How to Write a Resume for an Advertising Job

When seeking an advertising job, your self-presentation in the resume and cover letter that you write is crucial as an "audition" as well as a career summary. This applies whether you are seeking an entry-level position or considering a mid-career move as an account executive, copywriter, art director, graphic designer, traffic and production manager, media buyer, electronic or print media advertising salesperson--or any other job in the field.

Instructions

1. Tailor your resume to the very specific position you seek rather than to the overall field of advertising, and emphasize that career objective in bold at the top so that your future as an art director doesn't get lost in a sea of media buyers' resumes.

2. Use specific language that corresponds both to the language in the job postings that interest you and to the most likely search phrases that hiring managers may be using to search resumes online for someone just like you.

3. Design a simple but appealing heading that lists your name, address and other contact information including voice and email.

4. Create a "Professional Experience" or "Job Experience" section to show the last 3 to 5 jobs you have held and incorporate a well-written, action-oriented statement of the primary impact that you had in each of the last 3 positions.

5. State your educational achievements, including related course work and any software certifications, under the heading of "Education" or "Education and Certifications," and be sure to highlight your academic performance as well as specific related programming such as courses in marketing and advertising.

6. Use the structure outlined here as a general guideline or inspiration, but don't hesitate to supplement it with specific information or sections that will display your special qualities in the best light, such as an "Awards" heading to list advertising, design or marketing kudos that have come your way.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are just starting out after college or otherwise seeking an entry-level position, don't hesitate to strengthen your "Job Experience" section with listings of related jobs during your educational career, such as positions you held with the student yearbook or radio station or the window design you created when you had a summer job at the mall.

• Don't underestimate the value of a high-impact cover letter that calls attention to the resume details that are most likely to open doors for you. Write the letter so that it works with the specific resume you are submitting, and season its overall professional tone with a brief glimpse into who you are as a person.