Career Advice for a Copywriter

Copywriters create the text used in online, TV, and print advertisements. They will consult with a client to determine the project brief and make the copy fit the tone and brand. Copywriters are responsible for generating copy that will grab the audience's attention and generate interest in the product or service.

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How to Become a Copywriter

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become a Copywriter

Should you wish to work as a Copywriter you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for a Copywriter

  • 2 or 3 A Levels
  • Degree in English, Creative Writing or similar
  • Apprenticeship in advertising or creative content

Key Responsibilities for a Copywriter

  • Meeting with clients or creative team to determine the project brief
  • Creating original copy to meet criteria
  • Editing copy as required
  • Conducting research to ensure all copy is accurate
  • Formulating ideas for original content to attract audience attention
  • Researching the target audience
  • Ensuring that projects are completed to the required deadlines
  • Assisting the creative team to make sure consistency
  • Working with the design teams to add content to graphics, websites, and other advertising
  • Recording time spent on each project for budgets and customer billing

What to expect as a Copywriter

Copywriters create the words used in advertising and corporate branding materials. You will write everything from copy, slogans, and scripts in a tone and style that fits the client's brand and voice. You will meet with clients, work on copy and research, and edit content to ensure accuracy. To be successful in this career, you will need to adapt your writing style to suit the brief and have excellent research and writing skills.

Recommended Copywriter Jobs

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How to get Copywriter Jobs

Our advice on how to get a Copywriter job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete a Copywriter application. If you have not held a Copywriter position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held a Copywriter role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Copywriter CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Copywriter application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become a Copywriter in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become a Copywriter 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be a Copywriter and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Copywriter experience.

How to get Copywriter Experience

What does it take to be a Copywriter? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Copywriter jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Copywriter through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be a Copywriter Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Copywriter part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Copywriter or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Copywriter freelance work

If you have impressive Copywriter qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.