How to find a job opportunity

As you make your way through this program, you’ll want to consider which tasks you enjoyed or felt you were successful at. Even though you are at the beginning of the course, it’s a good idea to begin considering which roles you may want to apply for in the future. If you’re changing industries, this can be daunting—how can you know which roles are right for you? This reading provides an overview of how to find job opportunities and what considerations to make when you see them.

Tips to find the right job

You can take several steps to get you closer to your desired job. Change can be difficult. Switching industries and pursuing new opportunities takes time, dedication, and organization. Be patient as you complete the tasks below, and aim to keep any notes or relevant documents in one place so you can always refer back to them.

Search job boards and analyze job descriptions.

There are many job boards available on the internet. Sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are all trusted job boards, allowing you to find employment in whichever industry you’re interested in. Search these sites using phrases like “digital marketing” or “e-commerce specialist.” If you’re searching for an entry-level position, include words in your search such as “associate,” “assistant,” “coordinator,” and “entry-level.” As you read job descriptions, note which tasks and roles intrigue you the most.

Pro tip: As you comb through job descriptions, write down the words that seem most commonly used by companies, as they will come in handy later.

Take a professional inventory.

Now that you’ve browsed job boards and know what employers are looking for take a professional inventory of yourself. Taking your professional inventory involves considering the traits and qualifications necessary to perform digital marketing and e-commerce jobs and determining which ones reflect you as a professional. Are you organized? Are you a natural leader, or maybe a genuine innovator? Do you have a knack for all things social media? Do you excel at communication and reporting to stakeholders? Think about projects, moments, and incidents at work that you felt were successful—which of your skills contributed to that success?

Include anything about yourself that feels relevant. The format of your notes document is entirely up to you, but it could look like a journal entry, a list, or something else quite.

Refine relevant documents and online presence.

This is perhaps the most crucial task in this reading. You’ve already jotted down common words in job descriptions, so now it’s time to use those words to refine your resume, cover letters, and social media pages.

Start by reviewing your resume and cover letters. Make sure to highlight your skills and experience relevant to digital marketing, even if you don’t have much experience. You can also use the common words you identified to help you choose the right keywords for your social media profiles.

This is especially important if you’re switching industries. By refining your online presence, you can show potential employers you’re an excellent fit for the digital marketing job, even if you don’t have much experience.

After you’ve tailored your resume and cover letter, create a LinkedIn profile if you don’t already have one. If you do, give it a makeover just like you did your resume. Visit the profiles of other digital marketers and e-commerce specialists for inspiration.

Leverage your network

Leveraging your network can be a great way to reach employers. Sometimes, companies offer referral programs to current employees, encouraging them to refer people they know for open jobs. Reach out to old friends, colleagues, and people you know who may give you advice on the industry or even refer you for positions. This step will probably occur after you finish this certificate program, but you can start networking anytime.

Acknowledge the little victories.

Before you complete these milestones, you may want to create a spreadsheet to celebrate each step of the way. Tracking your progress is a great way to hold yourself accountable while acknowledging your accomplishments.

You’re embarking on an exciting and inspiring journey—make sure you give yourself credit where it’s due!