What are marketable skills? Marketable skills are abilities that employers look for in the people they hire. Often, there is a “Skills” section of a resume; a Marketing degree is great for developing skills to share with future employers.
Hard vs Soft Skills
There are two types of marketable skills: hard (or technical) and soft (or interpersonal) skills. Hard skills are technical abilities that can be used at the job you are applying for. For example, if you were a social media marketer, you would have the technical skill of creating content.
Soft skills are interpersonal skills that help you interact with people or with your work. For example, a social media marketer might have the soft skills of communication and organization.
Hard and Soft Skills in Marketing
By earning a degree in Marketing, students build both hard and soft skills. It is important that you add your skills to your resume or job applications. You have abilities that are unique to you and your experiences; let them shine in your job search.
Need help knowing what skills to add to your resume? Here are some options that relate to Marketing:
Hard Skills
- Data Literacy: This skill comes from learning how to read spreadsheets, web traffic numbers, and business statistics. It can help you find solutions to problems you may face in the industry.
- Project Management: Through class projects and business creation courses, students learn how to manage projects and meet deadlines.
- Digital Advertising: If you focused on Digital Marketing, you know creative ways to advertise online and can bring new ideas to future jobs.
- Market Research: Similarly, by knowing how to read data and advertise online, you will have learned how to conduct market research. You can help future employers stay up to date on trends and customer needs.
- SEO Experience: Having experience with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for students going into Marketing. It can bring more customers to a business and boost a company’s online presence.
Soft Skills:
- Team Leadership and Collaboration: While managing class and group projects, students learn how to be strong leaders that can confidently direct teams.
- Communication: Along with working in teams, Marketing students communicate with both peers and clients. Marketing majors have experience with professional communication and can build connections with customers.
- Problem-Solving: From the hands-on courses in their degree, Marketing students have experience rising above setbacks in their own projects or in course assignments. This can easily apply to the workforce.
- Creativity: Marketing is a creative job, though many may not realize it. Marketers have to find creative ways to advertise, reach out to clients, and solve problems. Digital Marketing in particular takes creativity to create and publish online advertisements.
Conclusion
There are many marketable skills that Marketing majors can use when applying for jobs. Knowing how to present those skills to employers can make a big difference when going into interviews or submitting resumes.
Sources:
Understanding Soft vs. Hard Skills – Human Resource Services, Washington State University
5 Soft Skills for Marketing Professionals | Concordia University Chicago