
The competition for top marketing talent has never been tougher. Startups promise innovation, speed, and the chance to “own something from day one.” Agencies boast variety, creative freedom, and the allure of big-name clients.
It’s easy to see why marketers are tempted. But here’s the truth: established businesses and in-house teams have advantages that startups and agencies simply can’t match. At SustainRecruit, we help organisations sharpen their employer brand and attract exceptional marketers by highlighting these often-overlooked strengths.
1. Know the Competition (and Their Weak Spots)
Startups thrive on energy and agility, but they often struggle with limited resources and high burnout rates. Agencies can dazzle with diverse work, yet many marketers eventually tire of scattered execution and lack of ownership.
By acknowledging both the appeal and the pitfalls, you can position your roles as the smarter long-term choice.
2. Highlight Ownership and Long-Term Impact
One of your biggest differentiators? True ownership. Unlike agencies, your roles offer end-to-end campaign strategy, the chance to build something meaningful, and visibility of results over time.
Use your job ads and employer messaging to emphasise:
- Autonomy and decision-making power
- Strategic impact beyond execution
- The opportunity to shape long-term outcomes
3. Sell Stability and Structure—Without Losing Flexibility
Marketers value clarity: defined expectations, career progression, and strong support systems. That’s your edge. Pair this with flexible or hybrid working options, and you offer the best of both worlds—freedom and security.
Startups may promise excitement, but you can promise growth with a plan.
4. Showcase Real Career Pathways
A flashy title at a startup or agency doesn’t always come with a ladder to climb. You can offer marketers what they really want:
- Strategic ownership
- Leadership opportunities
- Internal mobility across teams or functions
Make these pathways visible in job ads, hiring conversations, and across your employer brand.
5. Be Authentic About Culture
Forget trying to “out-startup” a startup. Instead, show the strength of your real culture—collaboration, mentorship, meaningful metrics, and work-life balance. Not everyone wants ping-pong tables and late-night Slack pings.
The right candidates will choose authenticity over gimmicks every time.
Winning top marketing talent isn’t about mimicking startups and agencies. It’s about leaning into what makes your opportunity different, and valuable. At
SustainRecruit, we work with businesses to uncover and amplify those strengths, helping you stand out and secure the marketers who will drive long-term success. Connect with us at
hello@sustainrecruit.com.







