So You Want to Work at an Agency?
As an agency, we’re always looking for the best and brightest to join our team. This means we’re looking at and analyzing resumes almost every day. Even if we don’t have an open position right now, we want to know who is out there looking for a new opportunity for when the next big client signs our contract and wants to get started.
Recently, I did some overdue spring cleaning and took a look at almost 800 resumes for our agency that have come in over the last 6 months or so. They’ve come in many different templates and with many different formats. Based on this research and review, here are some very effective and ineffective resume tactics:
Effective Resumes
- Telling a story of growth in your last role
- Citing data and statistics on what you achieved in your last role, including hard numbers
- Links to your work including content creation, social media management, and media placements
- Listing the marketing tools and technologies in which you are competent
- Highlighting certifications, awards, and recognition for yourself or your work
- Naming references and providing contact details for them
Not Effective Resumes
- Putting an objective at the top of your resume
- Including your headshot
- Using vague language about your role and responsibilities
- Not having any marketing job experience to date
- Using the Indeed.com resume builder template
Most agencies are fast-paced, goal-oriented organizations that are looking for people who can hit the ground running with client work. Keep this in mind when developing your resume and deciding whether applying for an agency position is right for you. By following these resume best practices you are bound the catch the eyes of agency human resources departments and begin your journey into agency life.
