How do you get a job in advertising?

How can I get a job at an advertising agency?

• I have worked in sales for over a year which dealt fundementally with client relationships. I am trying to get my foot through the door as an account executive but find it extremely difficult. Are there any tips that could help me?!

• Answer:

  Hi guys, I haven't used my account for a while but noticed a few people now following my question I asked. A lot has changed since then. I believe I have a much firmer grounding and grasp of the agency lifestyle and how one can get in. Although I don't have a full time job in an agency I have been on 3 placements and offered multiple interviews ( ones to which I have declined as they are not who i want to work for ) Just a few pointers if you were in the same boots as me: My account executive skills i gained from working in media has not helped a single bit. Maybe it's the economy, but recruiters, employers do not even bother with this side of my CV. Experience is vital. I created a massive excel spread sheet with all the advertising agencies i wanted to work for and edited my CV and cover letter countless times to match each and every agency. After many hard months, and many rejections, an agency finally gave me an opportunity. I gained a placement at Adam & eve ( recentl bought my omnicom and are now A&E/DDB ) This was my first agency experience. Of course as an intern or a placement, it is extremely hard to do anything commercially viable for the agency, but you have to make the right connections and out your self about in the agency and make yourself known. For myself, I didn't achieve this until my third placement. It is hard to learn anything like real responsibilities, but soak up as much intel as you can. Just having this experience on my CV made it look 100 times better. I got a second placement straight away. This was DHM London. A smaller agency but equally talented. They were quiet in the weeks i was there, so once again, my responsibilities were limited. ( I could imagine asking staff for work every minute made me look like a desperate fool - but an eager one at that! ) I actually just finished my third placement, which was at Inferno group. This place was amazing. great people, great vibe. It really helps when the staff really try and integrate you within the team. I can imagine how boring it is to constantly de-brief interns on current campaigns - but these guys were so open to it. It taught me a lot. So, heading back to the initial question - i think the answer would have to be: Get yourself out there. Know exactly what you want to do in an agency ( if not, placements are great to explore ) Without good experience, recruitment consultants wont help much. ( not at all really ) so my advise would be to contact agencies directly. Give them a call and send them your cv with a really good cover letter explaining that you are willing to learn! I hope this helps!!