5 Attributes Marketers Want in a Job Candidate

As tech advances and changing customer habits continue to shift the marketing landscape, leaders at major brands are preparing their teams by searching for new skillsets and mindsets that can carry their businesses forward. Adweek is keeping a finger on the pulse of these changing perspectives, asking top brand marketers and C-suite executives what makes candidates stand out at every level. The consensus: It's the stellar interpersonal attributes that’ll really help you get the gig. Diverse perspectives Successful leaders recognize that a great idea can come from anywhere, and diversity is simply good business. That’s why CMOs and other leaders are seeking out a broader range of candidates capable of inspiring innovative solutions and driving more informed decision-making. “I value different backgrounds and perspectives because I believe that richness shows up in the work,” said Caio Correa, senior marketing director at Doritos. Embracing unique perspectives and life experiences can show potential employers how different thoughts, questions and recommendations can benefit their companies. As Agencies Struggle to Stay Staffed Up, VMLY&R Shows How It’s Investing in Talent Retention The yearn to learn This may seem like an easy one, but candidates often focus on telling employers why they’re qualified for a certain role, and not what they hope to gain from it. Elizabeth Preis, chief marketing officer at Anthropologie, encourages those new to a job to “stay humble and recognize that no matter how expert you are in the role that you came from, you’re a newbie in this new role. … You always need to think about how you’re going to work through and with people.” The marketing and advertising industries are changing at a rapid pace, and employers are looking for individuals eager to learn how to seize on emerging opportunities and embrace a spirit of collaboration. Positive energy Attitude not only affects productivity and quality of work, but also relationships with colleagues and culture as a whole. Being someone that others want to work with can make a candidate an asset cross-departmentally. And positive energy doesn’t just mean always smiling—it encompasses compassion, patience, persistence and even creativity. "A lot of skills can be taught," said Matt "BK" Augustin, director of brand and creative strategy at the revolutionary gaming brand FaZe Clan. "If I feel like you have the right vibe—someone who can make our team and overall department better—let’s chat. I’ve had countless opportunities thrown my way because of how I presented myself versus what I presented." Active listening The importance of active listening doesn’t end with the interviews. Culture moves fast, and being engaged with what others are saying and offering questions and solutions in real time can not only make daily work more efficient but also illustrate investment in the company. "Now that we are on Zoom, the relationships you form are different," said Anna Boteva, brand director at Wieden+Kennedy. "It adds a level of formality to everything. I think the active listening part, especially now in the Zoom world, and showing someone [you’re] engaged when you’re talking with them is key." Emotional intelligence Effective communication is a key pillar to building a successful marketing career. Whether it's in a leadership role or an entry-level position, emotional intelligence is a valuable interpersonal skill that can set a candidate apart. “How you deal with your customers, how you work with your teammates, how you hold yourself … those skills are not part of the onboarding program, but they’re the base layer," said Matt McGowan, general manager of Canada at Snap. "You can’t really build a house without the foundation. And those foundational skills are really important." The common theme? Marketing leaders look for candidates who exhibit authenticity—a readiness to bring unique perspectives and ideas to the table, a willingness to engage with peers and the fearlessness to ask questions. "Trust yourself," said Nikki Neuburger, chief brand officer at Lululemon. "If you want to be successful and go chase something, you just have to go do it. Trying new stuff is actually part of what makes life exciting." Gratitude in the Workplace Is Your Greatest Retention Tactic