How to become an advertising copywriter

So you think you’re ready to tackle the wild, wild world of advertising copywriting. But are you really? This is an increasingly competitive field, with thousands of college graduates vying for copywriting openings in ad agencies every year. It takes more than a stellar resume and an average portfolio to land an interview in today’s tough job market. This article will help you to grab the attention of Creative Directors nationwide. Take these tips to heart and you’ll be one step ahead in the job searching race.

If you have a college degree...

Congratulations. You’re already on your way to becoming a great writer. All those essays, written tests and speeches have given you the basic skills you need for the ad world. Now is the time to hone your skills and become spectacular. Most Creative Directors seek out English and Journalism majors for copywriting positions, intrigued by their ‘out of the box’ thinking and trained writing skills. Advertising majors are in demand, but these folks are more likely to find work as Account Executives, or some other position outside the creative spectrum. If you fall into this category, don’t be dismayed. You have a great start in knowing the business basics, but bulk up your writing background and you’ll be ready to roll.

First thing’s first. You need a resume. And not just your average resume, either. You need something that stands apart from the crowd of resumes on your potential employer’s desk. Be careful not to make it too outrageous so that you seem silly. It’s your first impression, so you should turn the text into a clean, sophisticated expression of your creativity. Try different typefaces or colors, but be sure to print on a sturdy white stock paper.

The next tool in your opportunity arsenal should be your portfolio. Do you have any outside writing experience? Be sure to save everything creative you’ve ever published, from school paper articles to the advertising projects you’ve finished in your classes. Put a dozen of your best ideas in a big black book, organized by marketing discipline (print, direct mail, radio, etc.) or by product campaign.

If you don’t have any samples, make them up! Pick a product in the marketplace and put together a marketing campaign consisting of print ads, radio spots, brochures, even packaging. Write a new tagline, headline and body copy for the product. Type these concepts up in the same typeface as your resume (to demonstrate your attention to detail) and organize them as above.

Networking is essential in this field. If you live near a major city, there should be an advertising association near by. Look in the yellow pages or on the internet to find these clubs and call or email the president directly. He or she will be more than happy to talk to you about the industry and what it takes to get hired. Attend an open meeting. Perhaps you might even get a lead you can use to get your foot in the door.

If you don’t have a college degree...

There’s good news and bad news here. The good news is that you can only move up. The bad news is that most ad agencies today don’t accept candidates without degrees. If you don’t have the time or the cash for a full on bachelor’s degree, look into specialty degree options. Many major cities have art or technical schools that offer a copywriting program concentrating on all the skills you need to get into your agency groove.

Take any position you can get at first, even if it means slinging coffee and donuts as an intern. This is the best way to get to know the industry. Keep your ears open as you walk through the office and learn from others. Plus, you’ll start your own in house network of agency veterans who are always in the know of open opportunities in the city. You never know where this can lead.

Finally, the best thing you can do is research this industry to be sure that its something you want to do. Contrary to popular belief, working in an ad agency isn’t Melrose Place glamour or hours of creative playtime. You will be a slave to the mighty deadline and your hours are largely based on client needs, which sometimes means long days. You may be subject to seek out inspiration in boring products. Be prepared to work under pressure regularly without fail or burnout.

With that being said, good luck! There are plenty of benefits to being a writer in advertising. Above average pay, a creative, casual working environment and a newfound appreciation for commercials are some of the perks. Now get out there and go find more for yourself!

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How to ask for a raise when you don't deserve it

It’s never easy to ask your employer for a raise – but it’s even more difficult if you don’t really deserve that pay increase. Perhaps you’ve only worked for the company for a short time or maybe you haven’t been pulling your fair share of the workload. Regardless, there are still ways you can present a convincing case resulting in that coveted raise.

For starters, arm yourself with information. While you’ll likely never convince your co-workers to divulge their own salaries (that’s just bad manners anyway), thanks to the Internet, there are a number of resources available to help you determine an average salary for your job, in the market you work in. Check out job web sites or online employment classifieds. Do a search using your current job title. A lot of companies list pay ranges with their job advertisements. Take notes so you can offer your boss concrete examples.

Other helpful information found on the Internet may include professional organization sites or trade publications. A lot of these industry-specific resources conduct salary surveys and publish their results – some even break the surveys down by major metropolitan area or state for a clearer picture.

There are some websites specifically designed to tell people what their job is “worth”. However, a number of these sites have been found to be inaccurate and actually overestimate median salaries. This isn’t the most reliable information and should be taken with a grain of salt. Most employers have been confronted with a well-meaning, researched job seeker who has turned to an online salary calculator, but odds are, those job candidates weren’t extended positions because they were simply asking for way more than the average pay for that particular job. There are too many other reliable sources available, so skip these sites.

Off the Internet, make a visit to the local library or the career center of a college or university. Libraries and career centers can be great resources for survey studies and job postings with realistic salary ranges to serve as your guide.

Once you’ve researched salary ranges for your particular job, be prepared to share this information with your boss in a non-demanding way. Once you’ve arranged a meeting, present your research and ask if you can discuss bringing your own salary up to par with that of others who live in your area and have the same job.

