Millennials are an up and coming work-force that are already dominating the field of marketing. Even though the field is constantly looking for new, fresh talent to bring to their agency or on their marketing team, actually landing the job can be really tough. There are ways to get your name out there more effectively, tips on nailing the interview, and strategies that will help you land a great job when leaving college. Here are some tips and tricks direcly from industry experts on what normally goes right, and wrong, when millennials are trying to land that job.
Chase Williams’ Advice on Standing Out
Chase Williams is the founder and managing partner at his agency Market my Market, which is a very successful marketing agency. He shared his top 5 strategies to land a great job after college in an article on Forbes.com, which can be found here. These strategies are great ways to help you stand out from the vast number of peers in the field as well.
- Do your research and know all about the company that you are going into an interview for. There is nothing that says you don’t really care like not taking the time to research the company. Chase cites an employee that he hired because during the interview, the millennial congratulated him for the agency receiving an award recently, showing that he dug through their news and press to find the story.
- Get certificates that apply to your career. On our site, we have a page dedicated to the certifications that really help millennials in the field of marketing. Chase suggests to try and get as many as you can.
- Always follow up with a “Thank You” email to the interviewers. Williams claims that 75% of their applicants do not follow this step, and it really hurts them in the interviewing process. It is a quick thing that adds a lot of bonus to your stock in the companies eyes.
- Get experience, with at least two full time internships, according to Williams. He says that most of their applicants have had two summers of internships, with most of them coming on full time after they graduate.
- Become an expert in two or three areas in your field. Williams says that this will help you specialize and become a better asset, focusing your strengths to do really great work.
Madison Tassinari on How to Nail the Interview
Madison Tassinari is a write for the website BryantArchway.com, and she has composed an article giving millennials tips on really nailing an interview. The full article can be 
found here. She shared three pieces of advice-
- First impressions are everything and can change the outcome of the interview. When a candidate finally lands an interview, Madison suggests that your first impression sets the pace for the rest of the time. Arriving late, looking flustered or unprepared, or dressing inappropriately are all things that are sure to ruin the interview. Stephanie Fogle, a director of talent at Business Insider, suggests that you should arrive around 15 minutes early to the interview. She says that this gives you time to let the receptionist know that you are there and ready, use the restroom, and get a general feel for the office. She claims that arriving on time or not early enough can cause you to feel rushed or the HR rep rushed. She also says that arriving too early is a bad thing, for it projects a sense of desperation to the company.
- Asking questions during the interview is very important according to Madison. By asking questions, you are doing two things; showing that you care about the company and have taken your time to do the research, and it will give you more information on the position and what it entails. Often times, asking good questions can be the thing that sets you apart from the competition. Some great questions are “Where would you like the company to be in 5 years?” or “What made you fall in love with this company?”.
- As mentioned above, Madison stresses the importance of being prepared and doing your research on the company. This not only reinforces that you took the time and effort to look into them, but will also help you develop great questions in the interview that can help you stand apart. The research done gives you information on the company that can directly be used in the interview, and forming a good question based off of quality research on the company will surely raise the brows of any interviewer.
Paul Katzeff on Landing a Great Job
Paul Katzeff is a writer for the website investor.com. He has compiled an article with useful information (including hard data) and tips for millennials to land a great job in the marketing field. He has give two big pieces of information that are for general business majors, but marketing fits in greatly with-
- “Fish Where the Fish Are”. Paul discusses how certain cities are known for certain job markets, and depending on the city that are fluctuating amounts of jobs. Paul suggests that if you are graduating, follow the open jobs and look in cities with growing markets or that are hubs for great marketing agencies. Too often millennials hand cuff themselves and target jobs or job markets that are just not a realistic option for them.
- Use the resources around you and get help from professionals. There are so many websites now that help connect employers to potential employees, and Paul says that is a great way to find these positions. He suggests that in many states, Craigslist is one of the largest (in some states it is the largest) job posting sites, with thousands of positions being posted every day. SmartRecruiters Chief Executive Jerome Ternynck suggests that you use one site as a starting point, but never limit yourself to just one channel or website. He suggests that you check out all of the sites with the free time that you have from not working, for some companies only use one recruiting site to find employees. Using as many avenues and putting yourself out there as much as possible is key to finding a great job.
The real world can be crazy for millennials, and finding a job can be really tough. I hope that by using this expert advice on the different areas of the interview process, you are able to land a great job!
-Written by Jacob Jenkins
marketing with millennials 