Don’t try to be too funny or clever or zany “to stand out” in your intro letter/emails...in fact, in this biz with so many cringey knuckleheads trying to prove they’re CREATIVE!! you’d probably stand out more by being straightforward and professional with a hint of your personality worked in (so you don’t come off as stiff)...because bottom line your work/book/writing should do your talking and proving you’re CREATIVE!! for you.
And always good to reference why you’re reaching out to THAT person or agency, too...not in a suckup way (you’re the most brilliant CD in the world and I wanna learn from you 🤮), but in a genuine way that shows you know their work and background.
✅ Mention something you like about the agency, could be a client, a campaign, the fact that they’re independent, etc. When you have experience beyond junior level, it’s even better if you can tie back what you like about them to something about your experience or skillset
✅ Look at the bullet points in the job description and directly address why you’re perfect for at least 2-3 of them.
✅ Once you’ve accomplished all the above, go back through and sprinkle in a tiiiiiny bit of personality
Don’t make a cover letter. If you’re gonna email, include a gif you made of your own art. Something to pull them in right away without thinking. Or link to the one project in your book that you’re most proud of. I don’t read cover letters but I’d pay attention to these suggestions
TBH you’re ,unfortunately, not likely going to get very far applying online. If you’re applying online make sure you understand how applicant tracking systems work (google it - read about it - watch the youtube videos).
To increase your chances join panels, find people who work at the places you want to work at and send them pithy linkedin messages asking them if they’d be willing to share their career story story with you - don’t ask for a job or even mention a job in your intro note. Basically - networking is really your best bet.
I have but haven’t had much luck with them. Most of the CW jobs I’ve found aren’t agency work and short term (which I’m not against). I’m open for freelance- or anything at this point just to get by. But I’m aiming for creative agency roles. Trying to get into a good place but am not in a place financially to be super picky.
Don’t try to be too funny or clever or zany “to stand out” in your intro letter/emails...in fact, in this biz with so many cringey knuckleheads trying to prove they’re CREATIVE!! you’d probably stand out more by being straightforward and professional with a hint of your personality worked in (so you don’t come off as stiff)...because bottom line your work/book/writing should do your talking and proving you’re CREATIVE!! for you.
And always good to reference why you’re reaching out to THAT person or agency, too...not in a suckup way (you’re the most brilliant CD in the world and I wanna learn from you 🤮), but in a genuine way that shows you know their work and background.
Ok thanks for feedback. Helps a lot. Been trying so many approaches
✅ Keep it short
✅ Mention something you like about the agency, could be a client, a campaign, the fact that they’re independent, etc. When you have experience beyond junior level, it’s even better if you can tie back what you like about them to something about your experience or skillset
✅ Look at the bullet points in the job description and directly address why you’re perfect for at least 2-3 of them.
✅ Once you’ve accomplished all the above, go back through and sprinkle in a tiiiiiny bit of personality
Ive never written a cover letter in my life. Let your work speak.
Chief
Don’t make a cover letter. If you’re gonna email, include a gif you made of your own art. Something to pull them in right away without thinking. Or link to the one project in your book that you’re most proud of. I don’t read cover letters but I’d pay attention to these suggestions
Rising Star
In the mean time if you can find any job even unrelated or ask local businesses if they need help with copy for their site / branding material etc.
Send a link to your book with a quick/concise not i.e. “reaching out”
They’re asked for most applications I see.
Rising Star
Show’s that you’re serious about the position and available for next steps.
I don’t send cover letters.
If you really want the job, find the hiring manager/recruiter and email directly. If that’s too tough to do, then you don’t want the job.
I don’t mean that disparagingly. I mean that genuinely, be creative.
TBH you’re ,unfortunately, not likely going to get very far applying online. If you’re applying online make sure you understand how applicant tracking systems work (google it - read about it - watch the youtube videos).
To increase your chances join panels, find people who work at the places you want to work at and send them pithy linkedin messages asking them if they’d be willing to share their career story story with you - don’t ask for a job or even mention a job in your intro note. Basically - networking is really your best bet.
I have but haven’t had much luck with them. Most of the CW jobs I’ve found aren’t agency work and short term (which I’m not against). I’m open for freelance- or anything at this point just to get by. But I’m aiming for creative agency roles. Trying to get into a good place but am not in a place financially to be super picky.
Still aiming high though. Always will.
Are cover letters still necessary in advertising these days? I didn’t have one for any of the jobs I’ve gotten at agencies.