So you’ve spent a good chunk of change on your MBA and are looking for a copywriting job. Congrats!
You’re in luck because we’ve got you covered. In this article, you’re going to learn 10 steps that can help you land your dream job as a copywriter.
1. Get Your Skills
If you’ve ever considered a career in copywriting, you might be wondering how you stack up against the competition. The good news is there’s no competition; everyone needs a copywriter. The more specific good news is that you can learn the necessary skills and get your foot in the door at a lot of places with very little to no experience.
That being said, you should absolutely be asking yourself questions about what you’re willing to learn and how you want to learn it. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to contribute to the field. Knowing when to stop banging your head against a wall and when to ask for help are two very important skills that can make or break your job search.
2. Network
Now that you have your foot in the door, it’s time to start networking. Word of mouth is still one of the most effective ways to get a job, and it’s also one of the easiest. The best thing about networking is that it not only gets you into the door, it also keeps it open. When you have a connection, it’s often easier to get a job than you’d believe. Getting the word out about you is a great way to not only find a job, but also an opportunity to advance within the company.
3. Join A Society
One of the best things you can do for your career is to join a society of writers. Not only will you be able to network with some great folks, you’ll also be able to get a lot of relevant information about the industry. When you’re in a position to join a writers’ society, do it. The information you’ll receive about the industry will help you land a job or advance within the company once you get one.
4. Customize Your Resume & Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are two important documents that can either land you a job or keep you from getting one. The former is going to be your first impression upon the reader, and the latter is going to be your argument as to why you’re a good fit for the job. To truly stand out among the competition, you need to take some time to personalize these two documents. A good resume and cover letter can make or break your job search, so take some time to make sure that each one is crafted perfectly.
5. Customize Your LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the professional’s social network. Not only do you have a digital resume that you can update with your new job, but you can also connect with your professional network. Customizing your LinkedIn profile is extremely important because it’s where your career is going to be found. Putting in the time to properly optimize your LinkedIn is worthy of its own skill, so take the time to do it right.
6. Build A Portfolio
With all of that said, having a portfolio is good too. Having a website or blog where you can display all of your work is extremely valuable. Not only will it show prospective employers that you can do the job, but it will also give them the opportunity to learn more about you and what you’re capable of. Plus, you can always update your site with new content when you have new writing assignments.
7. Get A Testimonial
There is no substitution for real-world experience, so get as much experience possible. The only way to truly prove yourself is by getting a testimonial from a previous employer. In addition to putting your foot in the door, getting a testimonial is also valuable in showing future employers what types of work you can do. You can do this by simply asking your current or previous employers to write a short testimonial about you.
8. Get Some Freelancing
Getting some freelance writing work done is a great way to not only prove yourself to potential employers, but also earn a little bit of money while you’re looking for a job. Instead of giving you a fixed salary, freelance writing can be a somewhat profitable venture. The key is finding the right clients and making sure you get the work done efficiently.
9. Attend Career Fairs & Interviews
Attending career fairs and interview sessions is valuable because it can get you into the door to a potential employer. Once you’re in the door, the rest is up to you. Going to interviews is only valuable in the sense that it can put you in touch with a prospective employer. It can’t get you the job, you have to make the first move.
10. Make A List Of Your Skills
You’ve got a few months before you start looking for a job, so it might be a good idea to make a list of your skills. This can be tricky because it depends on what you consider a skill. For example, if you consider your ability to analyze data a skill, then you should make a list of your analytical skills. If your ability to write clearly and concisely is a skill, then make a list of your writing skills.
This is important because it gives you a clear view of what you’re capable of, and it also makes it much easier to focus your search on organizations that are looking for people with certain skills. If you can’t think of any particular skills, then make a list of your work experience. This will include things like writing for a blog or newspaper, copywriting for a company website, or even editing. All of these are skills that you can learn and use to get a good foot in the door.
Hopefully, this article has given you the knowledge and inspiration you need to get your foot in the door and eventually find that dream job as a copywriter. Just remember to follow the steps and you’ll be set. Good luck out there.