Here's how you can connect and establish relationships with marketing recruiters.

Establish the archetype you'd like to develop on this platform - creative, philanthropist, educator? Allow your cover photo to show something more experiential (giving a presentation, conducting community service, accepting an award) or perhaps showcase a recent product launch. Use language that accurately reflects this archetype! For example, a creative copywriter may have something like "Word Wizard" as a title, with a conversational and friendly bio, whereas a research scientist may prefer their bio to read as a formal introduction, with a greater emphasis on prior publications. Intentionally fill out each section (experiences, projects, volunteering, skills) to show a holistic portfolio - even if it's just 1-2 bullets.

Be unique from the regular job hunters. Have your own perspective about your industry subjects. Voice it out on LinkedIn. Companies and recruiters are definitely on the look out for people who think outside the box. Have consistency with regards to your LinkedIn posts so that you show up regularly and stay on top of everyone's mind.

My first few months in LA, I got invited to attend a mayoral campaign event. While I was nervous to walk into a room of working professionals who had likely lived in the city much longer than I had, I knew it would be a great opportunity for me to meet new people. Throughout the event, the candidate checked in on each attendee and got to know more about everyone. On my way out, I asked if he had ever considered TikTok marketing as an approach. He mentioned that he was open to learning more about it. The upcoming weeks, we worked together to make content around his campaign, all while having fun with emerging trends, audios, and creative ideas! The lesson? Asking out of curiosity can often lead to the most synergistic relationships!

My 3 Golden Tips to Networking 1. Mind over matter; you have something to offer, even in a room where you may feel the least qualified. Initiate conversations of curiosity and substance, offer your skillset if it resonates and could be of value. 2. You never know where you could meet someone. Working at a local cafe? Spark a conversation with the person sitting next to you. Ask questions, listen more. 3. Lead with curiosity and interest over traditional sales tactics. Authenticity travels through a screen. This means genuine and intentional cold DMs & emails.

Serving intentionally can create a domino effect of impact! Even if you may not be able to witness it first-handedly, think about what you can provide to a person, organization, community. As a former freelancer in the content world, I did this through something as simple as creating an accessible link to a ton of open resources (online workshops, mini-consultations presentations, books, etc.) Now working in industry, I've done this by sending recruiters some of my ideas that I feel may benefit their team - even if I wasn't given an offer or opportunity to witness the impact of the idea. Focusing on giving before taking establishes not only a level of trust, but also a relevancy of your skillset/area of expertise for future projects.

The benefits of initiating a conversation: 1. Start conversations with someone on public transport or a flight - about anything, yes! On a flight to LA in 2022, I got into a long conversation about education reform with my flight-neighbor, and we still stay in touch about ideas today! 2. Offer a problem you can solve. By offering a specific solution to a gap I noticed in a mayoral candidate's marketing strategy, we then decided to work together had a fun time whipping together video content for the following month. 3. Genuine cold DMs can take you places you never imagined. I messaged a mutual connection in the speaking space in 2020, who soon became a good friend and represented me in sharing my voice at schools across the country.

Join Marketing Groups and Forums: Participate in LinkedIn groups, industry-specific forums, and professional organizations related to marketing. Engage in discussions, share insights, and showcase your expertise to gain visibility among recruiters and industry professionals.??????