If you’re looking to hire marketers, you might look for skills like structuring ad campaigns and the like.
But they’re not the most important.
The most important characteristic of a successful marketer is curiosity.
“But… you wouldn’t hire a curious pilot to fly your plane; you’d hire an experienced one, right?”
Correct, which is why this trait is most applicable to creative and startup roles.
Here’s why…
Startups and creative departments are fueled by resourcefulness and innovation.
Curious marketers use both to improve their skills, while also pushing the company’s growth.
Traits of top marketers
Furthermore, curious marketers are:
- Persistent. They don’t quit at the first slump; they work to find solutions.
- Driven. They learn and grow faster than non-curious employees.
- Analytical. They test new tools, track competition, and follow industry trends.
- Infectious. They elevate the self-worth of other employees.
How to find these traits
So how do you find out whether someone is genuinely curious?
You can ask questions like:
- Are they interested in a more senior position? You can mix senior duties in with their daily role for them to test out.
- Are they new to startups? Maybe hire someone with corporate experience who wants to work in a more creative environment.
- Are they looking to master a particular side of startups? For example, product growth. Give them some wiggle room to pursue these “side goals” within your company.
- What have they done to further their skills in the current job? Listen for signs of proactivity and experimentation, main traits of a curious employee.
- What tools have they tried to make their jobs easier? Curious people will always tinker, learn, and try out new things.
Keep in mind this is a two-way street
If you position yourself as someone who rewards creativity and curiosity, potential hires won’t have to worry about getting cramped in a box.
Getting two to four years out of such an employee is more valuable than decades of someone who’s there just to “do the job.” When they leave, the knowledge still stays.
And that’s the beauty of hiring curious marketers.
Other traits of top marketers
Of course, there are other skills and traits that make up a great marketer. Here are a few others to keep an eye out for:
Excellent communicators
This includes writing, public speaking, and active listening.
Able to work independently
Marketing is often a solo role, so being able to work without constant supervision is key.
Able to work in a team
Marketing is also a team sport.
It requires communication with product and sales teams.
Flexible
With the ever-changing landscape of marketing, being able to change with it is crucial.
Multi-skilled
The ability to wear many hats is essential in marketing.
From copywriting to design to analytics, a top marketer should be able to do it all.
Strategic thinkers
Marketing is about more than just tactics; it’s also about strategy. Top marketers are able to see the big picture and align their work with the company’s goals.
Growth mindset
A growth mindset is essential for marketers. This means always being open to learning and growing, no matter where you are in your career.
Familiarity with marketing software
Marketing software is always changing, so it’s important for marketers to be able to quickly learn and use new tools.
Summary – How to Hire Marketers
These are just a few of the skills and traits that make up a great marketer. If you’re looking to hire marketers, keep these in mind during your search.
And remember, the most important characteristic of a successful marketer is curiosity. So don’t be afraid to hire someone who’s new to the field or trying something different. With the right attitude, they can be a valuable asset to your team.
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