrate your desire to progress while still assuring recruiters and hiring managers you can commit, read on! 

Agency Marketing Careers – Should You Jump Ship?

It is a long- held belief in the industry that marketers start on the agency side to build their skills before looking for a more permanent in-house team. It is certainly true that there are enourmous benefits to agency work in regards to building knowledge. You'll work with a variety of clients and potentially be exposed to many different fields and roles. However, this doesn't mean after a time you will complete this journey and be ready to 'settle' elsewhere. It is down to you and the opportunities that arise so ther eis nothing to say this established route is the best.  Historical models for career progression don't really fit in the digital marketing world, with new developments, new technology and therefore new roles advancing all the time agencies have a great deal to offer those looking to explore all the industry has to offer.  With traditional advice, and that of managers, often being to stay in their departments, hone their craft, and learn to nurture other people’s development you have to wonder if this is really still the best way to learn. 

Tactical Moves Can Help You Keep Ahead

Changing jobs can give you the exposure you get at an agency by letting you work in different roles and industries. This will strengthen your professional experience and ultimately enrich your marketing career. As the digital industry continues to grow, more emphasis is placed on skills specialist possess rather than time in a specific role. Given the fast-evolving nature of digital, many of the most knowledgeable digital marketers have the least work experience as they have  come straight from learning new technologies and the most up to date innovations. Many traditional marketers might find they don't have time to learn these new things 'on-the-job. Employees can gain perspective about best practices and a new skill set as they move from one employer to another. A well-thought-out job change can let you learn new skills as part of your day-to-day job and new employee training.  

Changing jobs is a balancing act

It doesn't take a genius to see that job hopping too much can hurt your employability. But it is possible that staying too long in one job can hold you back too! For most jobs, employers will be looking for a balance between commitment and progression so it is not a simple decision to know when to stay and when to move on.  Staying too long can look like complacency or lack of motivation and employers might assume you would have difficulty adapting to new situations or different company culture. In short, the number of times you should move depends on your preferences. All employers' requirements are different but a good rule of thumb is at least one to three years. Staying in a role for three years or so can let employers know you are wiling to commit yourself but also that you are up for the chance to learn new things. It suggests an employee who is constantly learning and progressing and ready for the chance to learn new things.  

Should I Stay or Should I go: Progressing Your Marketing Career

If you're happy in your role, there is no reason to move until you feel ready for an opportunity elsewhere. Many people stay in  with the same company in similar positions for a long time because they enjoy the role and the company. You should change if feel there is no way to progress further where you are and you are hungry to learn more. Maybe you have a career plan and need to move companies in order to get to the role you are aspiring to.  There is no one answer or quick-fix and there is no telling what opportunities might or might not arise in your current place of work - especially if you are with a start-up or rapidly expanding company. Are you ready for your next challenge? Dot-gap has a range of exciting opportunities available now, from entry-level to account director. Get in touch today to make your smart move.  

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We would love to hear from you if you are either looking for a new job in the digital media industry or if you are looking to find talent and hire people from the digital media industry.

We work mainly with media agencies, advertisers, media owners, marketing agencies. technology companies and creative agencies.

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