Showing posts tagged with: digital marketing jobs
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
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.
As we near the end of the year, we wanted to reflect on some of the most popular topics covered in the blog. From tips on how to get a job in digital marketing as a graduate to re-entering the workforce after taking time away to be a parent, we have tried to cover relevant topics for recruiters and jobseekers alike. Read on for a roundup of Dotgap's 2022 digital marketing blog.
The Recession, Cost Of Living Crisis and Digital Marketing
The economic climate has presented many challenges over the last few years. Businesses have had to adjust their strategies to accommodate changes in consumer behaviour and the availability of resources. People are likely to be more cautious with their spending during a recession so it is important to emphasise value over price. Companies must reduce costs while still achieving measurable results from their marketing efforts. Considering how the current climate will impact the marketing industry we can surmise businesses need to be mindful of budgets while maximising technologies that can help reach their target audience. This includes leveraging social media platforms to build relationships with potential customers, as well as utilizing search engine optimization (SEO) to make sure they're visible in online searches. This can also be a difficult time to be looking for a job, raising questions about the impact on remote and flexible working arrangements.
Changing Jobs For Your Career
Changing jobs can be a daunting and even confusing process. It can be especially difficult to know whether you should stay or go when you are thinking about the bigger picture in your digital marketing career. The first step is to assess your current situation and make sure you are making an informed decision. Consider your current job, the new job you are considering, and the implications of a switch in terms of salary, hours, and benefits. Once you are confident that the change is the right move for you, it is time to start the job search. Research potential employers and the job market, and make sure to update your resume and cover letter. Reach out to former colleagues and contacts to see if they have any job leads you may be interested in. You may also want to consider networking with professionals in your field in order to get your name out there. Once you are ready to apply for jobs, make sure you take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job you apply to. After you submit your applications, it is important to follow up with employers, either through email or phone calls, in order to make sure they have your application and understand your skillset. If you are looking to relocate, make sure you take extra consideration. The last step is to prepare for the job interview. This means researching the company, its products, and its mission statement. Make sure to practice answers to common interview questions, and dress professionally. Finally, make sure to be yourself and be prepared to discuss why you are the right fit for the position.
Diversity in Digital Marketing Recruitment
Diversity, equity and inclusion have been buzzwords for the last few years now. But what does it actually mean in practice for businesses and candidates? There are lots of benefits for organizations to embrace diversity in the workforce, including but not limited to a wider talent pool and better representation. The recruitment process should be designed to ensure diverse representation. This means that the recruitment process should not be biased towards any particular group, and should avoid making assumptions based on gender, race, religion, or other characteristics. Digital marketing companies should strive to create an inclusive recruitment process. That means it is free from any kind of discrimination. A diverse set of applicants should be encouraged to apply, and the criteria for selection should be based solely on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant. Is digital marketing diverse enough? There is still a lot of work to be done and it is an ongoing task but there have been great advances in recent years. Constant review and evaluation is vital for continued development.
Mental Health At Work
Mental health is an important part of overall physical health and wellness. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked, and many people struggle with mental health issues in the workplace. Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health and seeking help can help ensure that everyone is able to stay healthy and productive. There are a number of steps employers can take to create a healthy and supportive workplace. These include providing mental health awareness training, setting up an anonymous reporting system, and making sure to provide employees with regular breaks and vacation time. The increase in remote and flexible work has brought many benefits for people. But the blurred lines between home and office can make keeping a work life balance tricky. Employers should ensure that they are providing necessary resources and support to employees who may be struggling with mental health issues. This includes providing access to mental health professionals or offering flexible working hours. By taking these steps, employers can create a workplace that is open to discussion about mental health and supportive of employees who may be struggling. This can help ensure that everyone is able to stay healthy and productive in their work.
Digital Marketing Job Search In 2023
We started the year with tips on writing your CV in 2022 and many of these tips remain relevant. Automation remains one of the key trends in digital marketing recruitment. Automation tools can be used to streamline processes such as job postings, CV sorting, and candidate outreach. This can help businesses save time, money, and resources, and make their recruitment process more efficient. You need to optimise your CV for these tools too. Social recruiting is a growing trend in digital marketing recruitment. This involves using social media to find and engage with potential candidates. Companies can use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to post job openings. They are increasingly using them to engage with potential candidates, and build their employer brand. Candidate, be aware of your presence online with a social media audit and make sure you are making use of platforms such as LinkedIn to bolster your credibility.Empty asphalt road and New year 2023 concept. Driving on an empty road to Goals 2023 with sunset.
