So you want to break into media and communications. You scroll past those glossy job ads filled with buzzwords and wonder how you’re supposed to stand out when they all want 2+ years of experience—and you’re just trying to get your foot in the door.
Here’s the good news: everyone in the industry started somewhere, and you can too. At Think Differently Recruitment we’re here to cut through the overwhelm and give you some real, human-first advice on navigating your way into this fast-moving, idea-rich world.
1. Embrace Your Outsider Perspective
You might think not having experience is a weakness. It isn’t. Fresh perspectives are gold in creative industries. Bring your unique take, your curiosity, and your understanding of culture (especially online culture). What you think is obvious might be just the insight someone else has missed.
2. Build Before You’re Hired
Don’t wait for permission to create. Start a blog. Run a TikTok account. Launch a podcast with friends. Volunteer to do comms for a local charity. Real world projects show initiative, build your voice, and give you proof of what you can do. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be real.
3. Show Your Curiosity
Whether it’s in a cover letter or an interview, let your curiosity shine. What campaigns have excited you lately? What media trends are you following? Who’s inspiring you and why? This shows you’re engaged, switched on, and not just applying for the sake of it.
4. Network Without the Ick
Networking doesn’t have to be awkward. Follow people in the industry, comment thoughtfully, ask genuine questions. You don’t need to beg for a job, just show up with interest and enthusiasm. People notice.
5. Tailor Everything (Yes, Everything)
We know it’s tedious. But sending out the same CV and cover letter won’t cut it. Media hiring managers want to know why you care about this job, this company, this moment. A little extra effort goes a long way.
6. Learn the Language
Understand basic industry terms. Learn how agencies work. Know what an account manager does vs. a producer. This fluency helps you hold your own and signals that you’re serious about the craft, not just the image.
7. Keep Going; It’s Meant to Be Messy
Breaking into media is rarely linear. You might do some freelance work, a stint in a related field, or take an unexpected detour. That’s okay. Stay open, stay learning, and don’t measure your path against someone else’s timeline.
Final Word:
The media and communications industry is built by people who take chances, start conversations, and show up with something to say. If that sounds like you, keep going. At Think Differently recruitment, we believe the people who change industries aren’t always the ones with the perfect CV, they’re the ones brave enough to begin.
You’ve got this.
