Common Mistakes in Using Job Function Targeting
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 8:53 am
1. Overgeneralizing Job Functions
Treating broad functions like “Marketing” as a single group without segmenting by sub-functions (e.g., digital marketing, content marketing) or seniority.
Leads to irrelevant messaging and lower engagement.
2. Ignoring Context and Industry
Assuming the same job function faces identical challenges across industries.
Messaging that works for an IT Manager Google Voice Database in healthcare might flop with an IT Manager in finance.
3. Using Outdated or Inaccurate Job Function Data
Relying on stale data means you target people who have switched roles or left the company.
Results in higher bounce rates and wasted resources.
4. Not Personalizing Content to Job Function Pain Points
Sending generic emails that don’t address the specific goals, challenges, or KPIs relevant to that function.
Missed opportunity for relevance and engagement.
5. Overlooking Decision-Making Authority
Targeting job functions without considering the individual’s influence or decision-making power.
E.g., emailing junior staff when the budget holder is a director or VP.
6. Neglecting Multi-Channel Strategies
Relying solely on email outreach without integrating LinkedIn, phone calls, or content marketing.
Limits reach and reduces chances of engagement.
7. Failing to Test and Optimize by Job Function
Treating job function segments the same without A/B testing messaging, subject lines, and offers.
Misses out on insights that can improve performance.
8. Not Respecting Privacy and Compliance Rules
Using purchased lists without verifying consent or lawful basis.
Risk of legal penalties and brand damage.
9. Ignoring Frequency and Timing Differences
Sending the same email cadence to all functions without considering workload or availability differences.
For example, executives may prefer fewer, high-impact emails.
10. Underutilizing Data Insights
Not analyzing response rates, open rates, and engagement by job function.
Leads to missed chances to refine targeting and messaging.
Tips to Avoid These Mistakes
Mistake How to Fix It
Overgeneralizing functions Segment by sub-function and seniority level
Ignoring context Tailor messaging by industry
Using stale data Regularly clean and update email lists
Generic content Personalize to job function pain points
Overlooking authority Research decision-making roles
Neglecting multi-channel Integrate email with LinkedIn, calls, content
Skipping testing A/B test by job function segment
Compliance lapses Verify data sources and consent
Ignoring timing Adjust frequency based on job function preferences
Underutilizing data Analyze metrics and optimize continuously
Treating broad functions like “Marketing” as a single group without segmenting by sub-functions (e.g., digital marketing, content marketing) or seniority.
Leads to irrelevant messaging and lower engagement.
2. Ignoring Context and Industry
Assuming the same job function faces identical challenges across industries.
Messaging that works for an IT Manager Google Voice Database in healthcare might flop with an IT Manager in finance.
3. Using Outdated or Inaccurate Job Function Data
Relying on stale data means you target people who have switched roles or left the company.
Results in higher bounce rates and wasted resources.
4. Not Personalizing Content to Job Function Pain Points
Sending generic emails that don’t address the specific goals, challenges, or KPIs relevant to that function.
Missed opportunity for relevance and engagement.
5. Overlooking Decision-Making Authority
Targeting job functions without considering the individual’s influence or decision-making power.
E.g., emailing junior staff when the budget holder is a director or VP.
6. Neglecting Multi-Channel Strategies
Relying solely on email outreach without integrating LinkedIn, phone calls, or content marketing.
Limits reach and reduces chances of engagement.
7. Failing to Test and Optimize by Job Function
Treating job function segments the same without A/B testing messaging, subject lines, and offers.
Misses out on insights that can improve performance.
8. Not Respecting Privacy and Compliance Rules
Using purchased lists without verifying consent or lawful basis.
Risk of legal penalties and brand damage.
9. Ignoring Frequency and Timing Differences
Sending the same email cadence to all functions without considering workload or availability differences.
For example, executives may prefer fewer, high-impact emails.
10. Underutilizing Data Insights
Not analyzing response rates, open rates, and engagement by job function.
Leads to missed chances to refine targeting and messaging.
Tips to Avoid These Mistakes
Mistake How to Fix It
Overgeneralizing functions Segment by sub-function and seniority level
Ignoring context Tailor messaging by industry
Using stale data Regularly clean and update email lists
Generic content Personalize to job function pain points
Overlooking authority Research decision-making roles
Neglecting multi-channel Integrate email with LinkedIn, calls, content
Skipping testing A/B test by job function segment
Compliance lapses Verify data sources and consent
Ignoring timing Adjust frequency based on job function preferences
Underutilizing data Analyze metrics and optimize continuously