As marketing professionals progress in their careers, they often reach an inflection point where the path forward becomes less defined. Many find themselves asking, “What skills and experiences do I need to position myself for leadership roles and continue driving impact within my organization?” For those with ambitions to ascend to director, VP, or even CMO positions, gaining clarity on the evolving needs of marketing teams and the skills recruiters seek is paramount.
On October 30, 2024, we hosted an enlightening webinar, “Ask a Marketing Recruiter Anything: The Inside Track on Hiring Marketing Leaders.” Jamie Bergstrom, Executive Senior Partner and Accounting and Finance Practice Lead at Talentfoot Executive Search, welcomed attendees and introduced Amanda Kelly, an Executive Senior Partner and marketing search specialist with 14 years of experience recruiting marketing leaders. Amanda shared invaluable insights to help both marketing professionals and hiring managers navigate the shifting landscape of marketing recruitment.
Watch “The Inside Track on Hiring Marketers”
Key Takeaways on the State of Marketing Recruitment
1. A Competitive Landscape
2024 brought continued layoffs, leaving marketing teams stretched thin and competing for a limited number of open leadership roles. This competition has driven an increase in VP and above hiring, with many organizations opting for VP of Marketing or Head of Marketing roles reporting directly to the CEO or founder. Amanda stressed the importance for marketing leaders to be willing to roll up their sleeves, be strategic, and dig into day-to-day operations.
Actionable Advice:
- Be Adaptable: Embrace wearing multiple hats and taking on diverse responsibilities.
- Develop a Technical Skill Set: Stay current with the latest marketing tools and technologies.
2. Identifying Critical Skills
There is an increased importance for hiring managers to evaluate their current team’s capabilities and align those with the organization’s long-term goals. This gap analysis helps determine the critical skills required for open roles.
Actionable Advice:
- Conduct a Team Assessment: Evaluate your team’s experience, skill set, and needs.
- Align with Organizational Goals: Determine how marketing will support the company’s objectives and what skills will drive that success.
3. Highlighting Skills and Standing Out
There’s a few simple, yet overlook tips on how candidates can make their resumes and interviews shine. Amanda stressed keyword optimization, tailoring resumes to specific jobs, and quantifying achievements. In interviews, candidates should be prepared to discuss how they’ve driven results and growth in previous roles.
Actionable Advice:
- Keyword Optimize: Infuse relevant industry keywords and technologies into your resume.
- Quantify Success: Use specific metrics to demonstrate impact, such as “Increased website traffic by 30% through SEO initiatives.”
- Prepare Results-Oriented Stories: Be ready to share examples of how you’ve driven growth and improvement in previous marketing roles.
4. The Rise of Fractional CMOs
There’s an increasing trend of CMOs taking on fractional roles while seeking full-time positions. This approach can provide valuable experience and income during what can be a lengthy job search.
Actionable Advice:
- Consider Fractional Opportunities: Serving as an interim or part-time CMO can expand your network and build your portfolio.
- Set a Target Compensation: Clearly define your rate or retainer expectations for fractional work.
Audience Q&A
The webinar included a dynamic Q&A session. Some key questions and Amanda’s responses included:
Q: What’s the typical timeline for a marketing leadership search?
A: The timeline varies, but typically ranges from 3-6 months.
Q: How can candidates best prepare for marketing leadership interviews?
A: Research the company thoroughly, be ready to discuss your marketing philosophy, and prepare examples of how you’ve driven results and growth.
Q: Are there any particular industries where you’re seeing a high demand for marketing leaders?
A: Demand is high across industries, but especially in e-commerce, healthcare, and technology.
Next Steps
For marketing professionals seeking to elevate their careers, Amanda’s insights provide a roadmap for developing in-demand skills and positioning yourself for leadership roles. By understanding the current recruitment landscape, identifying critical skills, and showcasing your achievements, you can set yourself apart as a marketer ready to take the next step.
For organizations looking to hire marketing leadership, Talentfoot’s consultative approach can help you find forward-thinking leaders who drive growth, innovation, and profitability. Connect with us for a complimentary talent strategy mapping session to ensure you have the right people in the right seats to propel your organization forward.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this enlightening webinar. We look forward to continuing the conversation on the evolving world of marketing recruitment and leadership. Stay tuned for our next event in the “Ask a Recruiter Anything” series!
