What do you do if your marketing resume and cover letter need a post-layoff makeover?

1 Revamp Basics

Before diving into the specifics, ensure your resume and cover letter basics are in order. Start with updating your contact information and any recent certifications or skills you've acquired. Your resume should have a clean, professional layout that's easy to read with clear section headings. For your cover letter, maintain a concise structure that introduces who you are, highlights your key achievements, and explains why you're a good fit for the roles you are targeting. Remember, simplicity is key; avoid clutter and focus on content that speaks to your strengths and job-relevance.

2 Highlight Growth

In the marketing world, growth is a significant indicator of success. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your efforts have contributed to the growth of the brands or projects you've worked on. Use specific examples, like campaign results or audience growth percentages, to illustrate your impact. In your cover letter, weave in a narrative that shows your ability to adapt and thrive in changing environments, a valuable trait for any company, especially in the dynamic field of marketing.

3 Focus Skills

As a marketer, your skill set is your arsenal. Post-layoff, identify the most in-demand skills in the marketing industry and cross-reference them with your own. Highlight these skills prominently on your resume, and use your cover letter to provide context on how you've applied them effectively in past roles. Whether it's digital marketing expertise, data analysis proficiency, or creative campaign management, make sure these skills are impossible for hiring managers to overlook.

4 Quantify Success

Numbers talk in marketing. Quantify your achievements on your resume by using metrics that resonate with hiring managers, such as conversion rates, revenue generated, or engagement levels. This tangible evidence of your success not only adds credibility but also gives potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to their company. In your cover letter, select key metrics that align with the job description and elaborate on how you achieved them.

5 Personal Branding

Think of yourself as a brand. What makes you unique? Use your resume to establish a personal brand that reflects your professional identity and core values. This could be through a specific color scheme, a professional logo, or a tagline that captures your marketing philosophy. Your cover letter should then extend this branding, showcasing your personality and explaining why your individuality is an asset in a marketing context.

6 Network Power

Networking is an invaluable tool in the marketing industry. On your resume, include any significant connections or networks you're part of that could be beneficial to future employers. In your cover letter, mention any industry events or conferences you've contributed to or attended, as this demonstrates your commitment to staying connected and informed within the marketing community. Remember, showing that you're well-networked can often be just as compelling as listing your skills and experiences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?