Experience Needed
Obviously, having some work experience in an advertising agency environment is a huge plus when you're seeking a career in the advertising field. While it's good to have relevant experience which would make you a suitable candidate for the position you're trying to land regardless of whether this experience happens to have been in an ad agency, candidates who have worked in this kind of environment before definitely have an edge. That said, it's still possible to find and be hired for the kind of advertising jobs you want even without this kind of experience - and there are other ways to gain this experience as well.
If you're interested in getting some experience working in an ad firm under your belt, one way to do so and greatly increase your chances of being hired for advertising careers is to become an intern for an advertising or marketing firm. The larger firms especially are always in need of interns; some of these positions are unpaid and are open only to people who are currently attending college, with course credit being offered in lieu of financial compensation, though there are also paid (and unpaid) internships which are available to anyone with an interest in the field. These internships present a valuable opportunity to people in search of advertising jobs - not only does having completed one of these internships make you a more attractive candidate to ad agency hiring managers, but it is also the case that many interns end up being offered a position with the agency if they've performed well on the job as an intern.
If the internship route doesn't seem like the right fit for you (or you simply can't take on an unpaid position at this time), then one thing you'll absolutely need to do is to get your portfolio in order. Strong portfolios can lead to successful advertising careers; other than prior advertising agency experience, hiring managers will be the most interested in your work. If you're interested in a position as a graphic designer, art director, copywriter, or any other advertising industry-specific profession where you can showcase your work to a potential employer, then this is something you need to do before you even send out your first resume. Having a range of high quality work in your portfolio can often lead to a job offer even if you've never worked at an agency before.
You're also going to need to have a certain amount of ambition and a drive towards success if you want to find the best advertising jobs. People who enjoy a challenge and are always striving to improve on their previous achievements will find this industry to be a good fit, provided they have the creative bend necessary to perform well in these positions. A little drive can take you a long way in advertising, even more so than in some other industries.
Where to Find Jobs
Once you're ready to begin seeking out jobs in advertising, it's time to begin looking for opportunities. You'll want to look for ad jobs just as you would any other kind of job: namely, online job boards and print ads in your local newspapers. Obviously, if you know anyone who is employed by an advertising or marketing firm, they may be a good source for information about who may be hiring at the moment - but don't hesitate to send your resume to any firm you're interested in working at; after all, some of the best jobs are never advertised! Advertising is a little more of a challenge to break into than are some other fields, but if you're focused and persistent you can find advertising careers which are a perfect fit for your talents.
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