99 How to get a job at an Ad Agency?, Its Work!
How to get a job at an Ad Agency? - The first and foremost criterion for getting a job at an ad agency is having tons of creativity. Advertising business is all about creativity; once the creative juices begin to flow the rewards are overwhelming. A good degree can take you places. Any course or a degree at a reputed university or an advertising school is a big advantage. People with fewer resources can utilize the Internet to maximum, as lots of material regarding advertising is available online, learning from the comfort of home. Having internship experience counts when trying in an ad agency. Internship provides ample exposure to the advertising industry and basic training can be skipped after getting a job. It is better to opt for an entry-level position as this makes your foundation in advertising very strong. Many successful people are known to have started from the bottom most position. This provides us with an opportunity to work outside the job zone assigned which helps to learn the tricks of the trade. Even if future doesn't look bright enough in the present institution this experience will certainly count when looking for a job elsewhere.
The resume is an important part of the job search and should reflect the creativity of the applicant. It should be amusing and at the same time professional too. Addressing a letter to the Creative Director of the company can be of good help. Find out thoroughly about him before writing a letter, which might also help in creating an impression during the interview. If the response is taking time don't hesitate to post another letter. Calls are usually not appreciated as most of the people at an ad agency are busy round the clock and professionals at a higher position have to deal with many projects at once.
Look out for people in your the network which can sometimes fetch opportunities through references. These networks can be a source of information about the seminars, educational workshops and local advertising clubs. Doing voluntary work for special events will be worth the effort because if the work is really eye catching it will be appreciated by the guests who visited the event and one of them can be a potential employer.
The resume is an important part of the job search and should reflect the creativity of the applicant. It should be amusing and at the same time professional too. Addressing a letter to the Creative Director of the company can be of good help. Find out thoroughly about him before writing a letter, which might also help in creating an impression during the interview. If the response is taking time don't hesitate to post another letter. Calls are usually not appreciated as most of the people at an ad agency are busy round the clock and professionals at a higher position have to deal with many projects at once.
Look out for people in your the network which can sometimes fetch opportunities through references. These networks can be a source of information about the seminars, educational workshops and local advertising clubs. Doing voluntary work for special events will be worth the effort because if the work is really eye catching it will be appreciated by the guests who visited the event and one of them can be a potential employer.
How to get a job at an Ad Agency?
If the big break seems real far its better to start freelancing rather than wasting time. Try creating original work and approach ad agencies and small business with your work. This can spice up the on-going job hunt. A graphic designer and a copywriter will have an advantage in this approach. If it's hard to get a start create spec ads. Spec ads are personal versions of a published ad. A little bit of twist can sometimes result in a better ad than the actual one. Even if it isn't this sure will bring you opportunities in small local businesses.
Start with businesses residing in your locality like the grocery store or the butcher's shop. Later on approach television and radio stations. They always have vacancies for commercial writers and need a helping hand to develop programs. Since the income is less in these type of jobs its easier for a beginner to get a job.
At the end of the day passion for work really counts. Sometime or the other there will be an employer who will have respect for true passion and creativity and all that energy will give you that much needed break and take you places.
Start with businesses residing in your locality like the grocery store or the butcher's shop. Later on approach television and radio stations. They always have vacancies for commercial writers and need a helping hand to develop programs. Since the income is less in these type of jobs its easier for a beginner to get a job.
At the end of the day passion for work really counts. Sometime or the other there will be an employer who will have respect for true passion and creativity and all that energy will give you that much needed break and take you places.
How Do I Get a Job in an Advertising Agency?
If you want to get a job in an advertising agency, you will need both a formal degree and experience so that you can show that you are a great candidate. Advertising is a competitive field that is challenging and exciting for the right type of individual. While it is a great field to work in, you will need to know how to get your first big break into an agency's doors before you get discouraged as you submit your applications. Many barriers exist in advertising for entry-level applicants and knowing how to break through these barriers will give you an advantage. Here are some ways to get a job with a reputable ad agency.
