Starting a career in marketing? Essential tips from agency founders

On Careers Day during our annual work experience extravaganza, Sookio Bootcamp, Sue sat down with fellow agency founder Simon Jones of Studio 24.

She spoke to him about what it takes to get a job at an agency, including tips on how to write the perfect cover letter, harness the latest tech to get your application seen, and what it takes to ace the all-important job interview.

Read his insider insights below. You’ll also see a few of Sue’s own thoughts, as someone with plenty of experience finding and nurturing top agency talent.

Can you tell us about Studio 24 and what services you provide?

Studio 24 is a design and technology digital agency based in Cambridge. We have 16 staff and have been around for 24 years. We focus on accessibility and purpose-driven projects, offering services in website and web application development, digital strategy consulting, and discovery projects.

Our team comprises designers, developers with various specialisations, project managers, and support staff.

How do you manage remote and hybrid working in your team?

We have a hybrid working model, with most employees working remotely and occasional in-person meetings. We use tools like Slack and have regular video calls to maintain communication. New staff members have mentors for support, and we are experimenting with ways to enhance collaboration, such as hack days and project brainstorming sessions.

We also encourage open communication and provide tools like Tuple for immediate developer collaboration.

What do you look for in job applications, especially covering letters?

When reviewing job applications, we prefer to see a personalised message indicating genuine interest in the role. Covering letters provide context and help us understand each applicant’s motivations. Tailoring the CV or mentioning relevant experiences is appreciated. Clear and thoughtful written communication is crucial, as it reflects how candidates might interact with clients and team members. About half of the applications we receive include covering letters, which significantly elevate an applicant's chances.

Sue: It frustrates me when I see conversations about how cover letters aren’t important nowadays. The format isn’t s important - it could be someone reaching out to me in LinkedIn, it could be someone emailing me; I just need some context!

How important is it to tailor job applications to specific roles?

Tailoring applications to the roles you genuinely want can make a significant difference. Instead of applying to hundreds of jobs, think quality over quantity. Focus on a few and research the companies thoroughly. Personalised applications, reflecting genuine interest, can impress employers.

Sue: If someone applies for a job at Sookio and they say, I've looked at all your social media, I've got a real sense of who you are, I love the projects you work on, I've got these skills and I can really see myself applying those skills to your work, it means this person will fit in. We really care about the work we do, so we want people that are going to care as well.  

What impresses you most in a job application?

Expressing genuine interest in the company's work, such as mentioning their projects and demonstrating a passion for areas like accessibility, stands out. Degrees are not always necessary; a willingness to learn, adapt, and showcase self-directed learning initiatives is valued. Practical examples of work, even from personal projects or volunteering, are also useful.

Sue: I’d advise taking screenshots of your prior work for evidence so you can add them to a portfolio.

This is something we advised students at Long Road Sixth Form College during our recent marketing work experience initiative. Start early and over time you’ll build up an amazing portfolio. But no one will do it for you!

Does sending physical applications still work in the digital age?

Sending physical applications can be memorable. Small businesses may appreciate it, but digital systems often process applications, especially in larger organisations. Follow up with an email to ensure your application is not lost.

What makes a successful interview candidate?

Being authentic, honest, and demonstrating good communication skills are crucial. Employers look for people they can work well with. While hard skills are essential, we also assess aptitude and the ability to learn. Preparation is key – read about the company, ask relevant questions, and find a quiet, interruption-free space for the interview.

Sue: There's often things in different businesses that they'll be particularly interested in and if you can get some idea of that and mention it, or if you actually care about it, that helps even more.  

Remote and hybrid work is becoming more common. How do you prepare for a Zoom interview?

Find a quiet place for the interview. Communicate early if there are any internet issues. Check the interview link and have a means to get in touch. Ensure your background is tidy, but there’s no need for perfection. Bringing notes is fine; it shows preparation. Create a list of positive experiences to steer the conversation positively.

Sue: When we’re thinking about careers, there is a whole other set of skills that people need to develop now: how to work well in a hybrid environment. If we'd have had this conversation four years ago, it'd be all about how to develop skills in the workplace rather than from a distance. People starting out in their careers now have to think about staying visible when working remotely, and building strong networks too, which can be harder from a distance.

What should applicants do after the interview?

Follow up with a thankyou message. If your application is unsuccessful, respond politely; you might be recommended for other opportunities. Don't hesitate to reach out and stay proactive; it shows genuine interest. Companies appreciate candidates who show care and enthusiasm.

Do you have any tips on how job candidates can manage interview nerves and anxiety?

Remember that employers are trying to hire you, so be yourself!

Acknowledge your nervousness if needed; it shows you care. Preparation helps – clear distractions, shut unnecessary applications, and be early! Managing your time well, and allowing for unexpected delays, can help alleviate stress.

Sue: Sometimes people bring notes with them. That’s absolutely fine. Again, it shows you care and are good at preparing.

Should you apply for a job if you have any gaps in your skills and need training?

Apply if you’re truly passionate about the role. Be honest about any gaps in your skills. Employers appreciate honesty and willingness to learn. For example, a new employee asked us for pre-start training on LinkedIn advertising. Be proactive in upskilling yourself wherever possible.

Is it a good idea to offer to work for a lower salary while learning on the job?

Small businesses sometimes adjust roles based on applicants. Being open to part-time or lower salaries can be beneficial. Be cautious not to undervalue yourself but consider flexibility in small businesses.

How do you bypass automated rejection algorithms in large organisations?

Use keywords from the job description in your application. Research the hiring manager on LinkedIn and connect. Personal contact might increase your chances of being noticed among a large pool of applicants.

What are your opinions on internships?

Treat internships seriously. Small businesses can succeed with motivated interns. Partnerships, like with universities, can bring dedicated interns into a business and provide candidates with valuable work experience.

Sue: Unpaid internships are unfair and limit the pool of candidates to those who can afford to work for free. It's essential for employers to value the work and offer paid internships. Any work experience, even short internships, can be valuable for gaining skills and connections. Rather giving away your time for free to a large corporate, see if you can help a friend out with their new business, or support a local charity with marketing content.

How do you express genuine interest in a job application?

Be yourself and show your passion for the company. Practice your approach, ask for feedback from friends or family, and mention specific aspects of the company or its projects that you’re intrigued by. This will help to show your genuine interest and set you apart from the wider pool of applicants.

Where can you find job opportunities other than traditional job boards?

Use LinkedIn to follow companies you're interested in. Explore local networking events, industry-specific groups, and university job boards. Actively engaging on social media platforms can help you stay informed about job openings and connect with potential employers.

Craving more careers tips?

There’s a wealth of advice at your fingertips! Check out our interviews with Kelly Molson of Rubber Cheese and agency founders Raj Mistry and James Cotton or head to our YouTube channel for more information on how to kickstart your marketing career.