Posted on: May 8, 2013
Posted by: Chelsea Oliver
Categories:
Copywriting
As a junior copywriter at Yabsta Digital, I feel incredibly lucky to have found not only a job in my field, but a second home. I’ve experienced plenty of ups and downs to get to this point – which I think is typical for those starting out in the job market – and my hope is that this blog series will both inform and inspire.
I emerged from my university bubble in 2010, ready to take on the real world. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in English literature, and unsure of exactly what it is I wanted to do, I jumped right in and started job hunting. While I didn’t expect it to be easy, I was admittedly a bit naive about the job market as a whole. I had to hunt for positions related to my field, and found that entry-level employment was scarce.
Landing a job at a reputable digital agency is no simple task, but one piece of advice that’s withstood the test of time is to do your research. Tailor each and every resume and cover letter for the company in question. When applying to Yabsta Digital, I related my skills and education to their service offerings to demonstrate exactly how I would be able to benefit the company.
Tailor each and every resume for the job on offer. Sell yourself as a great prospect for the job you’re applying for. Be specific. What does make you a good candidate for that position? Don’t make them guess. And don’t sell yourself short. Use your work experience, education and extra curricular activities to your best advantage in pitching Brand You.
The interview’s next. Even if job interviews make you as nervous as the idea of swimming in the ocean makes me (sharks anyone?), you must radiate positivity and professionalism. Never lose sight of why you’re the best candidate and let your personality shine.
Be sure to send a follow-up email or letter shortly after. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you and reiterate your qualifications. If you discussed an issue you feel to be of particular importance, such as availability, touch on that as well. Taking this extra step ensures that you stand out among the other applicants.
Following the interview, patience is key. While it’s tempting to make contact again to inquire about your status – don’t. If your personality and skills align with the needs of the company, the phone will ring. Not being selected for a coveted position can be disheartening but, from one budding copywriter to another, it’s all part of the process. Losing out on certain roles lead me to where I am today, which is exactly where I want to be.
Stay tuned for more adventures from a copywriting newb! Part 2 will cover how to tackle that daunting first day.
Image Credit: aureliosjc (Flickr)
As a junior copywriter at Yabsta Digital, I feel incredibly lucky to have found not only a job in my field, but a second home. I’ve experienced plenty of ups and downs to get to this point – which I think is typical for those starting out in the job market – and my hope is that this blog series will both inform and inspire.
I emerged from my university bubble in 2010, ready to take on the real world. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in English literature, and unsure of exactly what it is I wanted to do, I jumped right in and started job hunting. While I didn’t expect it to be easy, I was admittedly a bit naive about the job market as a whole. I had to hunt for positions related to my field, and found that entry-level employment was scarce.
Landing a job at a reputable digital agency is no simple task, but one piece of advice that’s withstood the test of time is to do your research. Tailor each and every resume and cover letter for the company in question. When applying to Yabsta Digital, I related my skills and education to their service offerings to demonstrate exactly how I would be able to benefit the company.
Tailor each and every resume for the job on offer. Sell yourself as a great prospect for the job you’re applying for. Be specific. What does make you a good candidate for that position? Don’t make them guess. And don’t sell yourself short. Use your work experience, education and extra curricular activities to your best advantage in pitching Brand You.
The interview’s next. Even if job interviews make you as nervous as the idea of swimming in the ocean makes me (sharks anyone?), you must radiate positivity and professionalism. Never lose sight of why you’re the best candidate and let your personality shine.
Be sure to send a follow-up email or letter shortly after. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you and reiterate your qualifications. If you discussed an issue you feel to be of particular importance, such as availability, touch on that as well. Taking this extra step ensures that you stand out among the other applicants.
Following the interview, patience is key. While it’s tempting to make contact again to inquire about your status – don’t. If your personality and skills align with the needs of the company, the phone will ring. Not being selected for a coveted position can be disheartening but, from one budding copywriter to another, it’s all part of the process. Losing out on certain roles lead me to where I am today, which is exactly where I want to be.
Stay tuned for more adventures from a copywriting newb! Part 2 will cover how to tackle that daunting first day.
Image Credit: aureliosjc (Flickr)
