5 Strategic Ways To Stand Out As The Marketing Candidate Companies Want To Hire

April 10, 2025

Demand for skilled professionals in the Marketing landscape might be high, but competition is increasing too, particularly as employers expand their talent pools by hiring remote and global employees. To stand out, you need more than just dedication; you need a combination of the right skills and strategies.

Everything, from your approach to pursuing the right competencies to developing your professional brand, leveraging your network, demonstrating business impact, and preparing for interviews, will influence your chances of career success.

Here, we’ll introduce you to the five key strategies you can use to set yourself apart from the other candidates in the Marketing space and earn the role you deserve.

Strategy 1: Master the Modern Skill Stack  

The skills Marketing employers prioritise today are changing. Make sure you’re familiar with what today’s businesses are searching for. Regarding technical skills, many employers focus on digital literacy – the ability to work with cloud-based tools, cybersecurity systems, automation platforms, and more.

AI proficiency is becoming increasingly crucial, with 66% of leaders saying they wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills. Other skills, like data analysis or the ability to use industry-specific software effectively, can be extremely useful, too.

Employers still value strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in soft skills. However, they’re also looking for employees with high levels of resilience, adaptability, and agility. Your commitment to staying one step ahead is particularly crucial as the landscape evolves.

Showing employers that you have a growth mindset and are ready to invest in your ongoing education can make a difference. Highlight how you invest in online courses, workshops, mentorship programs, and volunteering activities on your social profiles and CV.

Update these resources regularly with new certifications and accomplishments relevant to the role you want to pursue, and be prepared to take on skill assessments during interviews.

Strategy 2: Build a Compelling Professional Brand

Today’s Marketing leaders look beyond CVs when hiring new candidates, making it important to build a strong professional brand.

Begin by identifying your strengths, values, and the unique qualities that set you apart in your field. Craft a clear and consistent message that reflects who you are and what you offer. Highlight this message on your digital profiles, starting with your LinkedIn profile. Ensure your LinkedIn presence is up-to-date and professional, with a compelling summary and insights into your credentials.

Think about expanding your online presence by developing a website or online portfolio where you can demonstrate your results on previous projects. You could also consider joining Marketing forums and online communities.

Position yourself as a thought leader in your space by creating and sharing insightful content. Write articles, participate in webinars, or even consider speaking at industry events. While working on your online presence, focus on connecting with as many relevant peers as possible to optimise your network.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate Business Impact

In today’s competitive Marketing job market, employers seek clear evidence that the right candidates can deliver consistent results. Showcasing how you can contribute to a company can help you stand out as a potential employee.

Focus on keeping a record of your achievements to show concrete evidence of your contributions. For instance, if you led a project that improved process efficiency, specify the percentage increase in productivity or the amount of time saved.

Develop in-depth project success stories you can share with an employer or business leader during an interview. Describe the challenges you faced, your actions, and the positive outcomes you achieved. Draw attention to your unique methods to solve problems – such as collaborating with colleagues and embracing new technology.

Seek out leadership opportunities so you can highlight your abilities to motivate, inspire, and direct teams. Make sure you articulate how your approach to leadership delivered tangible results for the other employees involved in the project and the Marketing company.

Strategy 4: Navigating the Hidden Job Market

Many job opportunities are never publicly advertised to the general public. Many roles are filled through recommendations and referrals – as companies search for trustworthy insights into potential employees. That makes your network a powerful tool for accessing new opportunities.

Invest in your network by contacting professional and personal contacts and informing them of your career objectives. Gain insights into their goals so you can provide them with valuable resources and guidance, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

Look for ways to get involved in Marketing industry events, such as conferences, workshops, and seminars, so you can form new connections and expand your knowledge. Additionally, take a proactive approach to unlocking the potential of referrals.

Reach out to the people in your network and show them how you can bring value to their organisation. Focus on building long-term, valuable relationships with industry leaders by sharing relevant articles, congratulating them on achievements, or simply checking in. This approach fosters trust and keeps you top-of-mind when opportunities arise.

Strategy 5: Master the Interview Process

Mastering interviews in the Marketing landscape has always been crucial to career success. However, interviewing has become more complex in recent years, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence and virtual interviewing platforms.

Make sure you’re prepared for any interview experience. Research the company and the specific role you’re applying for, and learn about the company’s culture, values, and recent developments. Practice common interview questions, and refine your responses using the “STAR” technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses.

Remember your body language. Focus on demonstrating confidence and professionalism whether you’re interacting with a person face-to-face or online. Try to showcase how your values and characteristics align with the company’s culture.

