Intern for Experience
Interning is an excellent way to gain valuable experience and to get your foot in the door with an ad agency.
You will make key contacts you can use to get a job but you may not need them right away if the agency
offers you a permanent full-time position when your internship is complete.
You want to make sure you get the most out of your internship. Don't be a wallflower. This is your time to help others, learn the business and get your hands on anything the agency will let you help with.
Create Samples to Show to Potential Employers
Writing or design samples are crucial if you want a job as a copywriter or graphic designer. But if you're just starting out,
chances are you don't have anything to show a potential employer. Speculative ads, better known as SPEC ADS, are just what you
need to show your ability to do the job. SPEC ADS give you instant writing samples you can use to show a potential employer your writing voice or your design style.
Prepare Your Portfolio
When you're called for an interview, you need to be prepared. Put those SPEC ADS or other samples of your work in your portfolio before the phone rings.
Getting your portfolio ready ahead of time means you're ready to go even if the potential employer needs to meet with you within the next hour because he's getting on a plane to Tahiti at 4 p.m. And if you've researched your potential employer's needs beforehand, you can change your portfolio to adapt to the company's specific needs to make you really stand out from the large pile of resumes sitting on the desk.
Land the Interview
Now that you've decided what type of advertising career interests you the most, you're ready to line up those interviews. Be realistic. Be persistent. Be honest. These are the basics to follow when looking for a job but there are other ways to increase your chances of being noticed when you apply for the position so you can be sure to land the interview.
Go Get That Job
Now that you've made it to this step, you're more prepared than most people who want a career in advertising. There are a number of opportunities out there for you so go get that job in advertising.