📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEO Trainee
🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands
🔹 Location: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands & Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Amsterdam & Groningen)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Participating in a 12-month training program focused on Search Experience Optimization
- Working closely with experienced SEO specialists
- Gradually getting involved in client projects
- Learning about data analysis, SEO strategies, consultancy skills, and communication skills
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or individuals with up to 1 year of work experience seeking to develop their skills in SEO and digital marketing.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Participating in a 12-month training program focused on Search Experience Optimization
✅ Working closely with experienced SEO specialists
✅ Gradually getting involved in client projects
✅ Learning about data analysis, SEO strategies, consultancy skills, and communication skills
ASSUMPTION: The role will involve a combination of theoretical learning and practical, hands-on experience, with a focus on developing skills relevant to the SEO industry.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Completed HBO/WO education
Experience: Up to 1 year of work experience (entry-level)
Required Skills:
- Analytical thinking
- Data analysis
- Strong communication skills
- Flexible attitude
- Problem-solving skills
- Curiosity
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in Dutch and English
- Previous experience in SEO or digital marketing
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in the Dutch language is likely required for this role, given the location and language used in the job description.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is not specified. However, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for an SEO Trainee in the Netherlands is around €2,500 - €3,500 per month (gross).
Benefits:
- Flexible working
- Mentorship
- Team activities
- Career development
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a flexible work arrangement (3 office days per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level SEO roles in the Netherlands. The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as the candidate's qualifications and the company's compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (global), with approximately 420 employees in the Netherlands
Founded: The Interpublic Group (IPG), the parent company of IPG Mediabrands, was founded in 1961. IPG Mediabrands was established in 2012 as the media and marketing solutions division of IPG.
Company Description:
- IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG)
- Manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients
- Offers full-service agency networks (UM, Initiative, Mediahub) and specialized business units
- Serves a broad portfolio of industry sectors, including automotive, personal finance, CPG, pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys and gaming, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and beauty
Company Specialties:
- Media Planning & Buying
- Automation & Programmatic
- Digital Media
- Branded Content
- Media Barter
- Online & Mobile
- Social Media Marketing
- Sponsorship and Sports Marketing
- ROI and Consumer Research
- Hyper-Local and Multicultural Marketing
- Out-Of-Home Advertising
Company Website: https://www.ipgmediabrands.com/
ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands is a large, global company with a strong presence in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of marketing services and opportunities for career growth.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level (0-2 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The SEO Trainee will report directly to the SEO team and work closely with experienced SEO specialists
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 office days per week, with the option to work remotely on other days)
Growth Opportunities:
- Graduation to junior consultant within 12 months
- Potential career progression within IPG Mediabrands or its subsidiaries (UM, Initiative, Kinesso, etc.)
- Opportunities to work with a diverse range of clients across various industries
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities, with the potential for career progression within the company and exposure to a wide range of clients and industries.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces in Amsterdam and Groningen
Office Location(s): 100 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001, US (global headquarters) & Calle de Enrique Jardiel Poncela, 6, Madrid, Community of Madrid 28016, ES (European headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- Amsterdam: A vibrant, multicultural city with a strong economy and a thriving digital marketing industry
- Groningen: A smaller city in the north of the Netherlands, known for its historic city center and university
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a flexible work arrangement (3 office days per week)
ASSUMPTION: The location of this role offers a unique opportunity to work in either a bustling city like Amsterdam or a smaller city like Groningen, with both locations providing a supportive work environment for professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Within a week, you will hear if you have been selected for a first interview
- First interview: A get-to-know-you conversation with a recruiter and a potential colleague
- Traineeship selection days: A case study assessment and presentation
- Job offer: If there is a match, you will receive a job offer to start the traineeship
Key Assessment Areas:
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit with the company and team
- Motivation and commitment to the traineeship
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Showcase your understanding of SEO and digital marketing concepts in your application materials
- Prepare for the case study assessment by practicing your presentation skills and familiarizing yourself with the company's services and clients
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this traineeship fits into your plans
ATS Keywords: SEO, Search Experience Optimization, digital marketing, traineeship, entry-level, hybrid, Amsterdam, Groningen, IPG Mediabrands, Kinesso, UM, Initiative
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and fit for the position through a combination of interviews and assessments.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SEO tools (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, Google Search Console)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Excel, Power BI)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary depending on the client projects and internal processes at IPG Mediabrands.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Diversity, inclusion, and equality
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Continuous learning and improvement
- Challenge and innovation
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on results and client success
- Supportive and mentoring-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with IPG Mediabrands' values, particularly in terms of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration?
- How comfortable are you working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a focus on results and client success?
- How do you approach continuous learning and improvement, both in terms of your personal development and contributing to the growth of the team and the company?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider their fit with the company's values and work style, as well as their ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment focused on client success and continuous learning.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on multiple client projects simultaneously, which can be challenging for entry-level candidates
- The company's large size and global presence may present a steep learning curve for new trainees
- The role may require occasional travel to client meetings or industry events
- The company's strong focus on results and client success may create pressure to perform at a high level consistently
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers significant growth opportunities, applicants should be aware of the potential challenges and ensure they are well-suited to the demands of the position.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other entry-level SEO positions, but with a stronger focus on training and development through a structured traineeship program
- Compared to other marketing roles, this position has a more technical focus, with a greater emphasis on data analysis and SEO strategies
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in SEO, digital marketing, or other related fields, depending on the individual's skills and interests
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other entry-level marketing positions, particularly in terms of training, development, and career growth opportunities.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting keyword research and on-page optimization for an e-commerce client
- Analyzing website traffic data and identifying opportunities to improve organic search performance for a B2B client
- Developing and implementing a local SEO strategy for a multi-location retail client
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned to the SEO Trainee may vary depending on the client and the individual's skills and interests, but will generally involve hands-on experience in SEO strategies, data analysis, and client management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for the SEO team in the first few months of the traineeship?
- How does the team structure and dynamics contribute to the success of the traineeship program?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the company, particularly for individuals interested in SEO and digital marketing?
- How does IPG Mediabrands support work-life balance for its employees, particularly for those in entry-level positions?
- What are the most challenging aspects of the role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in these areas?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team, and the company, as well as to demonstrate their fit for the position and their commitment to the traineeship program.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/mediabrands/jobs/4630103007
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for the case study assessment by practicing your presentation skills and familiarizing yourself with the company's services and clients
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this traineeship fits into your plans
- Follow up with the recruiter within a week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
