how to get a job in advertising (conclusion)

Luke Sullivan says you do NOT need your first job in the agency business to be at some creative powerhouse. What you need first and foremost is to get a job where you can - and start working on adding good work to your book.

I disagree. (I started my ad career at a crappy agency and it took me years to climb out of that hole.)

The three examples I'm sharing today demonstrate that old saw, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." The first one is for all the art directors who write better than their partners...

LLOYD WOLFE'S BODY COPY: I'm an art director and I wrote most of the headlines in my book. That's not the way advertising is supposed to work. (Imagine if copywriters did all the layouts.) I'm looking for a place where I can work with good writers and do great work. If I were working with a good writer right now, he'd probably know how to end this.

Inspiration for those who are stuck in an account-driven shop... 

OUTSIDE: Whoever said you can't do creative work at a Chicago agency? 

INSIDE: I, for instance, have the chance every couple of weeks. VISUAL: Timesheet. 

Finally, some food for thought for anyone who wants to switch careers...

HEADLINE: Lee Clow thought my work was terrific. Phil Dusenberry wanted to see my ideas for Pepsi. Bill Westbrook told me I was the best he'd seen in years. Tom McElligott said I was destined for greatness. Jay Chiat was so impressed he offered me a job on the spot. Of course, I was in Account Management at the time.

BODY COPY: Chiat/Day, BBDO, Earle Palmer Brown. Even for a suit, they were great places to learn to write. And now that I'm writing, I'd like to show you what I've learned. Kevin Roddy, Copywriter.

how to get a job in advertising (part 2)

Once you've identified the ad agencies you'd "give anything to work for" (Step 1 in yesterday's post), find a memorable way to express that feeling.

BODY COPY AS SEEN THROUGH MY LOUPE: Okay, part of me wants to go to Fallon. But an even bigger part of me wants to be at Chiat. So if you'd like to see my work, give me a call and I'll be happy to hop right over. Mark Slatko, Copywriter

Before Jelly Helm was famous, he was sending prospective employers mailers like this.

One week after I hand-delivered this to Ron Anderson (the godfather of Minneapolis advertising), he offered me a job. 

Remember, you're not the only person looking for a job. Which is precisely the reason you have to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack.

Tomorrow: Just a few more examples to help inspire you.

how to get a job in advertising

I'm not looking for a job in advertising, but if I were, here's how I'd go about it:

1. Make a list of the top three (or five or ten) companies I want to work for;
2. Create a separate resume and cover letter for each;
3. Send;
4. Follow-up.

Assuming you've successfully completed the first three steps, here's what you should know about step 4: Do not call -- I repeat -- DO NOT CALL the prospective employer and say, "I sent you my resume. I'm calling to ask if you received it." (It's a waste of your time and theirs.)

Instead, consider doing something unexpected. Something unconventional that will help set you apart from all other job hunters.

"Like what?," you might ask. To which I'd reply, "Something like this."

Yes, she landed a copywriter job.

Art director’s mailer to Chiat/Day.

One frustrated copywriter’s approach.

Tomorrow, three more examples to help inspire you.