Marketing remains one of the most attractive and fast-evolving fields for young professionals — full of creativity, data, and opportunities for growth. But it’s also one of the most competitive. A well-designed CV or a few online courses might not be enough to stand out.
This article by Greyfinders Vietnam breaks down what you need to know before applying for a marketing position — from understanding the different areas of marketing to building the right mindset and skills that recruiters are really looking for.
1. Understand the Different Branches of Marketing
One of the most common mistakes is assuming marketing is just about “running ads” or “writing captions.” In reality, marketing is a diverse ecosystem with several specialized areas:
• Brand Marketing: Building a consistent image, positioning, and story that customers remember.
• Digital Marketing: Managing online campaigns via Google Ads, Meta Ads, SEO, and more.
• Content Marketing: Creating valuable, engaging content to attract and retain audiences.
• Performance Marketing: Using data to measure, optimize, and scale ad performance (ROI, CPC, CTR...).
• Trade Marketing: Supporting sales performance and brand visibility at retail or offline touchpoints.
• Market Research: Understanding consumer behavior and market trends to shape business decisions.
Before applying, identify which area best fits your strengths and interests — because the required skills, daily tasks, and career paths differ greatly.
2. Essential Skills for a Marketing Career
Marketing blends creativity with data-driven thinking. The best marketers can switch seamlessly between brainstorming and analyzing numbers.
Hard Skills
• Digital Advertising Tools: Google Ads, Meta Business Suite, TikTok Ads, LinkedIn Campaign Manager.
• Content Creation: Writing posts, blogs, short videos, and scripts suited for each platform.
• Data Analytics: Reading and interpreting metrics such as engagement, reach, and conversion rates.
• SEO & SEM: Optimizing website and content visibility on search engines.
• Basic Design: Using tools like Canva, Figma, or CapCut to produce simple creatives independently.
Soft Skills
• Strategic Thinking: Understanding the “why” behind every campaign, not just the “how.”
• Communication & Collaboration: Working closely with Sales, Product, and Creative teams.
• Resilience: Handling tight deadlines and fluctuating KPIs.
• Curiosity & Adaptability: Staying updated with trends — today’s TikTok craze might fade tomorrow.
3. Build Your Marketing Foundation
You don’t need a marketing degree to start in this field — what matters is practical understanding and continuous learning.
Here are some basic concepts to master before your first interview:
• The 4Ps / 7Ps of Marketing: Product, Price, Place, Promotion (and People, Process, Physical Evidence).
• Customer Journey: Awareness → Consideration → Conversion → Retention.
• Consumer Insight: Identifying what motivates your target audience and how they make decisions.
• Competitive Analysis: Observing how competitors position their products and craft their communication.
If you can confidently discuss these ideas, you’ll already be one step ahead in most entry-level interviews.
4. What to Prepare Before Applying
Before you hit “Send” on that job application, make sure you have the following ready:
• A Personal Portfolio: Include school projects, internships, or self-made campaigns — anything that shows your creative or analytical process.
• A Well-Structured CV: Highlight measurable results, e.g., “Increased organic engagement by 20% in two months.”
• Company Research: Study the brand’s tone of voice, values, and products to tailor your CV and cover letter.
• Personal Branding: Use platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, or Behance to showcase your work. A strong personal brand can make you stand out instantly.
5. Common Mistakes Among Young Marketing Applicants
Even passionate, talented applicants often fall into these traps:
• Following Trends Without Strategy: Not every viral idea aligns with brand values.
• Ignoring Data: Running campaigns without understanding metrics like CTR or ROAS.
• Overcrowded CVs: Listing every tool or buzzword without showing real outcomes.
• Lack of Curiosity: Marketing evolves daily — being static is a quick way to fall behind.
6. Marketing Trends You Should Know in 2025
Marketing today isn’t just about emotional storytelling — it’s about data-informed creativity.
Here are key trends shaping the next generation of marketing professionals:
• AI Marketing: Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or HubSpot AI streamline content and analytics.
• Micro-Influencers: Brands favor smaller creators with stronger engagement and authenticity.
• Omnichannel Strategies: Seamless customer experiences across social, web, and offline touchpoints.
• Sustainable Branding: Consumers value authenticity and corporate responsibility more than ever.
If you bring up these topics intelligently in an interview, you’ll instantly show awareness of where the industry is heading.
7. What Recruiters Really Look For
Recruiters hiring for marketing roles don’t just look for “creative people” — they look for problem solvers who can turn insights into results.
Here’s what typically catches their attention:
• A candidate who understands brand objectives and can align content accordingly.
• Someone comfortable using data to justify decisions.
• A mindset focused on learning, not just executing.
As one recruiter from Greyfinders put it:
“We can teach tools, but we can’t teach curiosity and ownership. Those two things separate the good marketers from the great ones.”
Conclusion
Marketing is an exciting, ever-changing industry where every idea matters — but success doesn’t come overnight. Behind every “viral” campaign lies hours of brainstorming, testing, and teamwork.
If you’re passionate about creativity, curious about how businesses grow, and ready to keep learning, marketing might just be your perfect match.
And remember: Don’t wait until you have experience to start — start to gain experience. Every project, post, or internship counts as a step forward.
At Greyfinders Vietnam, we help young professionals like you find the right opportunities to learn, grow, and shine in marketing. Whether you’re looking for your first role or your next challenge — we’re here to connect you with the right employer.
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