Looking Ahead: Digital Marketing 2023
Digital marketing recruitment is changing, and it's important for businesses to stay on top of the latest trends. As a jobseeker it is important for you to be aware of these trends too so you can review your career progression plans and continue to grow in the workplace. Dotgap is committed to keeping media professionals in their industry. Head to our website for the latest vacancies. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas
Performance reviews are a formal evaluation of an employee's work performance and ultimately assess their strengths and weaknesses. A common misconception is that they are only beneficial to the business. However, while performance reviews do offer insight for managers, a properly managed review is an opportunity for you to gain feedback and identify goals. It is a chance to voice any issues or concerns and discuss opportunities that might be available to you. It may be a time to discuss a pay rise, although we will revisit this later in the article. Performance reviews often take place annually, towards the end of the year. There can be a lot of anticipation! This article will look at how to prepare for your performance review and what to expect.
Prepare A List Of Your Achievements
This is no place for modesty in a performance review. In some companies, your annual performance review might be your one big chance to showcase your accomplishments and progress. Where a good manager or managing team should know their employees well, particularly in large teams or agencies there may be example of your efforts in projects that slip through the radar. It is inadvisable for example in a team project to be constantly making a point of your role in it and how you contributed to the project success throughout. But you can do this in your performance review. Take some time to reflect on your year. Consider your goals and responsibilities and write down things you were part or, things you are proud of and any other achievements that demonstrate your skills. This can seem like a daunting task, so make use of your calendar and emails as well as refer to notes, presentations and other documents that can back up your performance. Using numbers and being specific is always advisable too. For example, if you work in an advertising agency you can look at how much revenue a campaign you launched brought in. You should also consider things you have learned and personal accomplishments too. You could even use emails or testimonial-type feedback from colleagues, managers or clients to further show your value and positive relationships with people you work with.
Be Prepared To Engage With Your Performance Review
It can be uncomfortable to listen to feedback about yourself - constructive or otherwise. For this reason, you should be open minded and be prepared to receive comments on your performance. It is often uncomfortable for the person giving the feedback too. So, the more professionally you handle yourself, the better. While you are noting your accomplishments you might want to think about your own areas of improvement. Be as honest as you can with yourself and you will be prepared to hear it and you can prepare to respond. Some handy tips for responding professionally are as follows:- Do not respond defensively, and try not to get flustered.
- You should calmly ask for examples if you aren't sure what situation they are referencing.
- If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask if you can think about the feedback after your meeting and resume the discussion later
- Own up to mistakes
- Ask for suggestions of how to improve
Use Your Performance Review To Clarify Your Goals
Are you happy with your current role and career path? This is your time to discuss what your options are for moving into new departments or roles. It's ok if you don't know the answer to 'where do you see yourself in 5 years?' It can be helpful to think of skills you want to learn or if you'd like to manage people or be responsible for a new development. This can help you figure out you next few steps and give you something to work towards and measure progress against throughout the next year! Your superiors will be able to advise and perhaps give you examples of how what you want has been achieved by others in the past. It can feel daunting to ask for things you want directly. However, your performance review is often the perfect time to tell your boss what you want to achieve. This can include a raise or a promotion. Be aware though, when it comes to the timing of your performance review, chances are the annual budgets will have already been set so any positive outcome will likely be delayed to the following year. This is a good opportunity to get the ball rolling. In your discussion about your goals and achievements you can build the case if you believe you are being underpaid.Fair Warning: You Might Not Get What You Want Straight Away
Many people say they would find it helpful to receive feedback throughout the year. Open the channels of conversation with your employer and don't be afraid to ask for a meeting if there is something you want to discuss. Being prepared and professional are the key takeaways for your performance review. But in regards to things you ask for, you might not get what you want straight away. You might find your goals don't fit with the company's immediate goals. Or, there isn't time or space for a certain request to take effect immediately. Don't be discouraged. Work with your manger to set mini-goals or stretch goals that will set you on the right path. If you enjoyed this article, you might also find these posts useful: How To Ask For A Pay Rise Making A Marketing Career Plan And Sticking To 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. 
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.