Jacqui: What is your title?
Ray Anne: I am the Marketing Director for North America, also covering APAC and Oceania at Broadbean Tech – a recruiting software company.
Jacqui: What are other commonly-used titles for your position?
Ray Anne: Alternate titles would be VP of Marketing, Marketing Manager, Internet Marketing Manager, eMarketing, Sales and Marketing.
Jacqui: What are your duties performed during a typical day?
Ray Anne: Long days usually: Review and update my plan as needed, social media marketing, writing copy, press releases, blogs, email marketing, Google analytics analysis, design and negotiate, network local and globally, update budget, update CRM, update, prepare presentations, vendor negotiations, invoice submittal. I also participate in product/tech brainstorming.
Jacqui: How long have you been working there?
Ray Anne: Two years at Broadbean! Love it still!
Jacqui: What skills are most important to acquire? (Which skills do employers look for?)
Ray Anne: Organizational skills, ability to be flexible, understand & study market we serve/vend to, produce excellent copy, social media. Global understanding, social marketing, short time to project completion, honest, hardworking, HTML coding, SEO/SEM understanding, eye for design and creative.
Jacqui: What educational program do you recommend for preparation?
Ray Anne: There is no education preparation for social media. Just have to do it. This is the most important skill for a marketer today to have every marketing class I took at university. I use none of it today… the job is for a global or international job? Know geography and time zones, imperative for webinars, workshops, conferences, learn HTML, inDesign, Photoshop and SEO/SEM <– Best education available today.
Jacqui: Do you work from home?
Ray Anne: No, I do not work from home – I work in a corporate office with the rest of our company. I have flexibility to work from home if I need to write and/or family, I’m a single mom.
Jacqui: You think more employers will offer work from home jobs because of social media?
Ray Anne: It is important, but I think working side by side my COO and the sales team is important too. I need to be in tune. I think there is the opportunity to work from home, but there will be a breakdown in company culture. Company culture is VERY important – think Google, Apple, Facebook, Craigslist.
Jacqui: What kinds of courses are most valuable in order to gain skills necessary for success in this occupation?
Ray Anne: The office environment, the ability to lean over and ask my CEO or COO a question – key to success. Take courses in SEO/SEM, Google Analytics, HTML, Photoshop, in Design, excel, geography, employment law – etc. There are all kinds of questions about social media right now – understanding the day to day legalities of it is important.
Jacqui: To learn more about social media what would you say is a great source?
Ray Anne: Blogs – read every blog you can find on social media, there are a few books, problem: they become outdated so quickly follow tweets, TechCrunch, WSJ, Mashable, Social Media Today, Media Bistro, Bloggin4Jobs. There are an incredible number of resources online. I would only look online because of the perpetually evolving world of social media.
Jacqui: What degree or certificate do employers look for?
Ray Anne: Sadly, even though Social Marketing is all about using it and learning it “first hand”- most positions still require a Bachelor. My Bachelor is in Business with an Organizational Development twist. But I took several Marketing courses… as part of my degree program. Communications is the best course to take in college. Most companies lack that one skill which leads to a lot of problems.
Jacqui: What kind of work/internship experience would employers look for in a job applicant?
Ray Anne: Writing – proof of writing – so BLOG and years in the industry to which you will market! I know I got my job because of my very prolific online work.
Jacqui: What are your thoughts on job seekers blogging about their job search experience?
Ray Anne: I have a 53 yr old brother who is a job seeker /displaced worker– I have encouraged him to write about his experience. I wrote while I was “self-employed” during the worst time in the recession — it was key to me being hired by a company. Writing made me do research, made me understand. Change is key toward growth – friction MUST happen for change to take place.
Jacqui: Would you like to add any additional tips you think would be helpful in learning about the Marketing industry?
Ray Anne: Staying positive even when everyone is saying No. Determination is the number 1 key. Tenacity is a great trait, necessary right now. I think the most important thing is that you know the industry that you market to and know your own product or services, so many just write copy and have no real interest. Be unafraid – this is my year to “Burn Fear” — take on challenges – Treat everyone like you would wanted to be treated. You never know who might help you get your next job.
Jacqui: If someone wanted to reach out to you what’s the best way?
Ray Anne: The best way to reach me is here on Twitter or at rayanne@broadbean.com
Experienced workers bring a lot to companies; they just need to let the employer know. Say things like: I bring a network with me; I’ve been through this before; I’m loyal, creative, consistent; I won’t be bored on the job because I’m resourceful and solution-based; I’m not n under-performer; I’ve been successful at this before. Get good at presenting yourself. Practice the tough answers. Be ready for the difficult questions: You’re over qualified; won’t this be below what you want to do; isn’t this taking a step backwards? Consider having your cover letter address these questions up front
