You’re looking for temporary or contract work in marketing. What’s the best way to get hired?

First impressions are golden. Update your portfolio. Tailor it to showcase projects most relevant to the types of contract roles you seek. Craft compelling case studies highlighting your contributions and the positive outcomes achieved. Don't just list projects – tell a story! Consider creating a separate online portfolio website or utilizing platforms like Behance. Include a diverse mix of content – website copywriting samples, social media campaigns you managed, or even video snippets showcasing your presentation skills. Keep it concise and visually appealing – potential clients shouldn't have to wade through mountains of content.

In order to stand out when securing temporary or contract work, showcase results from your most two unique skills, ideally two skills that are rare but intertwined. One unique skill can make you stand out, but two rare complementary skills can work strongly in your favour.

If you are hoping to subcontract with multiple agencies, decide what you want to concentrate on and streamline your offerings. Most agencies are looking for people who fill a very specific gap in their collective skillset and are more likely to pick a sharpshooter who focuses explicitly on the problem that they have than a jack of all trades with a nebulous portfolio. This allows you to simplify your workflow as well and to both establish the terms of your work more easily and be more efficient in meeting your obligations and hitting your targets. Pitch to your potential clients with basic pain point marketing as the dedicated person who selectively solves their precise pain point.

When building your marketing portfolio, don't throw in everything. Pick your top 3 projects - like a social media campaign with 10X engagement, a blog that hit Google's SERP top spot, or an influencer campaign that drove 10X leads. Structure it well and let the numbers do the talking. Marketing's not just about cool ideas (though that's a big part of it); it's also about what works. So, when you're pitching, think of it this way: your ideas should be 40% about being creative and 60% about the hard data. After all, brands are really looking for that assurance that they're getting a good return on their marketing investments.

Your network is your net worth. Network and pitch. Connect with marketing professionals on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Don't be shy – introduce yourself, showcase your portfolio, and express your interest in temporary or contract work. You never know who might have a lead! Utilize online platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to connect with potential clients. Research companies you'd love to work for and see if they have any open freelance positions. Don't be afraid to send a speculative email expressing your interest in collaborating on future projects.

Persistence pays off. Follow up and follow through. After submitting your application, send a polite follow-up email a few days later expressing your continued interest. If you land an interview, be professional and enthusiastic. Once you're hired, deliver high-quality work and communicate clearly with your client. Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your qualifications for the role. After completing the project, request a testimonial from the client that highlights your skills and work ethic. Positive testimonials can be powerful tools for attracting future freelance opportunities.

Update your resume and portfolio (tailor to the job). Build your network on LinkedIn and join marketing groups. Search for jobs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Find potential clients by attending marketing conferences. Specialize in an area such as social media or content marketing. If you're a freelance marketer, set your rates. Be flexible and ready for quick deliveries. Ensure customer satisfaction by producing high-quality work. Maintain effective communication with the client throughout the project. Following these steps can help you build a successful freelance career.