How to Get Your First Entry Level Content Marketing Job
You can get entry level content marketing jobs if you know basic writing, design, video production, search engine optimization (SEO), and project management skills.
And the best way to prove yourself is by showcasing these skills in action through a comprehensive content marketing portfolio.
What are examples of entry level content marketing jobs?
Entry level content marketing jobs include any entry level marketing job that allows you to create content. And that includes various digital marketing jobs, too.
Traditionally, the most entry level content marketing jobs are titled content marketing associate or content marketing specialist. Other entry level marketing jobs for you to consider include:
Social media coordinator: ~$40K/year
Video editor/Production specialist: ~$40K/year
Graphic design coordinator: ~$50K/year
Marketing assistant: ~$50K/year
Content writer: ~$50K/year
As you can see, you're not just limited to roles that have "content marketing" on their title. If you're interested in starting your content marketing career, you should consider digital marketing jobs that allow you to create content like:
Emails
Blogs
Case studies
Digital reports
Video productions
This will ensure you can become a well-versed content marketing professional while building the comprehensive content marketing portfolio you need for a high paying career.
The rest of this post will teach you everything you need to get your first entry level content marketing jobs.
Let's get started.
What is entry level content marketing?
Content marketing is a marketing discipline focused on creating content designed for a target audience to generate website traffic, increase conversion rates, and educate prospects on your product or service.
As an entry level content marketer, all you need to know is content marketing is broken up into two parts: content + marketing.
1) Content is all about production.
The production of assets, content, and marketing collateral.
Examples: Blogs, case studies, digital reports, RFP responses, pitch decks, one-pagers, email copy, landing page copy, web-based content, and much more.
2) Marketing is all about generation.
The generation of traffic, pipeline, and brand awareness.
Examples: Supporting demand generation, customer marketing, marketing communications, partner marketing, product marketing, positioning, messaging, and much more.
If you have a baseline understanding of both content production and marketing skills, you will be a stand out candidate for numerous entry level content marketing jobs.
What career paths are available after entry level content marketing jobs?
Like any industry, content marketing career paths will vary depending on your skill set, goals, and market conditions. After securing your entry level content marketing job, you will be empowered to develop your career however you see fit.
Here is the most traditional career path after you secure your entry level content marketing job:
Content marketing associate/specialist: ~$70k/year
Content marketing manager: ~$90k/year
Principal/Senior content marketing manager: ~$130k/year
Senior manager/Manager, content marketing: ~$160k/year
Senior director/Director, content marketing: ~$200k+/year
But that's just following a traditional in-house employment path.
Remember, the entry level content marketing jobs skills you've secured for yourself make it easy to also work as a freelancer or start your own business.
Because you'll ultimately become a content marketing powerhouse.
But first, let's find out what it takes to become one.
What skills do you need for entry level content marketing jobs?
You need both content production and marketing skills to be a stand out candidate for entry level content marketing jobs. And now that you understand what content marketing is, we can break down these skills a little further.
1) Content production requires writing, graphic design/video production, and project management skills.
Everyday is different for the content marketer. And each moment of each day is dynamic. You could start your day writing social media posts and end your day preparing for a venture capital fundraiser. It’s unpredictable.
Bottom line: To stand out as a top candidate for entry level content marketing jobs you must showcase an ability to produce multiple types of multimedia assets.
2) Marketing generation requires search engine optimization (SEO), industry-wide knowledge, and collaboration skills.
Your content must be SEO-ready, you must understand marketing-speak, and you must understand how to collaborate with cross-functional marketing and non-marketing teams. It’s a must-have skill to have baseline marketing knowledge.
Bottom line: This is the lesser important of the two main skills you need for entry level content marketing jobs. But we're not interested in being okay candidates, are we? We want you to stand out above the rest. Get spun up on basic marketing knowledge.
What technical skills do you need for entry level content marketing jobs?
There are many technical skills you need for entry level content marketing jobs, but the most important ones include:
1) Writing
Writing skills are a must-have. You must understand the basic concepts and fundamentals of effective copywriting.
Here are the 10 must-know content writing tips for beginners.
2) Design
Design skills encompass both asset production and web UI/UX. But don't worry, you don't need to be a full-blown expert. Just knowing enough fundamental principles of "what looks good" is plenty.
3) Video
Video production skills is what will take you from a decent candidate to a standout candidate. Because very few content marketers have these skills.
4) SEO
What's all that content production worth if it doesn't help drive website traffic or improve search ranking? That's why you must learn the absolute basics of SEO to help you standout.
5) Project Management
Time management is a thing of the past. Everyone can manage their time. But as a content marketer, you're expected to manage projects effectively. Which means knowing how and when to pivot.
These skills will not only make you standout as an entry-level candidate, but set you up for a long, fruitful content marketing career.
Where can you find entry level content marketing jobs?
You can find entry level content marketing jobs in just about any job board website.
Here are a few websites to find entry level content marketing jobs:
AngelList
Indeed
Hey Marketers
Startup Jobs
LinkedIn
Content Writing Jobs
Superpath
Google Jobs
We recommend you set up email alerts with as many of these job boards as you can.
Because finding a job is strictly a numbers game: you must apply to many jobs.
Here are rapid fire insights on how to get hired at your first entry level content marketing jobs:
There’s no secret having content production proficiency is key here.
No other piece of advice matters if you can’t create content: writing, designing, video producing, etc. You know the drill. Get nice at creating content and you’ll be set.
But that’s not all, you have to do a few things to stand out in the job search and interview process:
Entry level content marketing jobs search rapid fire insights:
Set up job alerts for relevant titles
Study a variety of job descriptions
Sprinkle in specific skills and keywords relevant to those job descriptions
Create a basic portfolio that shows range
Clean up your resume, use a template or a resume writing service
Apply to as many jobs as humanly possible, getting a job is a numbers game
Entry level content marketing interviews rapid fire insights:
Be professional and kind in all communications
Research the company that’s reached out to you
Come up with 5-7 good questions per interview
Show up 5-7 minutes before your scheduled call to avoid being late
If on the phone, be courteous and professional
If on a video call, be courteous, professional, and well dressed
Avoid having any outside noise or distractions
Slow down and answer the questions asked directly and well
If asked to do an assignment or present your portfolio to a panel, ensure you follow all instructions, do it well, and come prepared
Make no assumptions, be professional, be prepared, and talk about them and how you’d help, not too much about your goals or desires
In closing
Getting your first entry level content marketing job is easier than ever.
You just have to follow these steps to get yourself ready.
And become a standout candidate.
Good luck out there, Captain!
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