A Recruiter’s Guide to Smart Marketing Questions

Do I need a specific degree to get into marketing?

Not really. Most employers care less about the name of your course and more about what you can actually do. A marketing degree obviously helps, but plenty of people come from Business, Psychology, Media, or even English.

What matters is being able to show curiosity about people and how they make decisions. That's what marketing is really about - understanding audiences and connecting ideas to them.

If you'd like to build some experience while you study, take a look at the Placements and Work Experience options through Beckett Careers. You'll pick up stories you can share in interviews, which recruiters love.

What are employers actually looking for?

When you talk to recruiters around Leeds, the same themes keep coming up: curiosity, commercial awareness, and creativity.

Marketing moves quickly, so they want graduates who can keep up with trends and bring their own ideas. It's not about knowing every platform or tool; it's about showing that you're interested enough to learn them.

Employers also notice candidates who've gone the extra mile. This could be joining a student society, helping out with a friend's small business, or running a university campaign. These things say a lot about how you think and collaborate.

If you're still figuring out where your skills might fit, the What Can I Do With My Degree? - Marketing and Advertising page is a good place to start.

Do I need experience before applying?

This is one of those questions every recruiter gets, and the answer is reassuring - no, you don't always need industry experience. What matters most is having some kind of experience - and that can come from all sorts of places. They know you're at the beginning of your career, so they won't expect you to turn up with years of experience under your belt. However, what really matters is showing initiative.

Industry experience is great if you can get it, but don't overlook the value of other kinds of experience - they're not just helpful, they're essential. Maybe you've run an Instagram account for a club, helped design a poster, or written blog posts for a uni project. It's all experience. You can talk about what you learned, what worked, and what you'd do differently next time. This shows employers you're willing to go the extra mile outside of your degree.

The truth is, most graduates get hired for their potential, not their CV length.

How do I stand out?

Think of yourself as a brand - but a genuine one, not a polished product. Recruiters remember candidates who sound real.

We recommend having a consistent story across your CV, LinkedIn, and (if you have one) a portfolio. It doesn't have to be flashy, just clear. Who are you? What kind of marketing excites you? What are you learning right now?

Little things help too:

• Share posts or reflections on LinkedIn about campaigns that inspire you
• Add a personal touch when you connect with someone local in the Leeds marketing scene
• Keep your portfolio short but thoughtful - quality beats quantity every time. You can find some advice on that here: CVs and Portfolios for a Creative Role

What are interviews really like?

Recruiters are usually trying to see how you think. Expect some classic competency questions like "Tell me about a time you worked in a team," but you might also get creative or scenario-based ones.

For example: "Imagine you're promoting an event for students in Leeds - how would you get people interested?" They're not looking for the perfect answer, just your thought process.

They might also ask how you handle feedback or deadlines. Be honest, talk about what you’ve learned rather than pretending you’ve got everything sorted.

Tip: research the company beforehand. Even five minutes of reading about their clients or campaigns helps you talk their language, which always lands well.

Do I need to start at a big agency?

Nope. There's a whole world beyond the big names. Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire area are full of creative start-ups, digital agencies, and in-house marketing teams.

Smaller companies often give you more hands-on experience early on. You might be planning campaigns one day and analysing data the next. Larger agencies, on the other hand, can offer more structured training. There's no single 'right' path. The best one is the one that fits you.

If you're approaching a smaller agency, keep it personal. Do your research, mention something specific you admire about their work, and explain why you'd love to learn from their team. A short, friendly email or LinkedIn message goes a long way.

If you've spotted an employer featured on The Marketists' blog, that's a great conversation starter. You can mention what you have learned about them and how it inspired you to get in touch. Recruiters really appreciate it when you've taken the time to understand who they are.

How can I start networking if I don't know anyone?

It's easier than you think. Networking doesn't have to be intimidating. It's just about starting conversations.

Begin with what's already around you: careers events, guest speakers, and LinkedIn groups for Leeds creatives. Beckett Careers also runs sessions where you can meet employers informally.

When you meet someone interesting, send a quick LinkedIn message saying you enjoyed their talk or found their advice helpful. That small step makes it easier to reconnect later. Over time, you'll build a community of people who can offer advice and maybe even job leads.

What if I don’t get a job straight away?

Take a breath. Most people don't. The first few months after graduation can feel uncertain, but they're also full of possibilities. Keep learning, stay active, and build a routine that keeps you moving forward. You could

• Volunteer with a local charity and help promote an event
• Try a short online course in Google Analytics, Canva, or SEO
• Post your reflections on marketing trends - it shows you're engaged and thinking critically

Recruiters genuinely notice candidates who keep growing even when they're not yet employed. It shows resilience and drive.

Final thoughts

Marketing is one of those industries that rewards curiosity. Every project is a chance to learn something new about people, communication, or creativity.

If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: you don't have to have it all figured out right now. Keep exploring, keep asking questions, and make the most of the support around you.

The team at Beckett Careers can help you navigate your next steps, from reviewing your CV to finding placements and connecting with employers. And if you're looking for more real-world advice, The Marketists are always sharing insights from the Leeds marketing scene. It's worth checking out their site to explore careers from a recruiter's perspective.