On your way to finding a great entry-level marketing job, there are going to be a lot of lessons to learn. And one of the best ways to become great in your field is to learn from those who have been successful before you.

David Ogilvy

David Ogilvy is known as the “Father of Advertising” because of his revolutionary work in a time when the industry of print advertising was becoming huge in America and the UK.

He was born in England in 1911, attended Oxford University, but dropped out because of poor performance. Instead, he began his career in an entry-level marketing job in Scotland, selling AGA cooking stoves. He sold the stoves door-to-door and was so successful that his employer asked him to write an instruction manual on the sales process for other AGA stove salespeople.

The instruction manual attracted the attention of advertising managers and led him to jobs in the advertising industry in London. He also worked for Gallup Research Institute in New Jersey, where he developed his philosophy of meticulous research and detailed knowledge of the consumer.

His best and most famous work came out of his advertising campaigns of the 1950’s and ‘60’s where he did work for Schweppes, Rolls-Royce, Tourism of Puerto Rico, Dove and Shell.

Ogilvy sold products through ads. The materials he used to bring in customers were words and pictures. Some important things we can learn from his sales tactics:

1. Professional discipline. He once said, “I prefer the discipline of knowledge over the anarchy of ignorance.”
2. Know your audience. Information about the consumer is really important to help a creative person stick to reality and produce results.
3. Only results matter. Marketing creatives like to come up with lots of big ideas, but in the end, the numbers are what really count.

Apply these few things from Ogilvy, and you’re on your way to making waves in your entry-level marketing job.

Leaving college to start your career can be pretty scary. You want a job that’s both challenging and rewarding – something exciting that makes you want to go to work every day.

Sheryl Sandberg, the author of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead and also Lean In for Graduates, offers several tips for young people entering the workplace for the first time. Her advice could help you overcome your fears and figure out what you really want from your career.

Take risks

Don’t be afraid to take risks and put yourself out there. If you’re currently seeking an entry-level sales job, try applying for jobs that are slightly above your qualifications. The worst thing that could happen is you don’t get the job. And the best thing? You could land a job that is challenging, which can be very rewarding if you really stretch yourself to learn as you go.

Try a different perspective

Can’t get past the interview stage? Try approaching the interview from a different perspective. Young job seekers often simply focus on what they will learn and gain from a new position. In your next interview, consider also sharing what you bring to the table and what you can do to benefit your employer. Look for ways to make a good impression, such as researching the company and being prepared with questions that show you’ve done your homework.

Be confident

Sometimes it may seem as though everyone out there has more experience than you. This can devastate your confidence – but only if you let it. Instead of focusing on what you lack, give attention to the qualities you do have. You may not be ready for a job as a sales executive, but if you’ve managed to get an interview for an entry-level position, the hiring manager saw something he or she liked.

Know what you want

As you begin your entry-level sales job search, you’ll receive tons of advice from family, teachers and friends. They mean well, but don’t let their advice sway you from what you think you want. If you’re certain you wouldn’t enjoy living in a big city, don’t let others convince you that if you find the right job the location won’t matter. Only you know what would make you happy or unhappy in the long run. So go for it!

There are all kinds of jobs out there that offer opportunity. Some pay better than others, but may come with some pretty strict training and educational requirements. If it’s time to launch a real career that has the sky as the proverbial limit when it comes to financial compensation, it’s time to consider a position as an outside sales representative.

There are a number of reasons why Louisville sales positions or Dayton marketing careers can really pay off for those who want to be able to write their own tickets. If you’re self-motivated, love working with people and really enjoy promoting products that people can use and enjoy, a sales representative career in Cincinnati or anywhere is a great way to go. Here are just a few reasons why:

• The freedom – Those who choose Louisville marketing careers and sales positions are not necessarily chained to a desk. There are, in fact, great jobs out there that cover territories and enable you to get out, explore and meet people. Plus, there’s the fact that it’s often feasible to set your own schedule, which means your priorities can be easily married with your sales obligations.
• The fun – Selling products people enjoy and truly want is not like “working” in the usual sense. There is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from a job that enables you to put useful, enjoyable items into the hands of happy customers.
• The personal development – Salespeople who want to learn and grow in the position will find the best employers offer lots of training. This is a great way to learn new skills and develop them to their highest potential.
• The pay – While not all sales positions pay alike, the very best deliver a base, benefits and commission. It’s the latter than enables you to truly write your own ticket. The more you sell, the more you earn. Your paycheck isn’t dictated by a number offered during an interview; its bottom line hinges on your performance.

