📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Paid Search Strategist
🔹 Company: Critical Mass
🔹 Location: San José, San José, Costa Rica
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (Work from office 3 days a week)
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Only candidates located in San José, Costa Rica, and surrounding areas will be considered)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the creation, execution, and optimization of Paid Search accounts
- Acting as the day-to-day Paid Search contact for assigned clients
- Monitoring and implementing optimizations on current campaigns
- Delivering reporting and analysis for assigned clients and campaigns
- Fostering relationships with Search and Media experts across the company
- Defining and implementing best practices for Paid Search
- Working with the Search and Media team to holistically plan SEM
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals looking to gain experience in Paid Search and SEM. It offers a comprehensive learning experience under the guidance of a Search Supervisor.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Creating new campaigns, ad groups, and ads within Google Ads and Microsoft Ads
✅ Developing bid strategy and budgeting rules for Paid Search
✅ Monitoring and implementing optimizations on current campaigns
✅ Delivering reporting and analysis for assigned clients and campaigns
✅ Fostering relationships with Search and Media experts across the company
✅ Defining and implementing best practices for Paid Search
✅ Working with the Search and Media team to holistically plan SEM
✅ Helping with financial management of search engine relationships
ASSUMPTION: The role requires a strong analytical mindset and attention to detail, as well as the ability to work independently and seek help when needed.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 1+ year(s) with Google Ads / Microsoft Ads, especially paid search
Required Skills:
- Advanced English Proficiency (B2+ reading, writing, and conversation)
- Proficient in MS Office, specifically Excel
- Familiarity with the wider Google ads platform – Google Display network, Performance Max, Demand Gen
- Analytical and curious mindset
- Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines while paying attention to details
- Ability to work independently yet seek help when needed
- Ability to work in a constantly evolving industry
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with third-party Search technology – Kenshoo, Marin, Doubleclick
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having a basic understanding of digital media and the digital landscape is essential for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role in San José, Costa Rica, is approximately ₡6,000,000 - ₡8,000,000 per year (USD $10,500 - $14,000). This is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level Paid Search roles in the region.
Benefits:
- Maternity and parental leave extra days
- Competitive benefits packages
- Vacation, compassionate leave, sick days, and flex days
- Access to online services for families and new parents
- Diversity and Inclusion Board with 12 affinity groups
- Internal learning and development programs
- Enterprise-wide employee discounts
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a flexible work arrangement requiring employees to work from the office a minimum of 3 days a week.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Critical Mass operates in the Advertising Services industry, focusing on digital marketing, brand launch and experience, user experience and interaction, design, insight and planning, digital campaign management, social media, mobile, technology services, experience design, experience distribution, marketing science, and eCommerce.
Company Size: Critical Mass is a mid-sized company with 1,001-5,000 employees globally, providing full-service digital capabilities for some of the world's greatest brands.
Founded: While the founding date is not specified, Critical Mass has established itself as a global agency with offices in multiple countries.
Company Description:
- Critical Mass is a team of 1,800 inspired folks based in 12 offices around the world, providing full-service digital capabilities for the greatest brands on Earth.
- Their secret sauce is uncompromising design standards, a relentless focus on customers, and an ability to put powerful new technologies to work for their clients.
- They work with the best brands, such as Apple, Nike, Mars Wrigley, Nissan, Diageo, Airbnb, BMW, BNY Mellon, Johnson & Johnson, and many more.
Company Specialties:
- Digital Marketing
- Brand Launch & Experience
- User Experience & Interaction
- Design
- Insight & Planning
- Digital Campaign Management
- Social Media
- Mobile
- Technology Services
- Experience Design
- Experience Distribution
- Marketing Science
- eCommerce
Company Website: http://www.criticalmass.com
ASSUMPTION: Critical Mass is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the advertising industry, offering a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level position, ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals looking to gain experience in Paid Search and SEM.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Paid Search Strategist will report directly to the Search Supervisor and work closely with the Search and Media team.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring employees to work from the office a minimum of 3 days a week.
Growth Opportunities:
- Learning and development programs to enhance skills and knowledge in Paid Search and SEM
- Potential career progression to Senior Paid Search Strategist or other related roles within the company
- Opportunities to work with high-profile clients and gain exposure to various industries
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a strong foundation for a career in Paid Search and SEM, with ample opportunities for growth and learning within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Critical Mass' office in San José, Costa Rica, is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): 300 metros al oeste de CENADA, Metro Park, zona franca metropolitana, Barreal, Heredia Edificio 5b-B, CR
Geographic Context:
- San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, with a population of approximately 335,000 people.
- The city is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse ecosystems, offering a high quality of life for its residents.
- San José is also a major hub for the technology and business sectors in Central America.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a flexible work arrangement requiring employees to work from the office a minimum of 3 days a week.
ASSUMPTION: Working at Critical Mass' San José office provides an engaging and dynamic work environment, with opportunities to collaborate with talented professionals from various backgrounds and disciplines.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the Talent Acquisition team
- Technical assessment or case study presentation
- Final interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical skills in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Critical Mass' values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your passion for digital media and Paid Search in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit
ATS Keywords: Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Paid Search, SEM, Campaign Optimization, Reporting, Analytical Mindset, English Proficiency, MS Office, Excel
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should emphasize their relevant experience and skills to increase their chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads
- Microsoft Ads
- Excel
- Third-party Search technology (e.g., Kenshoo, Marin, Doubleclick)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Design-driven
- Customer-obsessed
- Relentlessly curious
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Accountable
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Creative and innovative
- Results-focused and accountable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a passion for digital media and Paid Search?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Do you thrive in collaborative, team-oriented settings?
- Are you able to work independently and seek help when needed?
- Do you have a strong analytical mindset and attention to detail?
- Are you comfortable working with data and using it to inform decision-making?
ASSUMPTION: Critical Mass values candidates who are passionate about digital media, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong analytical mindset and attention to detail.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working with tight deadlines and managing multiple campaigns simultaneously
- There may be a need to adapt to changes in the Paid Search landscape and industry trends
- The role may involve working with clients from various industries, each with its unique challenges and requirements
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining work-life balance
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management skills, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other entry-level Paid Search roles, this position offers a comprehensive learning experience and the opportunity to work with high-profile clients
- In the Costa Rican job market, this role provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for entry-level candidates
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior-level positions within the company, offering long-term growth opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of learning, growth, and competitive compensation, making it an attractive opportunity for early-career professionals in the Paid Search and SEM fields.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive Paid Search campaign for a major retail client, including keyword research, ad creation, bidding strategy, and optimization
- Conducting a thorough analysis of an eCommerce client's Paid Search performance and providing data-driven recommendations for improvement
- Collaborating with the Search and Media team to create a holistic SEM strategy for a B2B technology client, including Paid Search, Display, and Social Media components
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and collaborative nature of the Associate Paid Search Strategist role at Critical Mass.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
- How does this role fit into the broader Paid Search and SEM strategy for the company's clients?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the company?
- How does Critical Mass support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in hybrid work arrangements?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success, while also providing valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your familiarity with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and other relevant tools and technologies
- Follow up with the Critical Mass Talent Acquisition team within 7 days of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
