The most in-demand marketing and advertising jobs of 2023
Despite high-profile layoffs and hiring delays, today’s job market is actually stronger than it was before the pandemic. Unemployment is historically low, and candidates today are confident about their ability to find a new job.
But the marketing and advertising industry is constantly evolving in reaction to changes in the economy and technological advancements. As a result, certain roles and skills are in higher demand than others.
If you happen to specialize in one of these high-demand areas, this presents an opportunity to advance your career or move into a role that better suits your current needs. Employers are eager to fill these roles and are more open than ever to flexible arrangements like hybrid and remote work – especially since that means they can recruit top candidates from beyond their immediate geographic area.
And if you’re looking to diversify your skill set in hopes of standing out in a sea of applicants, you may also want to take some notes! Adding a certification or two in one of these areas could be just the edge you need to get the attention of your dream job’s hiring manager.
Here are the most in-demand skills and jobs for 2023, based on data from our own client orders:
Media planners and directors
As people consume more media than ever, advertising is an important revenue driver for most businesses, and many industries completely depend on it. A media director plans and executes advertising campaigns, either internally at a corporation or at an advertising agency. To be competitive in a digital world, organizations need savvy media engagement — and that means having skilled professionals with strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the tactical know-how to drive more in revenue than is spent on advertising. As companies compete to fill this role, the field is ripe with opportunity for quality candidates.
Data analysts and marketing analytics
Data powers everything successful marketers do. Data analysts develop models and generate reports to optimize a company’s or client’s marketing matrix. Their analyses can also provide insight into consumer behaviors and identify opportunities to maximize optimal campaign outcomes. We’ve specifically seen a rise in demand for experts in Python and Tableau.
Digital marketers
Digital communication and the data associated with it are what’s driving marketing into the future. From digital strategists and digital transformation experts to digital media managers and analysts, digital roles comprise one in every four job requests we get from clients! Developing your expertise in the digital space is a must for achieving faster career growth and long-term success.
Email marketing managers
Email marketers help companies deliver on their goals. They strategize, develop, and manage email campaigns that nurture leads, keep customers in the loop, and drive sales. These multi-skilled professionals manage and segment contact lists using marketing automation software, such as Marketo, Act-On, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud, craft email copy, develop effective designs, handle customer feedback, analyze results, and test to continuously improve performance. Specializing in email requires sharp copywriting skills, proficiency in CSS and HTML, and experience using web analytics tools, such as Google Analytics and Adwords.
Social media managers
The job of a social media manager today is more multifaceted and challenging – and more respected – than ever. Solid career opportunities can be had with sought-after skill sets including deep knowledge and understanding of social media platforms and how they can be leveraged in different scenarios, along with tactical know-how in customer engagement, online monitoring, and measuring.
Project managers
Project managers keep marketing moving forward. These professionals oversee the production of all creative deliverables and see to it that campaigns and initiatives stay on track within set budgets and timelines. They serve as a liaison between clients and creative, and account management staff, confidently juggling multiple priorities. A good project manager has strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and multitasking skills, and the ability to provide technical input and recommendations for reducing costs and improving quality and workflow processes.
Content strategists and web copywriters
Content strategists plan, create, and manage content that is relevant, engaging, easy to find, actionable, and shareable across digital platforms. They deliver assets to satisfy the goals of a company or client and the needs of a customer or end user, provide guidance on channels for delivery, and measure the effectiveness through customer engagement.
Art directors and graphic designers
Art directors craft a brand’s digital style and form its image in the mind of consumers. They deliver on a variety of tasks, from designing logos, printed pieces, and publication graphics to social media templates, advertisements, and much more. These skills — from junior to senior levels and specialized in areas such as graphic design, motion, or video design, or another area — are in demand.
User interface (UI) designers
UI designers decide how a product or website will be laid out and presented visually, and create wireframes. They work closely with UX and other designers to ensure that every touchpoint users encounter in their interaction with a product conforms to the overall vision created by UX designers. Prototyping, CSS handoff, Freehand, Craft, Sketch, InVision, Adobe XD, and Figma are key functions and tools to master.
User experience (UX) designers
UX designers identify the architecture and wireframes that help users navigate through a digital product or website. They zero in on users’ underlying emotional and functional needs and apply that knowledge to create an enjoyable experience that also supports business objectives. UX designers are responsible for the full design process, from research, ideation, and concept development to prototyping and evaluation. They’re typically also responsible for user-acceptance testing of prototypes or finished products. They must be able to collaborate with business, customer service, design, and technology teams, and have an expert understanding of design principles and wireframing tools, such as Adobe XD, Maze, Axure RP, Balsamiq, InVision, and Sketch.
Ready to make your next move?
No matter your current marketing and advertising skill set, Freeman+Leonard can help position you for long-term success.
Even if you’re not actively looking for a new role, get in touch with our recruiters on LinkedIn. We know the market well, and we know marketing and advertising; many of us worked in that world before joining this independent, woman-owned talent agency.
We understand your role and talents more than you might expect – and we know what your talent is worth. And there’s never any charge to work with us. Let us be your career advisor – in today’s market, and the next.