The average American consumer spends 4 hours of their day online, according to Cisco. Shopping, researching and browsing through social media channels are the most popular activities. As a business owner or marketing professional, you need to understand what your role is in creating content that brings in business.

The average online marketing manager salary in Los Angeles, CA is $95,000. That’s not a typo! There are a lot of jobs out there for those who have a passion for online marketing, but getting a good one can be difficult. The process of finding the right position can be made easier with some know-how. Keep reading for tips on how to get the most out of your job search.

Set Your Resume’s Pay-grade

If you are applying for an average marketing position, it is likely that you will be talking with hiring managers about your experience, strengths and skills. Before you sit down with a prospective employer, set the conversation in the right direction by nailing down your pay-grade. The higher your pay-grade, the more you can expect to earn. Your job search should reflect this. When you set your resume’s pay-grade, you also set the bar for how much you should be seeking in compensation. Your resume’s objective should be to secure the position you deserve based on your experience, not just to meet the bare minimum requirements for the job.

Target The Right Skills

In the same way you would never guess your job search to be about just meeting the minimum requirements for the position, you shouldn’t put all of your effort into learning the necessary skills to do the job. The purpose of your job search is to find the right fit based on your experience, strengths and skills. Don’t worry about learning everything there is to know about marketing and social media because chances are, you won’t need to. What you need to do is find a position that enables you to use your existing skills.

Know When To Be Bold

In most cases, you will not have an in-house counsel or HR representative to vouch for you. This is a good thing because it means you get to be honest about what you really want. You don’t have to play it safe and pretend to be what you’re not in order to get ahead. Be bold and upfront about what you want and need in your next job. If you’re worried about being judged or not being able to fake it, remember that your resume’s purpose is to land you the position you deserve, not to get you in the door. Take a risk and be honest about what you want, and you may just land yourself an interview that leads to a great paycheck and a rewarding career.

Don’t Forget About Benefits

One of the most significant factors that determine your job search’s outcome is how much you’re willing to trade for financial security and happiness. While money is certainly important, you shouldn’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Your job search should be about finding the best fit based on your experience, strengths and skills, but also about what’s important to you. Are you looking for a benefits package that offers dental and vision insurance? Is flexible work hours a key factor for you? Are you willing to live in Los Angeles or Orange County? Consider all of these factors when making your decision.

Follow Up With The Interviewers

After you’ve secured an interview with a prospective employer, don’t just settle for “thank you” for participating. Follow up with a short, professional note clarifying some points from the interview and expressing how excited you are to learn more about the company. You never know who may end up reading your resume and being influenced by your follow-up email. It is a good idea to follow up with a phone call or a handwritten note. In the notes section of your LinkedIn profile, you can include a thank-you for your time and a brief summary of what you discussed during the interview. This demonstrates that you’re a serious candidate who is interested in the position and that you’re engaged in the process. Follow up with a thank-you note even if you don’t get the position. You never know when a seemingly insignificant act of kindness may land you an offer, a callback or an interview recommendation.