To help your case, you should also be prepared to point out your strengths – regardless if you’re using those strengths to capacity or not. If both you and your employer are well aware or all that you are doing wrong, if you hope to get a raise, you need to prove you’re worth the extra dough.

We all have things we’re great at, but some of us are more seasoned at putting positive “spins” on everything we do. For example, if you’re always the first to suggest a celebratory drink when a co-worker lands a major account, that’s really your positive team attitude at work. Your obvious support of your co-workers is a definite plus. If you have a penchant for staying chitchatting with an easygoing client on the phone, couldn’t that be considered attentive client service AND excellent communication skills? You have to be prepared to really sell yourself, even if it means doing a little exaggerating. Remind your boss why she hired you in the first place, even if lately you’ve been a less-than-perfect employee.

As an absolute last resort, send out a few resumes and line up some interviews with other companies – whether you’d actually consider leaving your current employer or not. Having another job offer can be a great bargaining tool, but be prepared for it to just as easily backfire. Once you’ve secured another job offer, approach your boss by explaining that you don’t want to leave your current company, but you have to give some thought to the larger salary. Only go this route if you actually have other offers, because there is a chance your boss will refuse to counteroffer and will instead send you on your way. Another danger in this method is that it makes you appear less loyal. If you’ve easily been tempted by money, how likely are you be to stay in the long run? Unfortunately, people who stay with their companies that have counter-offered don’t tend to stay for long. And employers know this. For many, the counteroffer merely buys them a little more time until you go elsewhere.

Everyone could use a little paycheck boost. You may not be employee of the month, but you can still offer compelling evidence worthy of a raise. And once you get that bigger paycheck, do yourself and your boss a favor – get out there and really earn it.

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How to get the most from an all-day seminar

If your organization is planning to send you to an all-day training seminar, start planning now to maximize benefits.

If you think that attending a seminar requires no special effort on your part, think again. Spending a day away from your usual duties means you may get behind. And who couldn't find a day's worth of fun if you could use those hours for personal activities?

Since you must be away from your job and someone in your company is paying for you to be there, why not take advantage of this opportunity to learn all you can about the topic? Who knows, you might come away with a changed perspective or even some new skills that will make your job easier or more meaningful. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your seminar:

1. Get rested the night before. Don't skimp on sleep with a view to dozing during the session. Check in full of energy and feeling alert. That way you won't miss anything important and you even be able to contribute to the experience for others if volunteers are needed or if participants are asked to share their views or experiences in small group sessions.

2. Eat a healthy breakfast. Fruit and cereal make an ideal combination. Skip fat-laden foods and don't overdo the caffeine. Besides, you will probably be served snacks during the seminar. Choose a healthy lunch if possible; eat lightly otherwise. You don't want to nod off in the afternoon portion of the program.

3. Bring a notebook and a couple of pens unless these will be supplied. Read up on the topic if you have been advised to do so or if you know in advance what it will be. Prepare a list of questions for the speaker if time permits. Make the most of your opportunity to meet with an expert.

4. Dress comfortably. Wear clothes that can be layered so you can remove or add items in response to the room's temperature. Ask for the dress code in advance so you will fit in with other participants.

5. Take notes on the key points of the seminar. Don't attempt to copy every word the speaker shares. And don't include information that may appear on handouts. Record anecdotes, exercises, or insights you may have in response to the presentation.

6. Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarity. If you are unable to raise your hand during the speaker's presentation, wait for a break or the luncheon. Some presenters offer a specified question and answer period for this purpose.

7. Don't distract or be distracted. Whispering, joking, getting up and leaving the room, or speaking out during the session is rude. Save your comments for small group sessions or whole group discussions.

8. Ask about follow up. If the presenter does not distribute a list of recommended resources, ask if he or she will email one. Also plan to do additional research of your own as you seek further understanding of the topic while the presentation is still fresh in your mind. File notes in a handy place where you can reference them as needed.

Hopefully you will come away from the seminar with a renewed vigor toward the topic and your job. Perhaps you can email the presenter with a note of thanks. If your appetite for the topic was sufficiently whetted, you may even want to look for another session in the near future. Attending a seminar need not be an exercise in futility. Make it a meaningful opportunity as you invest time and energy to maximize results.

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Ask the boss for a raise: here is how

Asking for a raise is not something you should take lightly. It takes a lot of preparation and a lot of professionalism. Think ahead and you will not only ask, but be successful at putting more money in your pocket.

First of all, be prepared. Bring in a list of your accomplishments. What have you done for the company in the time you've been there? What do you plan to do in the future? Why are you someone this company should invest more money in? Will you sign a contract to stay for longer? Have you been willing to work hard for the company in the past and will you be willing to put in long hours and extra work in the future? Make sure you come up with the answer to all of these questions before you ever go into your boss' office.

Check and see how the company is doing. If the company is in dire financial straights, you aren't going to get a raise no matter how good your reasons are. If the company is making more money every month and every year, you'll have more of a chance of getting a little extra money to put in your pocket.

