One of the most overlooked strategies for landing a job in the music industry is to plan and execute an effective marketing program to market the latest, greatest product… you!

Assuming you’ve done your research on the companies you’re most interested in, and you’ve put together a strong résumé to highlight the accomplishments, education and experience you’ve built up so far in your career, it’s now time to show a prospective employer the benefit of your actions, not just list the job or internship you completed.

Doing so is the single, most powerful asset you can communicate as you search for your dream job. It’s not that you had an internship at a record label, it’s what you did while you were working as an intern at that record label that helped the company meet or exceed their goals that will get the attention of your future boss.

When it comes to marketing yourself as a strong candidate for any music industry job, keep these four tips in mind:

1. Bring enthusiasm. Your “A-game” must include a dash of enthusiasm for the professional life you envision in the music industry. Don’t be afraid to speak about your interests and passion for the music industry, showing off some of the industry knowledge you’ve gained as you’ve prepared yourself for your career.

2. Communicate the measurable benefits previous employers enjoyed due to your efforts. Again, emphasize what you have done that has helped someone else achieve his or her goals. Remember, volunteer work, clubs, and civic organizations are all valid ways to show off your ability to make a difference on a project or in the work place.

3. Follow up religiously. Don’t waste your hard work preparing and submitting a strong case in the form of a résumé and cover letter to a prospective employer and then miss out on an opportunity because you didn’t follow up. Generally, most employers will be willing to give you an update as to their progress on a hire-in-progress. Just remember to be polite and not overly aggressive in your follow up. (Calling three times a day is way too much!) Following up also gives you the added opportunity to showcase your professional phone and email skills.

4. As your career develops, highlight your progressive career growth. Remember to at least mention your early successes in the music industry, as a forward-thinking employer is often not only searching for the best person to fill an existing position, they may also be looking a few years ahead and wondering if the latest new hire has the talent, skills and drive to become a company leader. If you show that you have been able to successfully assume more responsibility as your career develops, you will likely be a candidate for such “management” consideration.

Keeping these four tactics in mind now and using them throughout your working life in the entertainment business will help you get to the head of the class as you develop your career.