Getting a Job in Advertising: 8 Skills That Will Make You Stand Out

Are you looking for a job in advertising? What kind of skills do you think hiring people in advertising are looking for? It might be obvious to say, but if you want to work in advertising, then you should be a creative individual. Whether you are a talented writer or designer, or you’re really good at managing creative types, you need to be passionate about creativity in some way to succeed in the advertising industry (or even to just get a job in the industry). We’ve come up with a list of 8 skills that you should have if you are looking to work in the field of advertising. Enjoy:

1. Storytelling

Do you love a good story? Most people in advertising do. Storytelling is what drives most advertisements. To stand out in this industry, we hope you have a knack and enjoyment for storytelling. Additionally, we hope you count writing (the ability to write well) as one of your best qualities.

2. Innovation

Whether it’s coming up with a brand new ad campaign or creating a solution to a problem with a client, innovation is necessary in the advertising world. To be able to come up with fresh and inventive ideas and solution is an amazing quality to have. If you consider yourself innovative, then definitely include this skill on your resume.

3. Customer/Client Focused

When you’re working in the advertising industry, your job isn’t about you. It really has nothing to do with you. It’s about the client and making them as happy as possible. If you know that you are wonderful at keeping customers and clients happy, then this is a skill you need to succeed in this world.

4. Collaboration and Communication

Ok, so in simpler terms we think it’s necessary for professionals in advertising to be stellar team members. You need to be able to play well with others if you want to have a career in advertising. This requires interpersonal skills and being able to express ideas well. Do these qualities describe you? Include them on your CV.

5. Organization

You knew this one was coming, right? Every job requires some degree of organization and a career in advertising is no exception. You’ll be dealing with strict project deadlines that must be met—no excuses. Time management = ding ding ding.

6. Problem Solving

You’re going to face obstacles in your role as an advertising professional. There’s no doubt about it. What you do when faced with these problems will be the deciding factor in whether you succeed or not. It’s a good idea to include ‘problem solver,’ ‘critical thinker,’ and ‘research’ on your application when trying to land a job in advertising.

7. Pro-Activeness

In the adult world, there aren’t teachers and parents telling you what to do all the time. Ok so this isn’t entirely true, but it’s not the same as when you’re a kid. You are ultimately responsible for you and sometimes you have to step up and take the reigns. In fact, this is what’s going to help you succeed, especially in a fast-paced and competitive industry like advertising. If you have a need to perform and you’re goal-oriented, then include ‘Pro-Active’ as a skill on your resume.

8. Learning Attitude

Many employers today understand that personality and culture are sometimes more important than skill and knowledge. For example, you might not know everything about advertising, but you can learn a lot from the professionals who already work at a company. Therefore, having a learning attitude is a great skill to have. Are you curious to learn all day every day? Do you enjoy learning and know that you don’t know everything? Great, then include ‘learning attitude’ as a skill on applications you submit and you’re sure to get noticed.

Global Strategic Communications – Creative Track Master’s Program Can Get You To Where You Want To Be

FIU’s master’s in communication program is designed for creative students who have completed undergraduate degrees from accredited academic institutions and want to work in advertising as copywriters or art directors. This program combines advanced courses in creative art direction and copywriting skills with the in-depth study of creative strategy, research, and communications theories in the field of advertising.

Learn More About Florida International University’s Creative Track Program

Visit Florida International University’s website to learn more about the Global Strategic Communication Creative Track Master’s Program. Contact Grizelle De Los Reyes, Director of the FIU-MAS Creative Track Program at gdelosre@fiu.edu or fill out the contact form for additional information.

About Global Strategic Communications Creative Track Master’s Degree Program

The Global Strategic Communication Creative Track is a 39-credit hour program leading to a Master of Science in Mass Communication degree. This interdisciplinary program combines Florida International University’s Global Strategic Communications graduate curriculum in communications theory, research, and strategy with Miami Ad School’s advanced skills curriculum in Copywriting and Art Direction.