how do i approach advertising agencies for work as a copywriter?

Question

i have no training or experience in this.i have a degree in education with a major in english and business management.

Answer 1

Here are two things you can explore:

1) Apply for copywriter positions. Search www.moster.com and you will find hundreds of open positions. With a business and English degree you are more than qualified.

2) Register with a freelance directory and begin taking on copy writing projects. This will give you the experience you lack as well as generate income.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Check out www.elance.com where people post copywriting assignments. You can also search for "copywriter wanted" in Yahoo. You'll probably want to invest in some training in this field, as there are a number of solid programs in the market. Copywriting is different from standard sales letters and other forms of communication, so an English degree isn't enough.

Copywriting is similar to other "arts" fields where it helps to build a portfolio of work you've done, especially if you can get the end client to give a testimoninal as to the effectiveness of the campaign. Anything over 1.5% is generally considered pretty good in a standard mailing, though that percentage will increase or decrease based on the list. This portfolio in effect is part of your resume.

If necessary, find some groups where you might volunteer some services, like non-profits, and do some work for them for free to build up your book. They also might end up being able to pay you. I would probably go to small businesses directly instead of going after the ad firms that hire people with degrees in public relations or applied writing.

Answer 3

No advertising agency is going to call you if you don't have a portfolio. If you don't have experience, you have to come up with a portfolio of speculative ads. It is an extremely competitive field -- you don't need experience to get a job as a copywriter, but you have to prove that you have great ideas and you really need to know quite a bit about advertising, current trends, how agencies work, etc

Answer 4

It would be hard to go in as a copywriter without experience. Some writing samples would be helpful: church, school, civic organizations. Agencies are very busy places and unless you are willing to intern in other departments, media or account services they probably won't give you a chance. Also, copywriters are a jealous lot if you are new and good, stay out of their line of fire. Good luck.

Answer 5

The first thing an ad agency is going to ask you for is your "book."

Your book is a portfolio of what you've done: press releases, sales letter, direct mail pieces, articles, letters, financial reports, postcards, etc...

If you don't have one - start making one now! Volunteer to do free work for local charities and businesses in exchange for testimonies and an opportunity to build your book.

Then approach businesses and ad agencies.

http://www.write-a-free-resume.com/freelancewritingjobs.html

Answer 6

Might be a little difficult with no specific training in this area.

If there's a local professional advertising group, you might join that to make contacts.

Take a couple courses to fill in the educational gaps.