How to Write a CV for Advertising
First impressions are crucial when it comes to any job application. It becomes all the more pertinent in a field like advertising, where effective and clear written communication and presentation skills are among key qualities sought in an applicant. The following article lays out the information you need to write an advertising CV. While resumes are used in the U.S., many employers in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle-east require a CV as part of your application.
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Instructions
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Create an effective, attention-grabbing header with your name and contact details. Include your email, IM, professional blog or website (if appropriate), address, phone and fax numbers. Keep it simple, easily readable, yet bold and distinct, so that your advertising CV stands out among dozens, maybe hundreds of others.
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Write a lucid job or career objective, whichever is relevant to the position. Tailor your heading and the content in it to match the requirements of the position you are applying to. If you are a copywriter applying to a multi-national corporation, for example, you could say, "To create consistent and engaging copy across mediums, including Web 2.0 that builds, sustains and propels the XYZ brand."
Highlight your key skill or strength. The objective statement should clearly communicate your expertise or interest in the field and the goal you aim to achieve if chosen for the position. -
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Create a Professional Summary section if you are an experienced advertising professional. Under it, summarize your core competencies, experience and skills in the advertising field using a bulleted list, highlighting the main industries or categories of clients, products or services you have experience with. Mention your most noticeable accomplishments under each, using action-oriented words.
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Outline your work history under the section titled "Professional Experience" or "Job Experience" or "Employment History." Start with the most recent position held. Mention the name of your employer, location, date employed and the title you held or hold there.
Write a brief, two-line summary of the employer, including the industry, the market presence or specialization. Then list your key responsibilities in that position, using powerful, action verbs.
Mention your key accomplishments, successful projects or measurable company goals you helped achieve. Mention all your previously help positions in the reverse, chronological order, taking care to highlight the advertising related projects in each case. -
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Create a heading titled "Internship" or "Volunteer Projects" or "Freelance Work," whichever applies to you best. This is especially important for students, fresh graduates or applicants who are new to advertising. Under this section, showcase any volunteer or freelance advertising projects you have undertaken, regardless of its scale or time frame.
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Describe your educational qualifications and professional training, including the name of the institute, location and years of study. Although many areas of advertising such as copywriting usually do not require a traditional degree or specialization in the area, in some cases, a college degree, advanced training or specialization does give you an edge. Start with the highest level of formal education you have received and work backwards, highlighting any specific training you have undergone related to advertising.
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Create a section titled "Awards" or "Recognition." This is more relevant to seasoned advertising professionals. In this section, mention creative or advertising awards you have received. Also mention any papers or articles you have published along with the name and date of publication.
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Include professional and character references. Although this is not required and the employer usually asks for these only in the final stage of the hiring process, you could include your references in the CV. It subtly conveys your professionalism and preparedness to the employer. Make sure you have informed your references in advance and have their most current contact information.
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Tips & Warnings
Ensure all keywords related to the position are sprinkled in your CV, so it passes the initial computer screening many employers have in place. In the advertising field, unconventional applications may be acceptable, as employers often seek out-of-the-box, creative thinkers with dynamic personalities. Some countries require personal information such as date of birth, nationality, sex and other interests to be included in the CV. If you are applying to a position outside of the U.S., it might be a good idea to include these or at least check with the HR department and see if they need you to include it.
