E-commerce is a rapidly growing industry that is increasingly requiring skilled professionals to help brands see success.

Like any career, you’ll need to find ways to set yourself apart from the competition in order to appeal to potential employers.

So, if you’re hoping to launch an e-commerce career of your own, here are just five practical tips to help you get started. 

1. Specialise in a Skill

When it comes to a career in e-commerce, while having a variety of skills is useful, it’s also a good idea to have an area in which you specialise.

Whether you undertake a degree in digital marketing or learn through an online course, developing a specialism can make you an appealing candidate for an employer.

From SEO and PPC to web design or Shopify development, you can ask for a higher salary or even take your skills freelance. 

2. Gain Practical Experience

A great way to demonstrate your e-commerce skills is by setting up and managing your own e-commerce store.

If you have a hobby that you can monetise, such as crafting, consider selling the items that you make online. 

Not only will this help you supplement your income, but you can prove to potential employers that you can manage a successful small business and juggle multiple responsibilities.  

3. Build Your Personal Brand

One of the first places employers go to when deciding between potential candidates is social media platforms, such as LinkedIn. This is the perfect place for you to build a personal brand that projects professionalism and industry knowledge.

Share insights and focus on connecting with like minded professionals. Not only can this demonstrate that you’re active in the industry and switched on to various issues affecting businesses, it also has the potential to open up new job opportunities. 

4. Keep Up with Current Trends

E-commerce is a world which is constantly evolving. From shifting customer preferences to tech developments such as the rise of AI, keeping up to date with these trends can help you get ahead of the competition. 

Having up to date knowledge of your industry is something you should aim to demonstrate in your interview, and make sure to apply these insights directly to the company that you’re interviewing for.

The ability to apply your knowledge shows both practical and critical thinking which is a sought after skill by most employers but something that many candidates lack.  

5. Demonstrate Other Interests 

As with any industry, when you make it to your interview, it’s a good idea to demonstrate other interests as this can indicate that you’re a well rounded individual.

Experiences such as volunteering are a great option to include on your CV as not only can they demonstrate your passion for certain causes but an ability to interact well with others. 

If you’re looking for volunteer experiences that will broaden your horizons, consider organisations such as Conservation Travel Africa. When you volunteer abroad you’ll be able to gain new perspectives that can improve your world view.

Have you launched a career in e-commerce? Share your tips and tricks for securing a job in the comments below! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important first step for someone starting an e-commerce career?
The most valuable first step is to specialize in a specific, high-demand skill. While general knowledge is helpful, expertise in an area like digital marketing, SEO, or platform development makes you a more appealing candidate and can lead to higher-paying opportunities.

How can I gain practical experience if I don’t have an e-commerce job yet?
A powerful way to gain hands-on experience is by starting your own small online store. This project serves as a real-world portfolio, proving to employers that you can successfully manage everything from marketing and sales to customer service and inventory.

Is it a myth that you need a formal degree to succeed in e-commerce?
Yes, this is largely a misconception in today’s industry. Employers often value demonstrable skills and practical experience more than a traditional degree. Completing specialized online courses and building a portfolio can be just as effective for securing a job.

How can I use my personal brand to find job opportunities?
Building a professional brand on a platform like LinkedIn can directly lead to job opportunities. By regularly sharing insightful content about industry trends and connecting with other professionals, you increase your visibility to recruiters who are actively searching for knowledgeable candidates.

What is the best way to discuss e-commerce trends in a job interview?
The most effective way is to apply your knowledge directly to the company you are interviewing with. Instead of just listing trends, explain how a specific trend, like the rise of AI in personalization, could be used to improve their business, showing you are a strategic thinker.

Beyond technical skills, what do e-commerce employers look for in a candidate?
Employers look for well-rounded individuals who show critical thinking and a passion for the industry. Demonstrating your knowledge of current events and showing you have other interests, like volunteering, can indicate you are a creative problem-solver and a good team player.

Why is specializing in one skill so important in the digital commerce field?
Specialization is important because it allows you to become a true expert in a specific area, which is highly sought after by companies. This deep knowledge allows you to solve complex problems and often gives you the leverage to ask for a higher salary or pursue freelance work.

What is a simple action I can take today to begin building my e-commerce career?
A simple, effective action is to find a recent article about an e-commerce trend and share it on your LinkedIn profile with a short paragraph of your own analysis. This immediately begins to establish your voice in the industry and shows you are actively engaged.

Do hobbies and outside interests really matter on a resume for an e-commerce job?
Yes, they can be a significant factor, especially during an interview. Interests like volunteering or travel can demonstrate soft skills such as communication, empathy, and adaptability. These qualities show you are a well-rounded person who can bring new perspectives to a team.

How does running a small online store prepare you for a corporate e-commerce role?
Managing your own store is like a condensed version of a corporate role, teaching you to juggle multiple responsibilities at once. It provides direct experience in marketing, financial planning, customer relations, and logistics, all of which are skills directly transferable to a larger company.