6 Tips for Landing a Copywriter Interview with a Marketing Agency
The Copywriter Column #98
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Applying for a copywriting job at an agency? Here are 6 tips to better your chances of landing an interview…
1/ Know what the agency wants
→ Read through the job description in detail. They may say they’re hiring an “email copywriter,” but maybe they’re also looking for someone to help with ad copy or landing pages. Message the hiring manager to ask what they’re looking for with help specifically.
If you tick even just half the boxes, say, “Great! This is exactly what I’m looking for. I’ll send in my application shortly.”
2/ Include a resume
→ If the application asks for one, include it! Highlight relevant job experiences, certifications, and education. If you’re proficient with specific tools or platforms (e.g. Asana, ClickUp, Klaviyo, Attentive, etc.), list those too.
3/ Include a cover letter
→ If the application gives the option to upload one, do it! Bonus points if it matches the look of your resume. Share what value you’d bring to the role. Keep it simple and don’t use ChatGPT to write it (it’s obvious and embarrassing to you when you do).
4/ Include a link to your portfolio
→ Not gonna lie, I hated putting together a portfolio of my best work too. It takes time, but as someone who’s looked through hundreds of portfolios in his lifetime, they’re a great barometer for accessing your skill level, strengths, and opportunities for growth.
You never know when a managing director will think to themselves, “There’s a lot of promise here. A few weeks of coaching and they’d be a top-tier copywriter.”
5/ Answer the application questions
→ Yep, it takes time, but those questions are there to vet you for the role (and the company). Don’t write a novel, but include something with substance.
Oh, and just like with the cover letter, don’t use ChatGPT to write your responses (we know).
6/ Communicate like your audience
→ By all means, sound like you. But understand the balance between polite professionalism and sounding like a typical creative person in the industry.
If you’re ever in doubt, peruse the LinkedIn and Twitter profiles of current employees. It’ll give you a good idea of how to mimic a tone that resonates with them.
👉 What else should I add to this list of tips? Drop a comment below!
P.S. Like what you read? Please comment and share this post on LinkedIn. It’s an easy way to support my work and goes a long way! You can also repost it on Substack.
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