A job in advertising can seem highly desirable, but somewhat of a Catch-22; you need to have a connection to start with and then prove your worth to the rest of the team once you’re in. Getting to this point usually involves some trial and error, as well as a bit of creative networking. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps that you can take to become a copywriter at an advertising agency.
Find A Way In
Advertising agencies are looking for people with relevant training who can hit the ground running; you’ll have to prove your mettle early on with some sample copy before you can start pitching in to the creative teams. If you want to break into this field, you’ll need to establish yourself as a specialist in copywriting through relevant training or education. There are plenty of options available to you; from short-term courses that you can take to long-term educational opportunities that will fully equip you for the job.
Start A Blog
Blogs are a fantastic tool for gaining experience and establishing yourself as an expert in your field; when you combine the ability to blog with your specialist knowledge, you can prove to the industry that you’re the perfect candidate for a role in advertising.
If you’ve got a compelling voice and take the time to develop your personal brand, you can attract and engage with potential employers alike. If you’re looking to learn more, the best place to start is with WordPress; the most popular blogging platform. With WordPress, you don’t need to be a tech whiz to start a blog. Instead, you can simply sign up with a simple Google account and get to work creating and maintaining your blog. You can use free tools like WordPress to build a professional-looking blog in no time at all.
Apply For Jobs
Once you’ve created a blog, it’s time to start applying for jobs! Even though you may have experience, you’ll need to prove it to potential employers. One way to do this is through online applications. Create a new Google document and start entering in your qualifications. Be as specific as possible and ensure that you apply for the jobs that you are interested in.
In your application, highlight any previous experience that you have in a professional manner. Mention any relevant training courses that you’ve completed and include any examples of writing that you’ve produced.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your resume will be judged by a potential employer against the rest of the applications for the position. So, make sure that your resume is stand out compared to other candidates. To achieve this, make sure that you’re using the right keywords, highlighting your skills and qualifications in an effective manner, and ensure that your resume is free of grammatical errors.
Get A Publisher
Now that you have experience in writing, it’s time to establish yourself as a talent and gain the confidence of potential employers. One way to do this is to get a publisher. A publisher will look at your blog and decide whether or not to present it to an editor for consideration. Once your content is accepted, you’ll be presented with the option to ask for a pay raise or to prove your value through additional freelance work. Getting a publisher is a fantastic way to gain experience and prove your skills to prospective employers. Just make sure that you negotiate a good contract and don’t fall into any unwanted surprises once you’ve agreed to terms.
Follow The Editorial Process
Once you’ve been accepted into an editorial department at an advertising agency, it’s time to follow the editorial process. This begins with a brief from a creative director or senior manager. This could contain all of the necessary information for a compelling pitch or it could be a draft of an idea that needs some polishing. Either way, you’ll need to take the time to follow the instructions and provide the best possible solution.
The editorial process continues with a rewrite. At this stage, you’ll provide a polished copy that is ready to be published. Check for any errors in regards to language, punctuation, and spelling. Once you’re happy with the clean copy, run it by a native speaker for verification. This step is important because the content will be judged on whether or not it is relatable to the intended audience. If you want to prove your value as a copywriter, show the editorial team that you can take a brief idea and turn it into a compelling piece. Remember to write in a way that is easy for the reader to understand and relate to.
Network
Now that you have a good number of publications under your belt, it’s time to start networking. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential employer and consider what you’ll need to prove yourself. Where can you network to get the best opportunity to prove yourself? Start by considering your connections and who you know; make a list of some of your closest friends and acquaintances in the industry. Consider anyone who might be able to give you a leg up in your quest for employment.
From here, you can expand and explore your network further. Consider any contact that you’ve had in the past who could be a potential resource for further employment opportunities. If you’re looking for a recommendation, ask for one. With a positive and willing recommendation from someone you trust, you can begin to navigate the job search process with confidence.
Getting to this point usually involves some creative networking, as well as the willingness to learn and improve yourself. With a little bit of luck, hard work, and a willing attitude, you can prove to the world that you’re the best candidate for the job. Good luck out there.