Take practice tests before assessments to prepare for interviews that ask you to demonstrate your technical skills. Make sure you’re ready to ask effective questions during interviews. Don’t just ask about remuneration packages or paid time off. Ask your potential employer how you can help the company achieve its goals.

Ensure you know how to follow up with interviewers effectively, too, and be ready to negotiate to ensure you get the right salary and benefits packages based on your skillsets. Benchmarking salaries in advance can help prepare you for better negotiations.

Stand Out as a Top Marketing Candidate in 2025

Standing out in a competitive Marketing job market can seem complicated in 2025. You’ll need to take a comprehensive approach to fine-tuning the right skills, building a professional brand, showcasing business impact, leveraging your network, and excelling at interviews.

However, if you master all the techniques mentioned above, you can position yourself as the type of candidate Marketing employers can’t afford to ignore.

Don’t allow yourself to fade into the background; take a proactive approach to preparing for the career you want this year.

Digital Handshakes: Building Your Professional Network in the Virtual Age

March 19, 2025

Who you know has always been as important as what you know regarding Office and Commercial career success. The relationships you build with the right people don’t just increase your access to industry insights and knowledge.

The trouble is that building genuine emotional connections with others isn’t always easy in today’s digital world. To create a thriving network, you must know more than just how to connect with someone in person. You’ll also need to master the art of forging virtual relationships.

Here’s how to build better connections and use your network to your advantage throughout 2025 and beyond.

Building the Foundation for a Robust Network

Building a robust Office and Commercial network is like building anything—it all starts with laying a solid foundation. This means creating a digital presence and personal brand that speaks to potential connections across various virtual channels.

Assessing Your Current Digital Presence

Start with assessing your current online presence. When someone searches for your name online (whether it’s a colleague or potential employer), what will they see? Do you have a strong LinkedIn profile with a bio that outlines your skills and Office and Commercial accomplishments?

Are you active on important industry forums and professional community channels, sharing information about your work or the latest trends in your industry? Do you have a personal website where people can learn more about you and your professional history?

Think carefully about your digital presence’s elements and how they work together. For instance, having an excellent LinkedIn presence is no good if your profiles and the content you share on other channels like Twitter (X), Facebook, and Reddit send a very different message about who you are.

Remember, around 28% of large organisations employers say they’ve rejected a job candidate because of their online activity.

Building an Impactful Personal Brand

Once you’ve assessed your current online presence, think about the kind of “brand” you want to portray online. Your personal brand is the unique combination of skills, personality traits, and experiences you present to the professional world.

Start by identifying your core strengths and values. Are you a data-driven problem-solver or a creative visionary? What makes you an attractive candidate to Office and Commercial employers, such as what you’ve achieved in your previous roles? What makes you a valuable connection for peers to interact with? For instance, it could be your commitment to sharing the latest industry news.

Identify the core elements of your personal brand, from your tone of voice and the language you use in content to your unique selling points and even your “visual” brand – how you present yourself in profile pictures and similar content.

Developing Your Online Profiles

Now that you have a clear view of your existing digital presence and the message you want to send with your personal brand, it’s time to start developing online profiles. This means choosing which platforms you’ll use to connect with peers.

Social media giants like LinkedIn and Twitter (X) are excellent starting points for Office and Commercial professionals. LinkedIn is ideal for connecting with business leaders, colleagues, and thought leaders. Twitter is great for fast-paced interactions and industry-specific conversations about trending topics.

Beyond social media, consider virtual forums, industry-specific communities, and platforms tuned to your specific Office and Commercial role. When you know which platforms are likely to link you to the right people and accelerate your career progress, develop a plan for optimising your presence on each. For instance:

LinkedIn

LinkedIn remains the gold standard for professional networking. Begin by perfecting your profile: use a professional photo, craft a compelling headline beyond your job title, and write a summary highlighting your values and accomplishments. Include relevant Office and Commercial keywords to increase discoverability. Regularly post insightful content, share industry news, and engage with others’ posts to stay visible.

X

X is a powerful tool for real-time engagement. Refining your bio with Office and Commercial keywords and hashtags highlighting your expertise. Follow thought leaders and participate in trending conversations using industry-relevant hashtags. Post concise, impactful content, such as commentaries on industry developments, to make your profile engaging. Engage directly with others by retweeting or replying to their tweets to foster connections.

Industry-Specific Platforms

Platforms like GitHub (for developers), Behance (for designers), or ResearchGate (for academics) allow you to share work, receive feedback, and engage with niche communities. Regularly contribute content, comment on others’ projects, and participate in discussions to demonstrate expertise and build relationships.

Professional Communities

 Forums and groups on Slack, Discord, or industry-specific Office and Commercial sites are excellent for targeted networking. Offer value by answering questions, sharing resources, or starting discussions. Consistent, thoughtful participation helps you stand out and build lasting professional relationships.

