Employers

SEO specialists are employed by advertising and marketing firms that offer search marketing services to companies and other organizations that want to reach more customers on the Internet. They are also directly employed by companies that have in-house search optimization workers or departments.

The position of search engine optimization specialist is not typically an entry-level job. Applicants need at least two years of experience before becoming eligible for jobs in the field. Those breaking into the search marketing field often work first as interns or assistants to SEO specialists.

Starting Out

The Web sites of professional associations are a great place to start when searching for jobs. The Digital Analytics Association, for example, offers job listings at its Web site, https://jobs.digitalanalyticsassociation.org.

SEO specialists with considerable experience and skill in the field can advance to work in managerial positions or leave their companies to open their own search marketing consulting firms.

Read publications such as Website Magazine (https://www.websitemagazine.com) to learn more about trends in the industry.

State in your social media profiles (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) that you are seeking a job in search engine marketing. Use keywords such as “search engine marketing” and “search engine optimization” in your resume. Resume scanners often look for these and other buzz words to select potential job candidates.

Use social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to stay up to date on industry developments and learn about job openings. Participate in online forums to raise your professional profile.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings:

• https://jobs.digitalanalyticsassociation.org
• https://www.careerbuilder.com
• https://www.dice.com
• https://www.ana.net/content/show/id/anacareers
• https://www.simplyhired.com
• https://www.indeed.com

Participate in internships or part-time jobs that are arranged by your college’s career services office.