Wait for a good time to talk to your boss. If you've noticed that your boss is in a bad mood or has been complaining about how he or she can't get their head above water, that's not a good time. If you see your boss smiling and having time to chat with employees or have light conversations on the phone, this might be a good time to approach him or her. In some cases, you may have a good chance of getting the raise you want, but the timing is off. Just like with everything else in life, timing is everything. Pick your meeting time carefully.

Don't talk about anything personal with your boss as a reason for your raise. For instance, your professional performance has nothing to do with the fact that your husband or wife lost their job. It also has nothing to do with the fact that you just bought a house and have a high payment each month. Make sure you present your case in a professional manner. State what you have done for the company in the past and what you plan to do in the future. Do not bring personal issues into the mix. Your boss may be a caring person, but when it comes down to it, your performance at work and the amount of money available at the company are the only two things that matter.

Don't act entitled to a raise. Just because one of your coworkers has gotten a raise in the last few months, or you have been at the company for a certain amount of time, doesn't mean that you deserve a raise. You may think so, but the people signing your paychecks may disagree.

Finally, be confident. Show that you are worthy of a raise, but don't expect it. In other words, be confident, not cocky.

With all of that in mind, prepare and do well. Go get that raise and enjoy your extra money!

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How to Handle a Talkative Coworker

1. 1
   Be honest but friendly. Let your coworker know that you're working under a deadline and don't have time to talk. Sometimes a talkative coworker just doesn't realize that they're being talkative or that you're under pressure to get something done.
   
2. 2
   Inform all your coworkers that you're under the gun and will need to be left alone for a certain period of time. This will prevent you from having to pinpoint the talkative coworker directly and risk offending him.
   
3. 3
   Suggest talking to your coworker at a different time. Tell her that you're busy working on an important project but would love to meet her for lunch later on. It's especially important to handle excessive talking this way if her friendship means something to you.
   
4. 4
   Ignore the chatter. If a coworker makes a comment that could be a potential conversation starter just handle it with a short answer that he can't reply to or just ignore it completely.
   
5. 5
   Ask your boss to intervene. He could remind everyone to keep all personal matters private while on the clock, to stay focused on work and avoid coworker chatter. You don't even have to bring up names to have the boss handle the situation.
   
6. 6
   Move to a different cubicle or office in order to finish your work. If necessary make the move permanent to remove yourself from the talkative coworker.
   

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How can I boost my self confidence at work

Have you ever felt that you are just acting out the role of smart executive at work, when underneath the façade, you really feel as if you’re floundering? If the answer is “yes”, be prepared to recognise the scenario and to do something about your feelings. You can learn to think positively and silently boost your confidence in every potentially threatening work situation.

Do you secretly take work home with you on a regular basis in an attempt to keep one step ahead? Recognise that you are not “slow” or uninformed. It is more likely that you have unrealistic expectations of yourself. If you tend to take work home with you at night, it could be that you are simply a perfectionist, putting too many demands upon yourself. Alternatively, others could be putting on you and just expecting too much of you. Your confidence will improve once you accept that it is impossible for any worker to be perfect. You are in fact, doing your best and that is certainly good enough.

Does your confidence plummet at meetings? Your colleagues appear more knowledgeable, more professional, more dynamic –they even seem totally relaxed and enjoying the intermittent banter that is an integral part of most meetings. Appearances, however, can be deceptive. Look objectively at the situation. There is no real reason for you to feel intimidated by this charade. Others are acting, too. You are just as worthy as anyone else in that room and your contribution is just as valuable. Keep this fact in mind throughout the meeting and avoid trying to blend in with the background. Once you have successfully raised your points and enjoyed some positive feedback from your colleagues, your confidence will grow. It will be much easier next time.

Do you hold back on general office conversation through lack of confidence? This situation can change if you take a step back and look at your position within the group. If you think that everyone else’s conversation is much smarter than yours, think again. The best way to tackle this self-doubt is to stop comparing yourself with others. Everyone can offer a unique point of view and everyone’s views are valuable.

Do you lack confidence in your academic ability? Remind yourself of the fact that, in today’s business environment, academic achievement is being used less and less as a basis for evaluating people’s intelligence. Communication skills are more important. The ability to get on with people, negotiate compromises and smooth over difficult work situations is far more relevant. In addition, if you show people that you respect them for the above qualities, they will reciprocate. This will boost your confidence in your ability to interact with colleagues.

Is lack of positive feedback crushing your confidence? Lack of positive feedback often stems from pressure of work and everyone suffering a heavy workload. It is not a personal issue and does not mean that you are no good at your job. In quieter moments, take the lead and ask for constructive feed back from your boss or colleagues. More importantly, make a point of mentally praising yourself at the end of every single working day.

Finally, it is worth bearing in mind that a certain amount of humility or the occasional hint of self-doubt is not necessarily a bad thing. It can often work to your advantage, provided that it is kept in perspective. It can indicate that you are really thinking about what you are doing and that you have your company’s interests genuinely at heart.

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