Be like Bond: Advice for graduate marketing job applicants

Have you ever thought why James Bond is so successful? Wondered, why can’t I be more like him? Well, now you can! We have broken down what makes James Bond so successful and how you can be just as successful in your marketing job search and career.

 

1. Well spoken

The first thing to note from Bond is his English language and how well-spoken he is. He has never used slang! So avoid using slang words or expressions that are not professional. Bond is also renowned for being bi-lingual in many languages, so push yourself to learn some basics of a second/third language to boost your employability.

 

2. His confidence

Bond is brimming with confidence, to say the least; he holds the line well between being confident and being cocky. Approach each interview and application with confidence in your own ability but don’t give off the air of cockiness that screams arrogant.

 

3. The Golden Handshake

Without fail, every time Bond meets either a villain or a ‘Bond girl’ he introduces himself with a handshake and his name (Bond, James Bond). We don’t advise you to say your surname before saying your whole name, but we do advise you to introduce yourself with a firm handshake along with your name. What else does Bond do? He smiles..and makes the vital eye contact.

 

4. His extra-curricular activities

The extra-curricular activities practised by Bond seem to be never-ending, with each activity seemingly relevant to his role i.e. shooting or high speed driving through the Alps, all of which Bond has mastered to a tee. Now we aren’t saying that you need to be a professional shooter but what we are saying is that the more relevant curriculum activities you have the stronger your set of skills will be.

 

5. Dress sharp in a tailored suit

We aren’t all fortunate enough to have our suits tailor-made in Saville Row, but spending a little time and money on a nice suit and your appearance can work wonders. Bond looks sharp every time he is on camera providing a glowing professional image, of which he takes a lot of care over for maximum impact!

 

6. He goes undercover and does his research

Whenever James Bond goes into a mission he is fully aware of what to expect and how to handle it, by doing his research. You need to do the same for your interviews and applications. Research your potential employer through various mediums including; the business news, LinkedIn and Facebook etc. Do not go unprepared because the chances are you will be caught out.

 

7. Make the most of your networks/contacts

Use your networks and contacts to open up new avenues and streams to apply for graduate marketing jobs. Also use these to give you some insider information about what is really being offered and whether it is something you would want. James Bond would never waste his time on a mission knowing that what he wanted wasn’t there.

 

8. Happy to jump in the deep end

Don’t be scared to jump into the deep end and learn to swim the hard way. James Bond regularly grabs the bull by the horns and tackles the obstacle head on, while being constantly challenged. Don’t be put off by a role that seems a little out of your depth! You can do it.

 

9. Works independently

Working as part of a team is vital, but in most marketing roles you must also be capable of working independently and not relying upon your colleagues to complete your task for you. Make sure you are vital to the team but capable of working by yourself on projects and tasks while at Uni.

 

10. Gadget/technology know-how

James Bond is up to date with the newest and flashiest technology around, largely thanks to Q! But James Bond utilises this source to ensure he remains up-to-date, which ultimately helps him be who he is. Technology and software programmes are becoming an ever more important aspect of the marketing world, so you too must ensure you are capable of operating such software.

 

11. Take calculated risks

You need to be able to take a risk here and there. A calculated risk is a risk that is worth the potential drawbacks were it to not come off. Without taking these risks Bond would not have been as successful as an agent! You might not be as successful as you wish to be, were you to not take the odd risk. Just ensure that it is a calculated risk rather than a stab in the dark.

 

12. Have a cool head under pressure

There will be times within the marketing interview and your role when you will come under extreme pressure to do the right thing. Although it may seem easier said than done, it is vital to keep a cool head.

 

13. Willing to travel

There is rarely a moment where you will see Bond either in the office or working in the same location twice. Sure there are moments where he revisits, but he is required to travel the world and go where MI6 require him to. Take this flexibility from Bond and be open to where the job will take you! It may even be labelled as a calculated risk to consider whether to relocate or not.

 

14. Ensure your transport is arranged

Even when Bond has somehow lost his transport there is always someone with a helping hand to provide a shiny new form of transport, and when that fails Bond goes on a run! Sure, running to your interview is not ideal so prepare your transportation for your interview and hope that you don’t get involved in a car chase where your car becomes inoperable.

 

15. Go above and beyond the call of duty

Under no circumstance should you simply complete the bare minimum of what is required of you within your new marketing role. You need to go above and beyond to ensure that you are pushing your own development and excel beyond what is expected of you. The only time Bond decides to take a break is for his ‘shaken not stirred’ Martini. Even at this point Bond coincidentally grabs his Martini in the same bar as a villain.

Now we know what James Bond does to ensure he is the most successful agent currently operating around the world. Use what he does and put it into practice for your marketing job hunt and for when you acquire your first role! Remember, keep everything relevant and be proactive in your approach. Hard work can get you a long way when combined with some confidence and the correct skills.

 

Dan Hawes is Co-founder of Graduate Recruitment Bureau. d.hawes@grb.uk.com

GRB is the UK’s leading, independent graduate recruitment consultancy.

 

Photo: TNS Sofres | flickr | Licence

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