Finding a job in the advertising industry: taking the crucial steps

Finding a new job in the advertising industry can be an uphill struggle, whether you're desperate to find a new place of work or you're simply keen to make a step upwards on the career ladder. After all, not only will you have to think about which advertising agencies will best suit your work ethic, you'll likely have to consider the possibility of relocating to another town or country - something that could instigate domestic disharmony if you've got a family. Of course, you'll also have to think of that all-important factor: your salary. Are you looking for a big pay rise with your new advertising job or would you settle for just a small change in order to find a position that'll make you happy?

But whatever direction you're hoping to go in when searching for a new job in advertising, there's one thing that will be central to making your dreams a reality: your CV. The importance of having a water-tight resume cannot be underestimated, whether you've just graduated from university and you're hoping to get a break in the advertising world or you've been in advertising for decades and have your heart set on a shiny executive office.

For instance, if you're one of over a hundred candidates that have applied for a post at a particular company, it's your CV that will make the first - and ever so important - impression. Make sure that your CV is no longer than is necessary, and tailor-make it to each job for which you apply. That way, any relevant skills and past work experience that appeal to the company you hope to work for will shine out amidst any other, less applicable qualifications you might possess.

No CV, however, is worth its salt without an adequate covering letter. A covering letter allows you to pick and choose the best bits of your CV and bring them to your prospective employer's attention before they've had a chance to look at it. However, before writing your covering letter, ensure that you're fully aware of the details of the job you're applying for.

If you're applying for a position as an advertising copywriter, for example, ensure you highlight the sections of your CV that are most relevant to copywriting and researching. Alternatively, if you're looking for account management jobs in the advertising sector, ensure that you highlight any transferable skills that you have gleaned from past work positions. An advertising account manager can be expected to take on a range of jobs, from compiling budgets to delivering presentations to clients, so making you capabilities clear on your covering letter for this sort of job is especially important.

Ultimately, if you're granted an interview for a new job, make sure you remember what you've written on your CV and covering letter. Your interviewers are bound to quiz you on the finest details so make sure you're ready to bolster - and, if necessary, defend - your achievements to date. In a hugely competitive industry like advertising, making sure you get it right the first time is particularly vital - so don't let yourself down!

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.