One job, 100 applications
Ever wondered how people got to where they are today in their career? Where did they start and what were they thinking at the time? In this series, professionals from all walks of life look back at their start and share some lessons they wish they’d known back then.
Digital marketing manager Vlado Cech has built a thriving career in digital marketing, spanning the UK and the Netherlands. Vlado is an optimist who dedicates himself to his work - this becomes apparent when you work with him. If you visit his LinkedIn profile, you will notice that he describes himself as a “data-obsessed digital marketeer and strategist with focus on RTB channels“ who also has a “slight obsession with tech, fashion and travel.“
He now sits down to share some of his most important career lessons, so you can learn from them.
Enjoy this episode of Career Talks!
Nico: How did you get your first job?
Vlado: It took me about half a year of job searching to find my first real digital marketing job after university. I was lucky enough to find passion in digital marketing during my studies, so I knew that this is the marketing niche I would want to try out first.
I looked at various junior roles online, look at what are the requirements and tried to find as much knowledge as possible online. There are free official certificates from all major digital platforms, and after studying their online courses and playing around the platforms, I was able to gain these certificates. This helped me build up confidence and also showcase something tangible on my CV.
I did over 100 applications, with around 20-30 interviews. Most of them either rejected me, or I rejected them. But it took the one to make all the difference, it is like dating, when you feel both sides clicked, you know there is something worth your time.
For my first job, all they needed to see is that I can grasp the concept of advertising, understand work ethics and that I’m a good fit for the team. That was also an insight from my hiring manager (after I left the company): “We saw that your knowledge is theoretical, however, your enthusiasm and easy-going attitude made us choose you over other candidates with more experience”. I have taken this feedback with me to all my other interviews, so far it has been working out, for the right role and the team.
Nico: How did you get your first promotion?
Vlado: My first promotion in my first job was a bit of a joke, I got a promotion from Marketing Assistant to Marketing Specialist after about a year – however, the promotion itself didn’t carry any weight. No greater responsibility and a 3% pay rise was something I couldn’t stomach. So to get my real promotion, I found a new job with a good enough pay rise and responsibilities to challenge me.
Nico: What is the most important lesson you learnt in your career so far?
Vlado: Interest in other people’s work will broaden your horizon, help you build up connections and show you opportunities for collaboration.
Nico: What is the hardest career lesson you had to learn so far? What do you see now that you didn’t see while you were in it?
Vlado: Nobody will give you a promotion, pay rise or praise without you asking for it. You need to know your self-worth, but also know where you want to be in the short and medium-term.
To realize what it is I want to do and where I want to grow helps me to maintain my course, my positive attitude and my drive. It was however very difficult for me to learn how to be confident and stand on my two feet and follow my drive.
Also, I am slowly starting to think about one thing: if you work for someone else’s company, you will never achieve the same drive you would if you worked for yourself.
Nico: What is one career advice you would give your younger self?
Vlado: I would say: don’t be afraid to take more risks and don’t doubt your passions. Although I think I should keep telling myself this on a daily basis.
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