Retail Marketing: How to Sell Yourself for the Job

Retail marketing is a goliath industry. It appears in just about every part of our lives, from ever-present advertising on every available platform to iconic logos on shirts, brand-stamped eggs and even promotional stickers on recycling bins.

Marketing is an industry that's expected to grow in the coming years, with jobs increasing by eight percent by 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

We'll share a few in-demand retail marketing jobs you may want to consider, and tips on how to create a marketing resume that will get you noticed.

How can I become a product promoter?

If being on-stage is your happy place, sales demonstrator or product promoter would be an excellent choice to consider. Both roles involve creative methods of pitching your product to a client. The difference is in who you're pitching to.

A sales demonstrator focuses on business-to-customer (B2C) interaction while a product promoter works in business-to-business (B2B) sales, pitching manufacturers' products to retailers. In both worlds, you're working to draw attention to your product. That could mean anything from handing out samples to giving prepared speeches to demonstrating the product in action.

Here are some useful tips for how to become a product promoter:

• Your passion for the product is going to be a strong selling point. Let your enthusiasm come through in a well-written cover letter. 
• Educational requirements usually start with a high school degree. Hiring managers will be impressed by any certification you've earned in promotions or marketing, so be sure you highlight your skills and certifications on your resume.  

Previous experience in sales is also a plus, so use the right resume format to let your work history speak for itself.

What does a social media specialist do?

For the marketer who prefers more behind-the-scenes work, the role of social media specialist allows you to create content on a computer. Social media specialists work for brands and companies to write and create:

• Blog and social media posts
• Keyword and trend research
• Promotion creation, development, and maintenance
• Daily content development
• Video feeds 

When applying for social media jobs, keep in mind: 

• Social media specialist candidates often have a bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Design or English. However, a demonstrated passion for the product can go far with the right company. 
• Strong writing skills are valuable, as well as the ability to adapt quickly to new platforms and software. 

• Any background in sales or public relations will help your resume stand out.

What is retail marketing?

Retail marketing associates may be found working in a variety of roles. They may be on the floor or at a computer. They might be teaming up with buyers and promoters to select new products, or working with social media specialists to strategize campaigns. 

When crafting your resume for retail marketing jobs, remember: 

• As with any marketing role, experience in sales is a plus, as is passion. 
• Those considering retail marketing roles should also have a strong history of organizational and presentation skills, as well as proven strategic thinking. These soft skills are essential to list in the "Skills" section of your resume. 
• If you're aiming for a retail marketing management role, a bachelor's degree in business or marketing will be necessary. 

How do I apply for marketing jobs?

Whether you're applying for a role in retail marketing, social media marketing, sales demonstration, product promotion or another marketing position, it's essential to focus on the keywords for the position, which can be found in the job listing. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are often used by companies to vet resumes. Using the keywords correctly can help get your resume noticed by the hiring manager.

Here are a few more tips for creating an excellent marketing resume: 

1. Format your resume, so it's easy to read for both the ATS and the human hiring managers. Strong resumes appear in a five-part structure, which makes the essential information easy to find.
2. Use keywords and phrases found in the job description. Don't repeat whole sentences from the listing, but be sure to use words that are included in the "requirements" section in your descriptions of past responsibilities.
3. Use words similar to the role you're applying for in your resume. If you're looking into a product promoter role, for instance, say things about your background in product sales, buying,  or promotions coordination.

Retail marketing is an amazing field, and as our methods of communication continue to expand, it's only going to grow. Our Resume Builder and Cover Letter Templates can help you create a winning application in no time at all, so you get hired faster.