Engagement Strategies: Connecting with Peers

Building genuine relationships with professionals requires an intentional approach to engagement in the digital age. Here are some of the best ways to develop more substantial, meaningful relationships with your virtual connections.

Authentic, Personalised Communication

Building strong Office and Commercial relationships through virtual channels often starts with reaching out and connecting with peers through personalised authentic messages. Don’t just send connection requests randomly with generic messages.

Build rapport from day one by referencing a shared interest or something you admire about the other person. Consider offering various communication methods, such as messaging channels or conferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Engaging in Online Communities

Professional communities, whether LinkedIn Groups, Slack channels, or niche forums, are great for building strong Office and Commercial connections. Participate actively by discussing, sharing insights, and supporting others’ contributions.

LinkedIn Groups, for example, offer targeted spaces to discuss industry trends and challenges. Consistently contributing value, whether you respond to a post with a thoughtful comment or send a link to a helpful resource, will help you earn the respect and appreciation of your peers.

Use Content to Capture Attention

Sharing valuable Office and Commercial content is a powerful way to engage with peers and showcase expertise. Curate high-quality articles, write thought leadership pieces, or create short videos addressing industry trends. Tagging peers in relevant posts, quoting their work, or crediting their insights is a good way to build goodwill and boost engagement.

Encourage interaction by asking questions or inviting opinions on your content. When someone comments on something you share, respond promptly and thoughtfully.

Make the Most of Virtual Events

Virtual events and Office and Commercial webinars are excellent opportunities to expand your network. Actively participate in chat discussions during events, ask thoughtful questions, and connect with speakers or attendees on LinkedIn afterwards.

Another great strategy is to share your key takeaways from the event on social media and tag relevant participants – asking them to continue the discussion.

Relationship Maintenance: Preserving Connections

Digital relationships, just like in-person ones, require ongoing nurturing and maintenance. Make sure you assign time in your schedule to build on your relationships and make them stronger. You can consider using strategies like:

  • Digital follow-up systems: Use digital tools like a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) app, a dedicated spreadsheet, or even LinkedIn’s contact features to track your interactions. Record notes about your conversations, shared interests, or milestones to personalise future follow-ups. Schedule reminders so you periodically check in with your peers.
  • Scheduled virtual meetings: Virtual coffee chats provide a relaxed setting for deeper conversations. Use video platforms like Zoom to reconnect, discuss Office and Commercial projects, or catch up on industry developments. Keep these meetings informal and brief—around 20–30 minutes – and focus on shared interests to strengthen the bond.
  • Constantly delivering value: Strong relationships are built on reciprocity. Offer value by sharing resources, introducing contacts, or providing feedback. For instance, if a connection shares a challenge, suggest an article, tool, or contact that could help. When they share accomplishments or achievements on their profiles, commend them.

Remember, consistency is key here. Set time aside at least once a week to respond to messages, comment on the posts of valuable network connections, and plan strategies for future discussions.

Strengthening Connections in a Digital World

As we progress into an increasingly digital-first era, ensuring your networking skills extend beyond simply building relationships in person is more important than ever. Knowing how to forge strong, authentic relationships with Office and Commercial peers online and attract opportunities with the right personal branding and online presence is essential.

Take actionable steps to optimise your online presence, engage thoughtfully with peers, and activate your network when opportunities arise. By staying proactive, you’ll boost your chances of developing a network that propels you towards future success.

Networking from Scratch: Building Better Professional Relationships

November 21, 2024

In many Legal Costs careers, who you know can be as important as what you know. The relationships you forge with other industry experts, colleagues, and managers can help you access roles and opportunities you’d never encountered.

What’s more, effective networking allows you to learn from other thought leaders and industry experts. In a j industry that’s constantly changing, your network can help you stay one step ahead of market dynamics, trends, and changes.

Reports show that around 80% of professionals say networking is crucial to career success. Yet, many people don’t know how to forge strong relationships effectively. Here’s how to build a more powerful network and use it to your advantage in the Legal Costs industry.

The Power of Networking in the Legal Costs Industry

Networking in the Legal Costs industry isn’t just about forging new relationships with colleagues and thought leaders. It’s about connecting with people who can help you to make consistent progress throughout your career.

In the current job market, where Legal Costs companies struggle to find talent in a skills-short setting, many leaders rely on their existing employees to direct them towards qualified candidates. Studies suggest referred candidates are seven times more likely to receive a job offer than someone who applies for a role through a job site.