Break Into the Industry by Interning
Most advertising students are familiar with the fact that a degree in Marketing or Advertising will help them land a position. While a degree is important, a majority of applicants will have the same degree that you have. In addition to having a degree, it is important to consider completing an internship. Not only will an internship help you decide if advertising is right for you, it will help you get experience without ever being employed in the field. A majority of students who get their foot in the door by interning for an agency will be offered a permanent position if they prove themselves. Bite the bullet and intern so that you can land that position in an environment you are familiar with.
Apply for the Appropriate Positions
If you possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree, the idea of applying for a low paying entry-level position may not sound appealing. You may have some experience in advertising, but without years of experience most agencies will only hire you as an advertising assistant or an administrative professional to begin with. Take an entry-level position when it is offered to you through a Fortune 500 company. By working hard, you can work your way up to managing your own projects and becoming a creative member of a team.
Work on Your Own or Freelance
Advertising agencies want to evaluate your abilities. While some firms are willing to take a risk on you if you have the right personality, a majority of firms want to see work that you have done. A great way to build your portfolio to work in advertising is to work as a freelancer while you are in school or while you are looking for employment. Freelancers can work as copywriters, editors, content writers, graphic designers or even branding specialists. With a fair rate, you will have something to add to your portfolio to show off.
If freelancing does not interest you, you may want to consider doing SPEC Ads to build a portfolio and to show your talent. Spec Ads are a great way to show the direction that you would go with a current ad by pretending that you took the assignment and did the artwork. If you have something that is intriguing, you may be offered a job on the spot.
Working in advertising can be difficult, but with drive and persistence you can land a position. Consider these tips to get a job in an advertising agency and you will have much better chances of receiving an offer.
How to Work for an Advertising Agency
So, you've made the decision. You've measured the pros and cons, and you've come to the conclusion that a career in advertising is right for you. The next step is following through on that decision, but that can be a lot harder than it sounds. Back in the fifties and sixties, it was relatively easy to get a job at a good agency and work your way up through the ranks quickly, if you had the talent. But these days, the competition is intense.
There are schools devoted to producing highly-skilled art directors, copywriters, and account teams. There are graduates out there who have portfolios more polished than those of agency veterans. And agencies are inundated with hundreds of applications from around the country, and the world, for one or two open positions. So, how are you going to get in? What's your game plan?
Here are 10 ways to get your foot in the door. Of course, you will have to have a body of work that appeals to the agency you're applying to, and the fortitude to keep on trying after every rejection (and there will be a lot). But, if you have the passion, and the staying power, you can do it.
Intern at an Agency
For an ad agency, an intern is a win-win situation. Most of the time, interns are working for free, or minimum wage, yet they will be doing work that can generate large sums of money for the agency. Not only that, but it's also a very easy way to test-drive potential employees, and grab the talented ones before another agency can scoop them up.
So, if you have the opportunity to intern at a good shop, jump on it. Interning will help you get an "in" to the agency, but you'll also be able to work in various areas you wouldn't otherwise. Speak up and let the agency know you're eager and willing to learn to get the most out of your internship. The experience you gain as an intern is invaluable and could lead to a permanent position. At the very least, you'll get some great work for your portfolio, and the kind of hands-on experience you cannot get anywhere else.
Take an Entry Level Position
If you can't get a great job at an agency, just get a job. Period. Many people have successfully started their career in advertising by taking ANY job in an agency, and then working their way up. Don't be afraid to work outside of your job description. Get in there and learn everything you can. If you're unable to move up within that particular agency, you can still use that experience to get you a job somewhere else.
Some people say that you will be looked upon as that employee who is only good enough for the mailroom, or the assistant to the building supervisor. Nonsense. If you have the skill, you will find a way to showcase it. Get friendly with the people who work in the departments you want to work with. Show them your ideas. Get under their skin. If an agency can hire someone who was homeless (that actually happened), they can hire from their own ranks.
