Advertising copywriter

Advertising copywriter job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs

Copywriters are employed by advertising and media agencies. Typical responsibilities include:

• interpreting account briefs;
• producing original, clear and credible ideas/messages/scripts;
• monitoring campaign effectiveness;
• delivering final products for review;
• amending campaigns according to feedback;
• supervising junior staff;
• and writing reports.

The advertising sector is notoriously fast-paced and copywriters in this industry need to unfazed by being creative to deadline. Promotion is normally into senior copywriting/creative positions, although career progression may necessitate moving agencies.

Vacancies are advertised by recruitment agencies, in national newspapers and in publications such as Creative Review, Campaign, The Drum, Marketing, Media Week, and Marketing Week. Some agencies operate graduate recruitment schemes, for which early applications are advisable. Candidates need confidence, enthusiasm, stamina, determination and perseverance to succeed, as there is intense competition for jobs.

Qualifications and training required

Any degree subject is acceptable for entry into the profession. A qualification in, for example, English, journalism, copywriting, public relations, or literary/media studies can be helpful.

Key skills for advertising copywriters

Potential employees should be adaptable, commercially aware, able to work well under pressure and capable of meeting deadlines. Good teamworking, administrative, IT, proofreading and communication skills are also important. Whilst employers often value creative writing skills, original ideas, appropriate skills and personality highly, previous advertising, copywriting or editing work experience can also be beneficial. It is essential, however, to have a good appreciation of what working within the advertising industry involves. A good portfolio of work should be prepared to demonstrate abilities to employers.