Working as an outside sales representative can open doors on a career that’s personally and financially rewarding. This field is ideal for anyone who likes working with people and wants to write their own ticket.

Have you been going on interviews for an entry-level marketing job without some idea of what an employer is willing to pay? If you are unable to find out the salary range before an interview, you should make sure you have some idea before the interview is over. Many first-time job seekers, however, are too nervous to ask about salary.

How do you ask?

How you ask about salary requirements depends on a few factors. If you have been called by a recruiter or someone in the hiring company’s HR department, part of his or her job is to have a thorough understanding of the pay scale and benefits for each position they’re hiring for. This means you can be a bit more assertive and ask direct questions regarding salary.

If you are interviewing in person with the hiring manager, the following tips will help you ask the important questions without damaging your chances of getting the job.

Time your question

It’s probably not in your best interest to begin an interview by asking how much the job pays. But you don’t want to leave thinking you might have a chance at this job without a clue about the salary or any of the benefits. It could be one of the best paying sales jobs — or one of the worst. At some point during the interview, the hiring manager will ask if you have any questions. This is the perfect time to ask about both salary and benefits.

Framing the discussion

Just as going on an interview for a job that’s below your salary requirement would waste your time, conducting an interview with a candidate that isn’t going to accept an offer would waste the hiring manager’s time. Politely let the interviewer know that salary and benefits are important to you and that you would like his or her insight as to what the company and this particular position have to offer.

It may be difficult to talk about money when seeking your first entry-level marketing job, but the good news is, it does get easier with practice. And when the right job comes along, your preparedness and professionalism will help you get it!

You should be celebrating success, but the reality of landing that entry-level marketing job is taking its toll. Pressure to find a job or make a job decision rises as the distance from graduation lengthens, and it only gets worse when one of your friends gets a job offer. But don’t get bummed! You are not alone in your job hunt, and your opportunity is sure to come.

Need some tactics to keep your head above water and expand your search? Try these must-read survival tips.

Think outside the city

Since graduating, you may have returned to your hometown after graduation or stuck around the college town. The city you’re in now, however, doesn’t have to be the city where you stay forever. If you’re not finding the right entry-level marketing job in the area where you live, try expanding your search a little. Doing a bit of online research to see which towns and cities have the best opportunities in your field of study could open up many new job leads — not to mention tons of adventure you could have exploring a new city.

Leverage networking

Networking is one of the most important tools for any job seeker. As a recent college graduate, you probably still have contact information for many of your friends, professors and advisors. So don’t let such a valuable resource go to waste. Be sure to stay in touch with college connections, and let everyone know you’re open to referrals and leads.

Networking can also extend beyond your current circle. Consider attending local meetups and other gatherings in the industry you’re interested in. You may find your next opportunity offline.

Update social media

Social media is great tool for job seekers, especially LinkedIn, which allows you to network with potential employers, job search and showcase interests. Social media platforms can be used to notify friends and family that you’re actively in search of an entry-level marketing job.

Make sure, however, that your profile information is up-to-date (on LinkedIn and otherwise) and free from images and posts that could damage your professional image.

Stay active, stay engaged, and you’ll fin that entry-level marketing job you’ve been hoping for!

After turning the tassel, many recent college graduates are consumed with the idea of living up to their parents’ and own self-set, post-graduation expectations. And if you’re like most, you’re in search of a place where you can learn, contribute and be compensated fairly – because there’s no better feeling than one of being wanted, recognized and rewarded for the skills you’ve just worked so hard to build.