Do Freelance Work
If you're interested in being a copywriter or graphic designer, consider freelancing as a way to get into the business. Coming up with your own rates, your own campaign to advertise yourself, and approaching small businesses (and even agencies) are all tools you can use in your agency job hunt. You should have an online portfolio ready to go and be available to network like crazy.
This is not only a great way to do a lot of networking, and build a portfolio of legitimate published work, but it gives you a wide range of projects and campaigns to hone your skills. One day you're working on ice cream, the next on credit cards or vitamins. And you get real discipline, real quick.
Create Spec Ads
SPEC ADS take two forms. First, they can simply be your version, or recreation, of a published ad. You might think that you can do better than a major automaker's print ads running in your favorite magazine. Or your local barber shop's newspaper ads might need some reworking.
So, you do it again, but better. You can also do something completely off the wall, for products and brands that don't even exist. The purpose of spec work is to show your creativity, and how you solve problems. If your spec ad is good enough, it could go viral. When it hits thousands (or even millions) of views, either on YouTube, Tumblr, or some other format, the ad agencies will take notice.
Contact Radio and Television Stations
Many radio and TV stations have employees who specifically write commercials. They may also produce certain types of shows for the station. This is a great opportunity for you to get started in the business. Since most radio and TV stations don't pay very much for these types of positions, there's both a high turnover and an opportunity for people with little or no experience to break into the field.
Unfortunately, a lot of the work done here is not going to be rewarding, creatively or strategically. The ads are formulaic, and the clients usually like them that way. Basically, it's a patronizing scenario that spells out the benefit of the product or service, followed by multiple reads of the phone number or website. However, you may make some great contacts here that can lead to bigger and better opportunities.
Get an Advertising Education
Getting an education in advertising doesn't just apply to college students. If you're serious about working in an agency, you can learn a lot by taking a course. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to pack up and move to your closest advertising school.
The Internet has given so many people the opportunity to learn about advertising and what it takes to make it in the business from the comfort of their own home. If you're currently employed in a different field of work, consider night classes or online lessons that can be done on a flexible schedule.
Introduce Yourself to Key People
If you're looking for a position on the creative side of advertising, send an email or write a letter to the Creative Director. Introduce yourself in a friendly, professional tone and give a brief bio. You may even go as far as creating your own social media campaign, or viral video.
Be sure you find out who the Creative Director is and not just address your letter: "To Whom It May Concern." You want to approach this person just as you would a friend so get their name and the spelling right. You can follow up in a few weeks with an additional letter or you can give the Creative Director a call. Just don't cold call them first. Anyone in an agency is going to be busy and especially someone in a management position who is juggling many projects at once.
Network, Network, Network
This is one of those businesses that live by the rule, "it's not just what you know, it's WHO you know." Sometimes, all that separates two very talented people is an association with someone in the agency. Don't be the one left behind because you don't know the right people.
Look for opportunities to meet with people in your area that are actively working in the industry. Many cities have local advertising clubs that sponsor special events, educational seminars, and professional workshops. Get out there and meet the people who could be your next potential employer.
Try Working In Sales or PR
It's not exactly the same. There's a big difference between advertising and sales, but being an account executive at a car dealership, for example, can help you bridge the gap between no experience and working in an agency. It's also a good way to meet people, improve your selling techniques, and find out your own strengths and weaknesses.
PR and advertising are much more closely related, but again, they're not the same. However, there is a lot of crossover here, and if you find a good, creative PR agency, you can be doing some very fulfilling and award-worthy work.
Be Genuinely Enthusiastic
Are you passionate about working in advertising? Really passionate? Are you a hard worker that's willing to commit to the job, even when that means you're working well past the typical 9-5?
These are just some of the questions you have to really evaluate if you want to pursue a career in advertising. If you can honestly say, "Yes, absolutely," then you need to convey that to a potential employer. Even in this day and age of hustle and bustle, employers are excited to see someone with genuine passion and enthusiasm.
There's a reason they got into the field and your energy is a reminder of that. People with a lot of experience have been beaten out of the job by someone with less experience but a lot of heart. Personality goes a long way.