This means members of your network can help you to access role opportunities you might not find elsewhere. Plus, a strong network gives you endless behind-the-scenes insights into the current Legal Costs landscape, new ways to learn from your peers, and even a way to hone valuable soft skills in areas such as communication and collaboration.

Starting your Networking Journey

The most difficult step is figuring out where to get started when building your network. The best results come from a strategic approach. Start with a professional assessment. Understanding your Legal Costs career goals, strengths, and weaknesses can give you an insight into what kind of people you should connect with to unlock new opportunities.

It also gives you the insights you need to create a “unique value proposition” for yourself as an employee. By examining your strengths, you can determine what sets you apart from other Legal Costs candidates and how you deliver value to your network.

Utilise what you discover about yourself, craft an “elevator” pitch – a 30-60 second introduction that communicates who you are, your values, what you do, and why you matter. This will help you position yourself as a valuable connection to other employees and form the foundation for your personal branding journey.

Building Your Online Presence

In today’s digital world, a significant amount of networking occurs online. LinkedIn alone is home to over 1 billion professionals constantly looking for ways to forge valuable connections with peers and draw attention to their brand.

Consider what people see when they search for you online. What do your social media profiles say about you, your personality, and your achievements? A strong LinkedIn profile should include a high-quality photo, a compelling headline that reflects your career goals and expertise, and a summary of your skills and experiences.

Regularly update your profile with new accomplishments, certifications, and work samples to keep it current and engaging.

Beyond LinkedIn, look for ways to demonstrate your knowledge of the Legal Costs industry and connect with other professionals through various channels. You can use X and Facebook to follow companies, recruitment teams, and other professionals in your space. You could consider creating a website where you share insights into your work.

Another option is to look into industry-specific forums or subreddits dedicated to the Legal Costs space to engage in discussions with like-minded peers.

Navigating Offline Networking

Although building connections with Legal Costs peers and experts online are key, face-to-face interactions, where possible, remain valuable. Meeting in person promotes stronger human relationships, making you more memorable than online interactions.

Plus, engaging in offline networking opportunities, whether you sign up for workshops related to Legal Costs industry or attend events and conferences, allows you to learn about industry trends and concepts as you build your network.

Look for relevant events that will positively impact your role and provide useful insights you can use to showcase your thought leadership. Consider joining professional associations in the Legal Costs space, and check out the online, offline and hybrid events they host.

Volunteering and getting involved in community experiences can help boost your offline networking efforts. Whether volunteering for a charitable cause or helping organize industry-related events, these activities allow you to meet professionals outside your usual circles.

Volunteering also demonstrates characteristics linked to leadership, commitment, and passion – these traits often resonate with the people you meet, leading to stronger connections.

Nurturing Professional Relationships

One of the biggest mistakes Legal Costs employees make when networking is failing to nurture and retain the relationships they build. After you meet someone relevant to your career, whether it’s online or offline, follow up with them.

Send a personalised email or message on a social media platform, discussing what you learned from them, asking a question, or offering an insight they can use in their career. Dedicate a portion of your time each week to reaching out to people you’ve developed connections with to discuss a newsworthy topic or ask about their latest accomplishments.

Remember, reciprocity is crucial. Avoid only asking your connections for advice or help in finding a new job; offer them value in return. Comment on their social media posts with your insights, share links to valuable articles, and endorse their skills on LinkedIn.

Leveraging Your Network for Career Opportunities

A strong network is more than just a tool for Legal Costs career progression; it can help unlock new opportunities when used effectively. Therefore, consider contacting the people in your network to ask for a referral or introduction when looking for a new job opportunity.

It’s advised to ask for referrals and introductions after you’ve dedicated time to building rapport with a connection. Explain why you feel it would benefit that person to introduce you to leadership at their company and express gratitude for the introduction.

During your job search and career transitions, pay attention to your network and any shares in useful information on job leads or opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask members of your network for advice on preparing for an interview in your Legal Costs or how to optimise your CV and cover letter when applying for a new role.

Internal networking in your current organisation could also be of value. Building relationships with colleagues in your Legal Costs workplace can help boost your chances of future promotions and career advancement opportunities.

Overcoming Networking Challenges

Although networking is often crucial to success in the Legal Costs industry, we understand that this can be intimidating or uncomfortable for some. The key to success is starting small. Beginning with achievable goals, like having meaningful conversations with Legal Costs leaders online before attending a large event, could serve as an ice breaker.

If you’re an introverted person, leverage your strengths. Being a good listener is an asset, too and opting for smaller one-on-one meetings might be a more comfortable way of networking for some. A tip is preparing conversation starters and questions before a networking meeting or event.

Balancing professionalism with authenticity is key. Presenting yourself professionally and polishedly is crucial, and being genuine with the people you meet is important. Share your true interests and values.