If that sounds like you, then an entry-level marketing job in Little Rock or your own community may be a right fit. To score that gig, you first need a killer resume. Here are a few tips to help you craft the perfect entry-level marketing job resume and knock the socks off potential employers:

Customization is key

Customizing your resume for each and every application can be laborious. But as with anything you want, hard work is often required — and your willingness to work hard something you want recruiters to notice. So before sending off your “standard” resume, especially for the jobs you really want, consider customizing your resume objective, experience and skills to highlight what the recruiter will be looking for. Thankfully, they’ve provided a cheat: the job description.

Use the job description to match your language and skills with the ones they provide — only legitimate ones, of course. This is critical because many companies use talent management software to quickly scan and weed out applicants.

What happened in high school, stays in high school

While winning prom queen or king may give you bragging rights at your 10-year high school reunion, now that you’re a college grad, this type of accomplishment no longer has great significance. Instead, highlight your most recent activities including internships, class projects and organizations in which you participated and those that helped to shape your college experience. Be sure to mention those where you held a leadership role or made a significant contribution.

Grades might not be everything

Once you’ve secured your first post-college job, grades aren’t so important. But you must first get your foot in the door. If both your overall and major-specific GPA are below a 3.0 or “B,” leave your GPA unlisted. This way there’s a chance entry-level marketing job recruiters in Little Rock and elsewhere focus attention on your experience rather than your grades.

Now that you know what to include in your resume, you’ve got what you need to make that resume stand out. Best wishes in your job search!

So you’re fresh out of college and ready to land your first Little Rock marketing job. You have your hard-earned diploma, and you’ve refined your well-designed resume down to a “T.” You know you’re qualified – you just need to get the employers to notice. But you’ve realized the people around you getting the entry-level jobs in Little Rock are the ones with connections.

Networking is one of the best ways to find new job opportunities in the Little Rock area, and companies often rely on referrals when looking for new hires. Although networking can be a little awkward and intimidating at first, once you get the ball rolling, you’ll find it gets much easier. Here are some tips to get you started.

Know what to say and how to say it

Career fairs are good places to make connections with potential employers. Call your local Chamber of Commerce to ask them about other entry-level marketing opportunities. But how do you let them know you are interested without sounding pushy?

• Show interest in the person with whom you’re speaking. Ask questions. Be genuine.
• Know the values and vision of the company, but also show how your skills can benefit them.
• Ask for advice on how to break into the field. Don’t flat out ask for a Little Rock marketing job. If they like you, they will likely ask you!

Go the extra mile

Job seekers who land entry-level gigs are the ones who take those extra steps to insure they are remembered.

• Don’t waste any time after a meeting – send a short follow-up email saying it was nice to talk to them, thank them for the advice, etc.
• Invest in some business cards. They don’t have to be fancy, just something to hand to another person for quick access to your information.
• And don’t forget the thank you cards. These and small appropriate gifts go a long way!

Computers are great; people are better

If the online job boards are making you crazy, take a moment to walk away. Face-to-face meetings are most memorable, and every meeting with a new person is a chance to network. Even if you meet someone who is not in sales and marketing, they may know others who are.

Find someone with plenty of career experience, and ask them to coffee or buy them lunch. Ask how they got started in their field. They may have some sage advice or encouragement to push you towards that Little Rock marketing job you’ve been aiming for!

You’ve just finished school and celebrated graduation day with family and friends. Congratulations on your hard-earned, snazzy, new tassel! Now comes the fun part: Finding a job that’s right for you. No idea where to start? Why not consider an entry-level marketing job?

Many of the skills gained while in college are the same skills you can use to get hired in an entry-level marketing job. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who exhibit those type of skills, because they know it’s the stuff that makes for the most successful sales agents.

