📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEM Specialist
🔹 Company: General Motors
🔹 Location: Warren, Michigan, United States
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Intermediate (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing and optimizing paid search campaigns across various platforms
- Conducting keyword research and developing targeted ad groups
- Writing compelling ad copy and refining audience targeting
- Monitoring campaign performance and analyzing key metrics
- Collaborating with team members to ensure cohesive marketing efforts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of paid search principles and a passion for data-driven decision-making. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and have excellent communication skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Implement, manage, and optimize paid search campaigns across various platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising)
✅ Conduct keyword research, develop targeted ad groups, and refine audience targeting
✅ Write compelling and effective ad copy that drives clicks and conversions
✅ Monitor campaign performance, identify trends, and analyze key metrics (e.g., CTR, conversion rate, CPA)
✅ Manage campaign budgets and ensure efficient spending to maximize ROI
✅ Generate regular performance reports, providing insights into campaign effectiveness and areas for improvement
✅ Conduct A/B testing on ad copy, landing pages, and other campaign elements to optimize performance
✅ Maintain up-to-date knowledge of paid search platforms and best practices
✅ Work closely with other team members to ensure cohesive marketing efforts
✅ Exercise decision-making skills sufficient to propose solutions to leadership and a plan for utilizing established procedures to create new solutions
✅ Build strong internal relationships by sharing key information with colleagues, supervisors, and project leaders, and actively participating in discussions about team priorities and direction
ASSUMPTION: The role requires a proactive approach to campaign management, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree required
Experience: 2+ years of experience in paid search marketing
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of successfully managing and optimizing paid search campaigns
- Strong understanding of paid search principles and best practices
- Proficiency in using paid search platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising)
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work under direct guidance and task-oriented supervision
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with A/B testing and optimization tools
- Familiarity with marketing automation platforms
- Knowledge of HTML and JavaScript
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in paid search marketing and a strong desire to learn and grow in the role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for an Intermediate SEM Specialist in the United States)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
- Employee discounts on GM vehicles and services
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely 2 days per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on the candidate's employment status and location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Large enterprise)
Founded: 1908
Company Description:
- General Motors (GM) is an American multinational corporation engaged in automobile manufacturing and distribution
- GM operates in various countries and offers a wide range of vehicle brands, including Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC
- GM is committed to leading the way toward a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion
Company Specialties:
- Automotive engineering and manufacturing
- Automotive sales and marketing
- Automotive research and development
- Automotive finance and insurance
Company Website: www.gm.com
ASSUMPTION: Working at GM offers opportunities to collaborate with a large, diverse team and contribute to innovative projects in the automotive industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The SEM Specialist will report directly to the SEM Manager
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week, 2 days remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to Senior SEM Specialist or SEM Manager roles
- Expansion into other marketing channels or roles within GM
- Professional development opportunities, such as training and certifications
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within GM's marketing department.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (On-site and remote work arrangement)
Office Location(s): Warren, Michigan, United States
Geographic Context:
- Warren, Michigan is located in the Detroit metropolitan area
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with numerous cultural attractions and recreational opportunities
- The cost of living in Warren is generally lower than in other major metropolitan areas in the United States
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely 2 days per week
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the SEM Manager and another team member
- Final interview with the Director of SEM
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Paid search marketing knowledge and experience
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with GM's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant paid search marketing experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and your fit with GM's culture
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and experience with paid search marketing
ATS Keywords: Paid search marketing, campaign management, keyword research, ad copy creation, performance monitoring, budget pacing, reporting, A/B testing, platform expertise, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, communication skills, team cooperation, decision-making
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with GM's values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads
- Microsoft Advertising
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable learning and using various paid search platforms and marketing tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Customer focus
- Inclusion
- Excellence
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Data-driven and analytical
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and open to change
- Results-focused and proactive
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach optimizing paid search campaigns based on data and analytics?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you collaborated with a team to achieve a common goal?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in paid search marketing?
ASSUMPTION: GM values a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple paid search campaigns simultaneously
- Keeping up with the latest trends and best practices in paid search marketing
- Collaborating effectively with a large, diverse team
- Working in a hybrid environment with a mix of on-site and remote work
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and thrive in a collaborative, dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- SEM Specialist vs. PPC Specialist: Both roles focus on paid search marketing, but the SEM Specialist role may have a broader scope, including search engine optimization (SEO) and other marketing channels
- SEM Specialist vs. Digital Marketing Specialist: The SEM Specialist role is more specialized and focused on paid search marketing, while the Digital Marketing Specialist role may encompass a broader range of digital marketing channels
- SEM Specialist career path: SEM Specialist → Senior SEM Specialist → SEM Manager → Director of SEM
ASSUMPTION: The SEM Specialist role is a specialized, in-demand position within the digital marketing industry, with opportunities for career growth and advancement.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting a comprehensive keyword research project for a new product launch
- Developing and implementing an A/B testing strategy to optimize ad copy and landing pages
- Analyzing campaign performance data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience with and be comfortable leading similar projects in the SEM Specialist role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the SEM department?
- How does GM support the professional development and growth of its SEM team members?
- What are the key priorities for the SEM team in the next 6-12 months, and how does this role contribute to achieving those goals?
- How does GM foster collaboration and communication between its various marketing channels and teams?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, particularly for hybrid roles like this one?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates the candidate's interest in and understanding of the role and company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant paid search marketing experience and skills
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your fit with GM's culture
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and experience with paid search marketing
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after 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.
