What’s the fastest way to get a foot in the door at an ad agency? I’ve spent a lot of time studying copywriting and I’ve done some (not much) low stakes freelancing. I’ve been working in the service industry for a few years and it’s killing me. I need to get out.

The obvious answer is “have a good portfolio, know the right people.” But I’m hoping someone might have more substantial insight. What sort of spec can I do to stand out? Are there social events I can crash?

likehelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

It's tough right now at almost every level. Even for people with the right folio and the awards you dream of, so have that in mind: it's not just you. That said, can you come up with ideas that get you some kind of press? A friend of mine, 7-8 years ago, bought all the media in a tube station for a day and filled it with cat pictures. That's worth an article at least. And WK thought it was worth an internship that got her hired in the end.

likeuplifting

She founded a small agency about 4 years ago and she's hired people even. I assume so.

Post Photo
likesmart

I deeply respect her opinion. When I saw this post on LI, I thought “uh-oh, maybe it really is that bad.”

Simple. Smart. Super cheap.
https://www.npr.org/2010/06/08/127564512/for-the-love-of-google-landing-a-job-with-search

likesmart

I have a cool self promotion idea that would turn heads, but I never executed it because I don’t need it. You can have it for the right price 😉

likefunny
Post Photo
funnylike

The best days of this industry are well behind us. I would encourage you to look to join VC-backed clients.

like

Do some of the student / young professionals awards briefs and win, go to Portfolio Night and other portfolio reviews (and make the portfolio changes / follow the advice of the people you want to be hired by), familiarize yourself with the best entry level portfolios and ask yourself genuinely if yours is comparable (VCU brandcenter and some other ad schools have their recent grads’ books online), same with junior portfolios at agencies you admire, reach out to creatives you admire for portfolio feedback, connect with them on LinkedIn, once you’re sure your projects are good post them occasionally on LinkedIn

like

Thank you!

like

Be the client.

like

Internship, contract work or personal contacts are the best to get you in the door from my experience.

like

Be related to a large client. 😉

like

Network with creatives. Find, reach out to, and get referred to, recruiters.

like

I think it helps to contact people on LinkedIn for informational interviews. You never know where it might lead. And you could start off at a smaller agency first and work your way to others.

Related Posts

What’s the salary band variation for strategists between health and non-health agencies?

like

Hi I’m in the interview process at PayPal and negotiating salary. The position is a Manager L 25 in Reg Reporting and I’m trying to figure out a range for Florida but can’t find much at all. Any guidance would be very appreciated

like

I have offers from,
Infosys 9.4L + 1L Joining Bonus,
IBM 11L + 1L Joining Bonus,
Oracle(OFSS) 12.5 + 75k Joining Bonus,
UST 13.5 + 1L Joining Bonus and
Cognizant 14.5L + 1L Joining Bonus

I'm a Java FSD, My Exp is 3.3 years and my CCTC is 4.6L + 80k variable

All the above are fixed pay, please guide me to pick the best company in terms of knowledge, career benefits, and all. And please advise, and can I negotiate between these companies with the highest offer?

like

Hi All, Can some one please refer me in Deloitte. I have the Requisition code. Deloitte Deloitte India

Thank you

like

Anyone gave interview for manual test in IHS Markit IHS Markit

Please help with the interview questions IHS Markit IHS Markit

Any infrastructure Automation Engineers from Snowflake Inc. . here? Have a scheduled interview and would like to know your experience.

like

Has anyone tried AdvisoryCloud ?? Is it worth it ??

like

Anyone have any recs for good online/virtual book clubs?

like

Article 13 passed, time to close the Europe meme bowl! 🤣

likefunny

Me reappearing in coworkers lives when it’s time to find a new engagement:

Post Photo
likefunny

I am working as data engineer at Accenture with 2 YOE with ctc of 11LPA. After clearing all the technical rounds at Impetus technologies, tomorrow I have my HR discussion. She told she can't give more than 16 LPA. What should i do? How much should i ask? I am expecting somewhere around 19-20 LPA. Can anyone pls help. Accenture Impetus technologies inc

like

Do you keep your clearance if you quit your organization?

like

Is it wise to switch from testing background to Salesforce after 10 years of IT experience? If so should I start as an admin?