So, you've made the decision. You've measured the pros and cons, and you've come to the conclusion that a career in advertising is right for you. The next step is following through on that decision, but that can be a lot harder than it sounds. Back in the fifties and sixties, it was relatively easy to get a job at a good agency and work your way up through the ranks quickly, if you had the talent. But these days, the competition is intense.
There are schools devoted to producing highly-skilled art directors, copywriters, and account teams. There are graduates out there who have portfolios more polished than those of agency veterans. And agencies are inundated with hundreds of applications from around the country, and the world, for one or two open positions. So, how are you going to get in? What's your game plan?
Here are 10 ways to get your foot in the door. Of course, you will have to have a body of work that appeals to the agency you're applying to, and the fortitude to keep on trying after every rejection (and there will be a lot). But, if you have the passion, and the staying power, you can do it.
Intern at an Agency
For an ad agency, an intern is a win-win situation. Most of the time, interns are working for free, or minimum wage, yet they will be doing work that can generate large sums of money for the agency. Not only that, but it's also a very easy way to test-drive potential employees, and grab the talented ones before another agency can scoop them up.
So, if you have the opportunity to intern at a good shop, jump on it. Interning will help you get an "in" to the agency, but you'll also be able to work in various areas you wouldn't otherwise. Speak up and let the agency know you're eager and willing to learn to get the most out of your internship. The experience you gain as an intern is invaluable and could lead to a permanent position. At the very least, you'll get some great work for your portfolio, and the kind of hands-on experience you cannot get anywhere else.
Take an Entry Level Position
If you can't get a great job at an agency, just get a job. Period. Many people have successfully started their career in advertising by taking ANY job in an agency, and then working their way up. Don't be afraid to work outside of your job description. Get in there and learn everything you can. If you're unable to move up within that particular agency, you can still use that experience to get you a job somewhere else.
Some people say that you will be looked upon as that employee who is only good enough for the mailroom, or the assistant to the building supervisor. Nonsense. If you have the skill, you will find a way to showcase it. Get friendly with the people who work in the departments you want to work with. Show them your ideas. Get under their skin. If an agency can hire someone who was homeless (that actually happened), they can hire from their own ranks.
Do Freelance Work
If you're interested in being a copywriter or graphic designer, consider freelancing as a way to get into the business. Coming up with your own rates, your own campaign to advertise yourself, and approaching small businesses (and even agencies) are all tools you can use in your agency job hunt. You should have an online portfolio ready to go and be available to network like crazy.
This is not only a great way to do a lot of networking, and build a portfolio of legitimate published work, but it gives you a wide range of projects and campaigns to hone your skills. One day you're working on ice cream, the next on credit cards or vitamins. And you get real discipline, real quick.
Create Spec Ads
SPEC ADS take two forms. First, they can simply be your version, or recreation, of a published ad. You might think that you can do better than a major automaker's print ads running in your favorite magazine. Or your local barber shop's newspaper ads might need some reworking.
So, you do it again, but better. You can also do something completely off the wall, for products and brands that don't even exist. The purpose of spec work is to show your creativity, and how you solve problems. If your spec ad is good enough, it could go viral. When it hits thousands (or even millions) of views, either on YouTube, Tumblr, or some other format, the ad agencies will take notice.
Contact Radio and Television Stations
Many radio and TV stations have employees who specifically write commercials. They may also produce certain types of shows for the station. This is a great opportunity for you to get started in the business. Since most radio and TV stations don't pay very much for these types of positions, there's both a high turnover and an opportunity for people with little or no experience to break into the field.
Unfortunately, a lot of the work done here is not going to be rewarding, creatively or strategically. The ads are formulaic, and the clients usually like them that way. Basically, it's a patronizing scenario that spells out the benefit of the product or service, followed by multiple reads of the phone number or website. However, you may make some great contacts here that can lead to bigger and better opportunities.
Get an Advertising Education
Getting an education in advertising doesn't just apply to college students. If you're serious about working in an agency, you can learn a lot by taking a course. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to pack up and move to your closest advertising school.
The Internet has given so many people the opportunity to learn about advertising and what it takes to make it in the business from the comfort of their own home. If you're currently employed in a different field of work, consider night classes or online lessons that can be done on a flexible schedule.
Introduce Yourself to Key People
If you're looking for a position on the creative side of advertising, send an email or write a letter to the Creative Director. Introduce yourself in a friendly, professional tone and give a brief bio. You may even go as far as creating your own social media campaign, or viral video.
Be sure you find out who the Creative Director is and not just address your letter: "To Whom It May Concern." You want to approach this person just as you would a friend so get their name and the spelling right. You can follow up in a few weeks with an additional letter or you can give the Creative Director a call. Just don't cold call them first. Anyone in an agency is going to be busy and especially someone in a management position who is juggling many projects at once.
Network, Network, Network
This is one of those businesses that live by the rule, "it's not just what you know, it's WHO you know." Sometimes, all that separates two very talented people is an association with someone in the agency. Don't be the one left behind because you don't know the right people.
Look for opportunities to meet with people in your area that are actively working in the industry. Many cities have local advertising clubs that sponsor special events, educational seminars, and professional workshops. Get out there and meet the people who could be your next potential employer.
Try Working In Sales or PR
It's not exactly the same. There's a big difference between advertising and sales, but being an account executive at a car dealership, for example, can help you bridge the gap between no experience and working in an agency. It's also a good way to meet people, improve your selling techniques, and find out your own strengths and weaknesses.
PR and advertising are much more closely related, but again, they're not the same. However, there is a lot of crossover here, and if you find a good, creative PR agency, you can be doing some very fulfilling and award-worthy work.
Be Genuinely Enthusiastic
Are you passionate about working in advertising? Really passionate? Are you a hard worker that's willing to commit to the job, even when that means you're working well past the typical 9-5?
These are just some of the questions you have to really evaluate if you want to pursue a career in advertising. If you can honestly say, "Yes, absolutely," then you need to convey that to a potential employer. Even in this day and age of hustle and bustle, employers are excited to see someone with genuine passion and enthusiasm.
There's a reason they got into the field and your energy is a reminder of that. People with a lot of experience have been beaten out of the job by someone with less experience but a lot of heart. Personality goes a long way.
Tips for Landing Your First Job at an Advertising Agency – Adweek
You've sent your resume to every agency you could possibly think of, or at least all the ones you really want to work at. And maybe you've scored a few interviews. So what happens next, and how do you make sure you're prepared for your first interviews right out of college?
Leslie Kay and Hillary Black, co-founders of talent management firm Kay & Black, told Adweek that while schools are teaching students how to create great work, graduates are not prepared to showcase that work in a portfolio or interview.
"Candidates need to know how to present themselves, how to sell themselves but be humble, and how to go on an interview," Kay said.
Adweek spoke with agency recruiters and talent managers and gathered these nine tips for recent grads starting their job hunt:
1. Perfect your portfolio
If you're applying for an agency job that requires a portfolio—attention graphic designers, copywriters and art directors—Kay and Black said to be picky about the work you include.
"Show your best work, and don't fill your book up to fill it up," Kay said, stressing the need to choose a range of work (not just work for car brands or beer companies) and be able to speak thoughtfully about each piece in your book.
2. Leverage your contacts
KBS head of talent Angela Renfroe suggests taking a look at your LinkedIn contacts and searching for mutual connections. Tap into your school's alumni database, too. See if any grads from your school work at the agencies you're applying for, and get in touch with them. Set up a phone call or coffee meeting if you're in the same area to get a better sense of the agency and what it's like to work there.
3. Research, research, research
Before you go into your first interview, Black said, do some research on the person or people you'll be meeting with. And make sure you know basic information about the agency you're heading to, from its client roster to key players at the shop. Being up-to-date on business wins and losses is also key.
"Don't start talking about your favorite campaign that the agency did for a client they just lost and were the incumbent for 80 years," Black said.
Knowing an agency's current client roster and recent work is important going into an interview, said Sedef Onar, chief talent officer at 72andSunny. But she looks for candidates who go beyond the company website to prepare.
