In any situation where two applicants have similar marketing skills and experience, it’s often the so-called ‘soft skills’ that make the difference. That is, skills that aren’t linked directly to marketing but are still valuable.

So what are the key ‘soft skills’ marketers looking to improve should try and take on?

Emotional intelligence

This can sometimes be seen as a ‘buzz’ term, but the real thing is genuinely valuable. If an applicant is able to read situations and understand how different people operate, they’re more likely to be capable of leading a team down the road.

What’s more, people are more likely to enjoy working with them as part of a team. And, of course, they’re more likely to understand your customers and improve sales as a result.

Collaboration and communication

Marketing might well be the most communication-based specialism outside of pure customer service. As such, any employee that can demonstrate high communication skills will be more valuable than someone that struggles.

Both written and verbal communication is a key part of marketing, with professionals having to deal with clients, stakeholders in addition to partners, and freelancers. Good communication skills are invaluable in marketing.

Initiative

Marketing can sometimes be a bit of an ‘uncertain’ industry, simply because in many cases, results aren’t as definable as they might be in something like development.

As a result, it can be easier for marketers to coast. Therefore, any marketing professionals that demonstrate initiative and being pro-active are inevitably going to set themselves apart from the competition.

This can be demonstrated through everything from adopting technology and new techniques earlier than their colleagues to taking training courses off their own back.

Accountability

Marketing can take place across a number of channels: PPC, SEO, copywriting, video, print and multiple others.

If candidates are prepared to take responsibility for a project or an account and are happy to take the fall if something goes wrong, they’re going to earn more respect from their team and from their higher-ups.

Candidates that demonstrate responsibility and initiative will nearly always be welcomed into more senior positions.

Get in touch

If you’re interested in finding the very best staff in the marketing world, pick up the phone and call Creative Mettle today. We’d love to hear from you.