like

What’s your gender, age, & city? After dropping your info, respond to others in your area

like

Kamusta? I'm new here.
I'm a CPA in the Philippines. I'm thinking if I can continue my profession and progress my career in other country and also to seek higher salary with great benefits but less cost of living. Where do you think should I start checking on? 😁
I'm thinking if I should go back as External Assurance Auditor to where I am 2.5 yrs ago in a one of the Big 4 before I became a Consultant on a project-based as, so far, as Tax Specialist. Any advise to my baby mind? Thank you! 😊

like

I’m currently interviewing for a specialist role at a mid tier professional services firm and have stumbled across the previous incumbent’s profile on LinkedIn (who left to join a competitor). Thinking of connecting and asking for the inside track on the role. Any reason I shouldn’t? Could it be considered unprofessional?

like

Hey guys, i have a negotiation call tomorrow with the recruiter for Apple’s GSM role. What do you think I can expect ? YOE -5 in automotive. Currently in michigan. Apple

like

I am the in-house Marketing and Events Manager for a PE firm. Would love to know what others make salary wise? A lot of firms contract out.

like

Working in a start-up and love having an impact on the product. Things have been too chaotic tho. Thinking of recruiting for a big tech company but not sure if it's for me- anyone willing to chat?

What are your guys thoughts on the health and fitness industry? Considering something more fulfilling to do with my life

like

Additional Posts in Advertising

Are there any LA brands/agencies who would consider a candidate that’s not in LA... aka work from home (same time zone though)? 🤔

like

AKQA and Grey merger. What do we think?

like

So, I work in an agency, but recently someone reached out to me for freelance writing work. I guess it'll be long form ad copy, as they're asking me for a rate per word...
I have no idea what's standard here

likehelpful

Which holding company gets the best rental car discount? And which rental company?

like

I’ve been hearing and reading a lot of negative things about GUT from friends and on here. Can anyone from GUT tell me if it’s actually a toxic place to work? Or is that just haters hating?

like

What’s the best agency to work at?

like

Calling all managers with junior, intern and mid teams: Who is taking (or is being given) the time to train their juniors on the necessary hard and soft skills? If not, what’s stopping you from providing that support?

like

In your opinion, what advertising/branding/experiential agencies should someone targeting greater San Diego and Los Angeles go after? (Yes, it is very expensive to live in California)

like

What about Italy? Anyone working there?

like

Given the outbreak, are places actually going to be hiring right now? Recently laid off from 9-5 and my freelance is starting to fizzle.

like

Hypothetically, what might happen, if Strat said to fishbowl they needed a virtual hug? Other than CD potentially saying something snarky and mean ...hypothetically only.

like

Alright. What do you guys think of awards? Think they’re dumb? Think the entire process is stupid?

like

Does anyone else feel like people who are generally nice in person and on calls sound mean or stand-offish in emails and text/chat? I get that over-use of friendliness in text can come off as green/immature, but I tend to try and cushion my words with positivity or even exclamation marks/the occasional emoji to show that I don't sound completely unemotional.

Or maybe i'm just an overthinking copywriter who's reading into it too much.

like

New to IT B2B marketing. Any advice on how to educate myself with IT? Any classes, books, etc. that you recommend?

like

I've received an offer from another agency and my manager says he needs to see it before a counter offer. He says it's GroupM policy. Is that true? Thank you!

like

How do I be a decent manager to a coworker who's upset I've been promoted twice in two years and they haven't? We started out as coworkers, became decent friends after a few good moments, but went back to simply coworkers after they flubbed a few projects and I had to step in to clean up. I'm non-confrontational but year-end reviews are right around the corner and I'm worried about having to act professional to someone who I got too close with and who now hates me.

like

I’m a strategist interested in branding shops like interbrand. But I hear they aren’t doing well these days since everyone claims to be a brand consultant. Also I’m curious about the work

like

My Old Art Partner : just landed in LA for a week long shoot. Me: I'm waiting for boards to take to a meeting to NJ at 7:00 AM.

like

I know, I know I shouldn’t complain but it HATE my job. My mental health has never been worse. And I’m so so beyond unhappy. Any advice to get through this seeing as the job market might be difficult to navigate at this time?

like

It took the horrific and completely inexcusable death of George Floyd to move the racism issue to the forefront. And while it’s a crime of a much lesser degree, with different circumstances, what’s it going to take to get ageism properly addressed? Intelligent thoughts/debate requested only please.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal