Last Updated on May 23, 2020 by Nathaniel Tower
There are lots of copywriter jobs out there. But there are a lot more candidates than available positions. So how do you stand out and get a job as a copywriter?
Any time I post a position for a new copywriter, I’m immediately flooded with applicants. Many of them have no relevant writing experience, but they seem to be decent writers. However, they aren’t going to make the cut most of the time because I need to hire someone I know I can rely on right away. I don’t have time to train a copywriter on how to be a copywriter.
If you want to get a job as a copywriter, here’s what you need to do. (Note: This post is primarily geared toward new copywriters, but most of the advice here will apply to anyone applying for a copywriter role of any level.)
Think about the type of job you want
First, you need to determine what type of copywriting job you want. The two main options are:
A copywriter at an agency. At an agency, you’ll do a wide range of copywriting that might include blogging, webpage content, ad copy, social media writing, email copy, whitepapers, and more. You’ll most likely be writing content for a wide variety of clients in a bunch of different industries. The main benefits of being a copywriter at an agency are the variety, the atmosphere, and the job stability (provided it’s a good agency).
A copywriter for a corporation. If you take a corporate copywriting job, you’ll most likely be writing for one company—the one you work for. You still might get to write a variety of content, but there will be a lot of repetition. As a copywriter in a corporate setting, you might not find many opportunities for growth, and you might quickly find your creativity isn’t valued and you are easily replaceable. However, that depends a lot on the corporation. Some corporate environments are excellent for copywriters. And corporations often offer better monetary benefits than agencies.
If you’re new to the world of copywriting, chances are you’ll be applying for both agency and corporate jobs. It’s tough to say which is right for you without experiencing them both. Most likely, you’ll need to settle for whichever gig you can get. So let’s talk about how to get that gig.
It’s also important to understand exactly what type of writing job you are applying for. Some companies will use “copywriter” as a catchall for any type of writing. If an ad agency is hiring a copywriter, they might specifically be looking for someone to write ad copy. Other types of writing jobs you may run into during your copywriter search are:
- Content writer
- SEO writer
- Create writer
- Social media copywriter
Make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and submit the appropriate resume and portfolio.
Put together a strong portfolio of writing
If you’re new to copywriting, you probably don’t have much of a portfolio. Maybe you studied journalism or English in college, or maybe you wrote some articles for an online publication. These are both great starting points, but they aren’t going to help you get a job as a writer at a corporation or an agency.
Your portfolio needs to showcase a variety of talents. Ideally, your portfolio should include samples that align with the types of writing you would be doing if you were offered the job. However, chances are you don’t have a diverse collection of samples to choose from. That’s when you need to get creative—and get to work.
Here are some ways you can put together a strong portfolio:
- Start a blog that showcases your talents as a writer. You can write about whatever you want, but make sure it’s something that will make a good impression on a potential employer.
- Do some freelance writing for local businesses. This could be blogging, website copy, or social media writing (preferably all three). Whether you want a job at an agency or in a corporate setting, you need to demonstrate you can write strong copy that’s business-oriented. It would be great if you could get paid for these opportunities, but you may need to offer your services for free a few times just to build a portfolio of published work. Just don’t do too much for free or you’ll be devaluing the service and your talents.
When an employer asks for writing samples, be sure you’re sending something relevant. For example, if you are applying for a copywriter job at a digital agency that writes copy for websites and B2B blogs, you don’t want to send the following as writing samples:
- Album reviews
- Newspaper articles
- Short stories or poems
- Screenplays
- Opinion pieces
Instead, you should send samples of webpages and blog posts you wrote. If you don’t have those things, then get out there and write them.
Demonstrate a strong knowledge of the web and analytics
No matter what type of copywriter job you’re applying for, chances are it’s going to somehow relate to the web. I don’t need to tell you the world is becoming more and more digital every day. So is the world of copywriting.
Today’s copywriter shouldn’t just know how to write. You also need to know how to:
- Strategically plan topics and create content calendars
- Analyze the success of a piece of writing based on data
- Understand how websites work
- Be a marketer
But how can you demonstrate these things if you studied journalism or English in college? Here are a few tips:
- Install Google Analytics on your blog and get certified in Google Analytics
- Study marketing best practices and be able to speak to them
- Experiment with different channels, including email, social media, and paid media (Facebook advertising, Google Ads, etc.)
Doing any or all of the above will show a potential employer that you are committed to adapting with the digital world and that you are a well-rounded individual. More and more, employers want to hire people who aren’t one-trick ponies. They need you to be able to respond quickly and do more than one thing. If all you can do is write, then you aren’t going to be a highly desirable candidate.
Have a flawless resume, cover letter, and application
This part is obviously true for anyone, but it’s especially true for a copywriter. One typo, misspelling, or grammar error can immediately eliminate you as a candidate. A copywriter should also show mastery of language. You can’t afford to be a boring writer who uses cliches. You have to use your words to set yourself apart.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you should fill your cover letter with flowery metaphors. But you should show you’re a really good writer with the ability to balance creativity with professionalism. At the very least, you need to tailor your cover letter specifically for the job you are applying for while adding a little bit of writerly flair. If you’re a really good writer, you’ll know how to do this.
Be prepared to complete a writing assignment
Most copywriter positions will require you to complete a writing assignment in order to prove your skills as a writer. Your own writing samples will get you into the door, but an employer needs to see your actual work. They can’t know with certainty that the samples you provided weren’t heavily edited before being published. A writing assignment is a chance for them to see exactly what you’re capable of producing in a timely fashion. In some cases, they may even require you to complete a writing assignment in person during an interview. If this is the case, just relax and write your best. If they give you a writing assignment to complete at home, make sure you do thorough research on the topic and on their preferred style before submitting your completed work.
If you do all of the above, you have a great chance at getting hired as a copywriter. As long as content is king on the web, copywriting will be a great career path for anyone who is talented and passionate about the written word.
What advice do you have for aspiring copywriters? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Copywriter FAQs
What does a copywriter do?
In very simple terms, a copywriter writes copy that's meant to engage a specific audience. Copywriter jobs can vary widely and may use different terminology. Generally speaking, a copywriter's job is to write copy that will sell. This may include advertisement copy, social media content, blog posts, whitepapers, slogans/taglines, and much more.
How much does a copywriter make?
A copywriter's salary will vary widely based on location, experience, and the type of writing performed. An entry level copywriter might make around $40k while a copywriter with senior-level experience at a big agency might make over $100k.
How do I get a job as a copywriter?
If you really want to get a copywriter job, you need to demonstrate that you can write effectively. It's important to put together a portfolio of your work to show to any prospective employer. Copywriter jobs tend to be highly competitive, so make sure you can stand out.
Are a copywriter and a content writer the same thing?
While many employers will use copywriter and content writer interchangeably, they aren't technically the same thing. A content writer typically specializes on more long-form content such as blog posts and whitepapers. A copywriter typically focuses more on writing short copy such as advertisements or headlines that are designed to drive immediate action. However, it's common for copywriters and content writers to overlap in their daily functions.