So, how do you get the job you want? Here are 4 secrets to help you land that job fast:

1. Have an honest, succinct resume. Show your stuff without showing off.
2. Make yourself stand out. Articulate what makes you a better catch than all the other applicants.
3. Be specific in your ambitions. Knowing what you want will help you get it.
4. Put your college student skills to work for you:

• Be a good listener –
There’s a stereotype that people in sales love to hear themselves talk. But in reality the best sales and marketing people are better at active listening than they are at talking. You have to be able to really hear what your customers want in order to tell them what they need.
• Be a self-starter –
To be successful in an entry-level marketing job, you need to have the motivation to get things done without someone looking over your shoulder. Your future bosses need to know they can count on you to accomplish your tasks and get the job done right.
• Do your homework –
Before an interview, research the company and the products or services they sell. This will show your potential employer you’re serious about the position and willing to put in the effort to learn about new products or customers once you have the job.
• Ask questions –
For years, your teachers and professors have said, “There’s no such thing as a stupid question.” Remember that. Asking questions demonstrates your interest and shows you want to know more. This is a great skill to utilize when interviewing for an entry-level marketing job and when interacting with customers.

Put these steps to work, and you’re a big leap ahead of the pack. You’ll have your first entry-level marketing job you before you know it!

An entry-level sales career is a lot like working out. But that doesn’t mean you’ll come home from work sore and sweaty every day — hopefully not, anyway. Proper preparation and dedication can produce visible success and endless possibilities whether you’re in the gym or on the job.

Set realistic goals
A solid workout regimen begins with the end in mind. What do you expect to look like, feel like, or be able to do as a result of your regimen? How long are you giving yourself to make it happen? A savvy entry-level salesperson ponders a similar set of questions: What do I want to accomplish in my career within the next week, month, or year? What do I need to do to get there? Once the answers are clear, set attainable goals and attach a realistic time frame for accomplishment.

Go into it with a plan
Attaining your goals in a timely manner requires a solid action plan. A workout plan may include daily exercises that increase in frequency or intensity over the course of a few weeks or months. It’s a roadmap from where you are to where you’re going. As an entry-level salesperson, you’ll create a similar plan that includes the steps you’ll complete on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Included in your plan should also be a way to track your progress. It may become necessary to make adjustments to keep your plan efficient and productive.

Bump up your commitment level
Sticking to the plan you’ve created requires commitment. Slacking off in the gym will negate all your hard work and delay your goals. In entry-level sales, your level of commitment and follow-through is directly correlated with your success. Taking the time to check up on potential leads, learn the products you sell, and research your clients’ needs is essential.

Get the most out of your workout regimen by applying it to other areas of your life. Forming good habits like these will take you far in your new sales career. Good luck!

Graduation is over, and you’re now the proud owner of a shiny, new college diploma. Congratulations!

Time to put that little piece of paper to use and snag that entry-level sales position you’ve had your eye on. You’ve filled out the online application and are ready to send your information into cyberspace. But before clicking “submit” and sending your hot-off-the-press resume to the hiring manager, consider this:

When hundreds or even thousands of people are applying to the same entry-level sales jobs as you, with your same skills and experience, what makes you stand out from the crowd? How do you get your resume noticed? How do you shine in your interview?

The answer to all of these questions is the same — with your Unique Value Proposition.

Your Unique Value Proposition is a clear, concise vision statement that represents who you are in relation to the position you’re after. It’s your pitch, your elevator speech, your brand. It’s the way you sell your unique story to score and ace your entry-level sales interview.

Crafting the perfect Unique Value Proposition requires time and self-reflection. It should be unique, personal, and compelling.

3 steps to a winning unique value proposition

1. Identify your very best strengths and skills.
2. Learn and understand the company’s values.
3. Use this information to create a single statement that answers the famous interview question, “Why should we hire you?”

You’ve got your statement. You’re halfway there. Now it’s time to put it into practice.

More unique value proposition tips

• Internalize your Unique Value Proposition.
• Keep it consistent throughout your resume and interview.
• Practice giving vivid examples that demonstrate your Unique Value Proposition to help you during your interview.

Hiring managers and recruiters are looking for unique individuals who possess the intrinsic values and qualities of the company. Make it easy for them to see that in you.

As an entry-level salesperson, you’re not selling a product in this case — you’re selling yourself.