Marketing job interview help?

How do I get a marketing job in an industry/market that I don't have direct experience?

• For the past few years I have noticed a lot of companies hiring marketers. I have a lot of marketing experience, but I can't seem to get an interview, much less a new job. From what I gather a lot of it has to do with the fact I don't have experience in their markets. I do have a strong marketing background and previously have been hired because I am able to hit the ground running and get things done. However this time I can't seem to do so. It's been extremely depressing to put it mildly and I don't know what to do at this point. I don't want to take a massive demotion to move into another industry, but it seems like even if I did that, it wouldn't help me either. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

• Answer:

  You need to present your experience as relevant for the industry where you are applying to. For example, companies that sell to consumers don't really get too hung up where you are coming from as long as you have consumer marketing experience. The same with business services. Most companies are also looking for specific skills, which you can tailor to in absence of industry experience. For example, branding, media buying, consumer/market research, data analytics, direct mail and CRM, loyalty, etc. It is generally easier to get a job if you have skills in one of those areas, and it's important for the position. Being a generalist is the hardest.