"I'm more interested in the candidate demonstrating how they can make a contribution to the company," she said. "It shows a way of thinking that [demonstrates] how you approach what you do. How do you apply everything you've learned so far into this most important thing in your life at that moment, which is that you want to get a job?"
4. Know your audience
Anyone who knows even a little about the advertising industry knows it's a relatively laid-back environment, so keep that in mind when it comes to attire, Renfroe said. She suggested business casual without flashy jewelry, and no strong perfume or cologne.
However, each agency has its own culture, so if you're unsure of what to wear, all it takes is a quick phone call or email to your contact at the agency. "Just don't wear flip-flops," Onar said.
5. Ask questions
BBH manager of talent Kelly Lane stressed the importance of asking questions during your interview. Having no questions shows a general lack of interest in the agency and the position you're applying for, Lane said.
It's best to come prepared with a set of insightful questions. Lane suggested asking something along the lines of, "What makes someone successful here?" or "What attributes do I need to be successful at BBH?"
Don't ask about happy hours, summer Fridays and vacation days, she said. Instead, ask about opportunities for growth, why your interviewers decided to work at the agency and what some of their greatest challenges have been at the shop.
Leslie Kay and Hillary Black, co-founders of talent management firm Kay & Black, told Adweek that while schools are teaching students how to create great work, graduates are not prepared to showcase that work in a portfolio or interview.
"Candidates need to know how to present themselves, how to sell themselves but be humble, and how to go on an interview," Kay said.
Adweek spoke with agency recruiters and talent managers and gathered these nine tips for recent grads starting their job hunt:
1. Perfect your portfolio
If you're applying for an agency job that requires a portfolio—attention graphic designers, copywriters and art directors—Kay and Black said to be picky about the work you include.
"Show your best work, and don't fill your book up to fill it up," Kay said, stressing the need to choose a range of work (not just work for car brands or beer companies) and be able to speak thoughtfully about each piece in your book.
2. Leverage your contacts
KBS head of talent Angela Renfroe suggests taking a look at your LinkedIn contacts and searching for mutual connections. Tap into your school's alumni database, too. See if any grads from your school work at the agencies you're applying for, and get in touch with them. Set up a phone call or coffee meeting if you're in the same area to get a better sense of the agency and what it's like to work there.
3. Research, research, research
Before you go into your first interview, Black said, do some research on the person or people you'll be meeting with. And make sure you know basic information about the agency you're heading to, from its client roster to key players at the shop. Being up-to-date on business wins and losses is also key.
"Don't start talking about your favorite campaign that the agency did for a client they just lost and were the incumbent for 80 years," Black said.
Knowing an agency's current client roster and recent work is important going into an interview, said Sedef Onar, chief talent officer at 72andSunny. But she looks for candidates who go beyond the company website to prepare.
"I'm more interested in the candidate demonstrating how they can make a contribution to the company," she said. "It shows a way of thinking that [demonstrates] how you approach what you do. How do you apply everything you've learned so far into this most important thing in your life at that moment, which is that you want to get a job?"
4. Know your audience
Anyone who knows even a little about the advertising industry knows it's a relatively laid-back environment, so keep that in mind when it comes to attire, Renfroe said. She suggested business casual without flashy jewelry, and no strong perfume or cologne.
However, each agency has its own culture, so if you're unsure of what to wear, all it takes is a quick phone call or email to your contact at the agency. "Just don't wear flip-flops," Onar said.
5. Ask questions
BBH manager of talent Kelly Lane stressed the importance of asking questions during your interview. Having no questions shows a general lack of interest in the agency and the position you're applying for, Lane said.
It's best to come prepared with a set of insightful questions. Lane suggested asking something along the lines of, "What makes someone successful here?" or "What attributes do I need to be successful at BBH?"
Don't ask about happy hours, summer Fridays and vacation days, she said. Instead, ask about opportunities for growth, why your interviewers decided to work at the agency and what some of their greatest challenges have been at the shop.
