Connected Media Group

Marketing Graduates: Give Yourself a Competitive Edge with these Simple Tips

I’ve been sifting through Marketing Graduate resumes, and here’s what I wish more applicants knew about the first stages of the hiring process.

Updated July 29, 2026

Read time 4 min read

Marketing Graduates: Give Yourself a Competitive Edge with these Simple Tips

First Impressions really count.

Hiring managers often receive an overwhelming number of applications, especially for graduate positions.

I immediately create a ‘Yes’ (consider) pile and a ‘No’ pile. This is based on a scan, not an in depth read. While the aim is to quickly set aside those applicants that don’t have the right skills or experience, there are other red flags that can quickly get you in the ‘No’ pile, even if you’ve got the right creds.

Triple proof-read your application and resume. This is the last step before you can truly call your work finished and it’s important to take the time to do it right. You don’t want your hard work to be marred by typos and errors. Most marketing jobs will have “attention to detail” as a desired skill. Ask a friend to help you proof-read your resume before you submit it (just like we ‘buddy-check’ all our ads and campaigns that go out).

Note that this extends beyond the documents you submit. If you’ve included a link to a personal website or your LinkedIn page, make sure that this is up to date and error free. If your personal website isn’t up to scratch, don’t list it on your resume.

PDF your resume and cover letter. This will ensure that it always looks its best, no matter where you send it, or who opens it, on any device. This is a simple step that will ensure you leave a professional looking document with your prospective employer.

Make it easy for the hiring manager to find and choose you.

Giving your resume file a good name is important. How you name your resume says a lot about you as a job applicant. A resume with a good name shows that you are detail-oriented and organised. It also shows that you have thought about your customer (hiring manager) and have taken the time to make sure your resume is easy to find.

Naming your resume is easy. I suggest you include your full name, the job you are applying for, and the date. For example, “JoSmith-XYZMarketingManager-Oct2022.pdf.” This will help your resume stand out and make it easy to find when potential employers are looking for it.

Potential employers will Search for you.

When was the last time you checked your digital footprint?

Potential employers are going to be looking at your online presence before they ever meet you in person. It’s important to make sure that what they find online aligns with the claims you’re making in your resume and job application.

Employers expect you to have a social life (on and offline), and the right job will be aligned to your personality and values. However, it’s worth running a Search on yourself to make sure your digital persona is showing up the way you want it to.

Ready to secure your dream job? Give yourself a competitive edge before the interview by following these simple tips.

Use AI thoughtfully - not as a replacement for yourself.

AI tools are now part of everyday marketing life, and at Connected we actively use AI across our business to improve efficiency, research, and workflows. We absolutely encourage graduates to learn these tools and use them well. However, if your resume or cover letter reads like it was written entirely by AI, there’s a good chance it won’t stand out - or may not get read at all. We’re not looking for generic content. We’re looking for people who can think critically, communicate clearly, solve problems differently, and bring their own perspective and personality to the table. Use AI to help refine your application, brainstorm ideas, or improve structure and clarity. But make sure the final result still sounds uniquely like you. Interested in joining Connected? Check out our current job openings.