How to Set the Right Marketing Career Goal for Your Job Search
You’ve decided to pursue your next marketing career. Immediately, you are met with your first challenge – “What job titles should I aim for in my next marketing role? “ A job title and associated responsibilities may vary from one business to another. How can you know what a recruiter is looking for in a candidate? More importantly, how can you know that the position you are applying is right for you?
Why Setting a Clear Job Search Goal Matters
Many mid-career marketing professionals move from generalist marketers to high-value specialists. Having gained considerable job experience, they want to move into specialized areas that align with their career passions and skills. Plus, most mid-large companies seek marketers specializing in specific functions like product marketing or content marketing.
But your next role isn’t just about finding the right job title. It’s about knowing where you want to make your impact in the company. Your ability to bring potential employers your specific marketing skills will help you stand out in the job market and land a new job faster.
The first step in your marketing job search is to set a clear goal to stay on the right track. Let's explore how to gain that clarity.
Clarifying Your Marketing Career Goal
To clarify your career goal, you need to balance three critical elements. First, what do you love about your current role? The goal is to retain this in your future role. Second, what are you looking for in a new position? This is likely what is missing in your current role. Finally, how would this change benefit you personally? This is what will help you establish long-term job satisfaction.
Here is a guide to begin the self-evaluation process.
Your Current Role. Reflect on what brings you joy and energy in your current job. Identifying these elements can highlight your strengths and pinpoint areas you're passionate about.
Ask yourself these questions:
What are three things you love about your current role?
What tasks or activities make you happy and bring energy to your day?
What are the types of problems you like to solve?
Your Next Role. Consider the job titles that excite you and whether you lean towards B2B or B2C marketing sectors. This helps in aligning your job search with your next marketing career goals.
Ask yourself these questions:
What products or services do you enjoy working with?
Do you prefer the end user of the products you market to be another business or a consumer? (check my B2B vs B2C Marketing Career Paths blog post)
What are your top 3 priorities in your next role? (These could be responsibilities related to marketing or personal goals like a higher salary, better work environment, or remote work).
What is your ideal role and responsibilities?
Personal Insights. Identify your top skills and passions. These are the building blocks of your career path. Consider where you see yourself in five years and how your next role fits into this vision.
Ask yourself these questions:
What are your top 3 hard skills?
What are your top 3 strengths or soft skills?
What are you most passionate about?
Do you like to work with people or data?
Where do you want to be in five years?
Moving Forward with Confidence
Remember, your unique strengths and passions carve your path in the marketing field. Whether your interest lies in creative campaign development or brand management, defining your career goals based on your reflections will streamline your job search and increase your chances of job satisfaction in the long run.
Let’s Connect!
The right career goal is a stepping stone to fulfilling your next marketing career. A clear direction simplifies your job search, guiding you toward roles that best match your skills and passions.
For those seeking deeper clarity and guidance, my 1:1 marketing career coaching program offers personalized support to refine your career objectives and navigate the job market confidently.
Consider starting with this trial session focused on marketing career exploration to help you articulate and pursue your desired role.