10 Tips To Get A Job At An Ad Agency
There are some obvious and not so obvious things you can do to get a leg up on the competition when you are searching for a new job in an advertising agency. I've pulled together some of the most important tips and insights for your reading pleasure.
Make a serious effort with each application. Tailor your cover letter and resume to match the role that you are applying for.
1. KNOW THE AGENCY'S WORK
There's a certain amount of sleuthing that you should undertake before sitting down to your first interview. Research the agency that you'll be interviewing at. Who are their clients? What sort of work has the agency done? Have they won awards? Which ones and when? Knowing this will show that you are interested, informed, and passionate – it could also quite possibly give you a leg-up on the competition.
2. TAILOR EACH COVER LETTER & RESUME
Make a serious effort with each application. Tailor your cover letter and resume to match the role that you are applying for. Use the agency's name in your cover letter body copy. Tell them why you want to work for them, what you like about the agency, and why you feel you would be the perfect fit. Be sure to include relevant experience on your resume, and get rid of any superfluous content that doesn't apply.
3. HAVE AN UP-TO-DATE PORTFOLIO ONLINE
Jennifer Kim, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Blast Radius, Toronto shares this advice for those applying for a creative role:
"A portfolio will speak volumes over anything else. It will showcase your abilities infinitely better than just a resume or CV alone. When we hire for any creative position, we always ask for a link to a candidate's online portfolio. If you want a job in digital, you need to know digital. If you are just starting out and don't have much work experience, even a portfolio which showcases personal projects/work is a good way to show off your potential. Just make sure you don't put work that you are not proud of or work that doesn't showcase your skills in the best light just to fill your portfolio… better to have a portfolio with a few pieces of great work, rather than a portfolio filled with mediocre work."
4. CLEAN UP YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACT
It's 2012. Don't be surprised if the first thing people do is Google you when you apply for a job. If there are photos of you dressed in some freaky Halloween costume, after one too many beer bong hits scattered all over the internet, it might be time to clean up your social media act.
GOOGLE: Find out what shows up when someone Googles you. Have your friends do a search for you as well because Google tailors results based on your previous searches.
FACEBOOK: Update your Facebook security settings. Only share things with your approved friends list, and never post anything that you wouldn't want your mom to see.
TWITTER: Don't tweet anything that could come back to haunt you. If you can't control your potty mouth, then lock your account and only allow approved people to follow you.
LINKEDIN: Every day, thousands of recruiters and HR professionals cruise LinkedIn, looking for potential candidates. If your page isn't updated, professional and accessible, you could be missing out. Fill in all of your experience, request endorsements from colleagues, and keep it current.
5. APPLY. APPLY. APPLY.
Don't rely on trying to find somebody who knows somebody to get you an "in". You need to take the first step and submit your application according to the agency's process. Go online, fill out an application, or submit your resume and links to your portfolio. Get into their system, and then you can start working your contacts and your networks.
6. GO WHERE THE JOBS ARE
If you live in a province or town that doesn't have a lot of advertising agencies, you might have to consider moving. The greater the number of agencies, the greater the number of job openings. Having variety will also lend itself to the ability to pick and choose, instead of desperately scramble for a job.
7. VOLUNTEER
In most cities where there are advertising agencies, there are advertising associations. Find your local association and offer to volunteer. See what sort of programs they have and find something that interests you. Volunteering will help you to make new connections and expand your industry social circle.
8. NETWORK
Research and attend any industry networking events. Bookmark the local associations, find the Meet Ups, join the Facebook pages, follow industry Twitter accounts, and watch your social calendar fill up. Meet as many people as you can.
9. SCHEDULE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
Schedule "Informational Interviews" with people you meet while networking – or request them from various advertising agencies. Remember, they are not job interviews, but rather an opportunity to speak to professionals in the field to help determine which companies or work environment is the right fit for you.
10. BE PASSIONATE
Do you love what you do? Then show it! Start a blog, share your creative inspirations on Twitter, sign-up for industry publications, attend advertising events, and don't ever give up on finding your dream job.
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