If you're planning on a career in advertising, chances are you may need to tap into your web-based skills. Print and broadcast advertising still exists but there is always a digital advertising connection whether the campaign directs traffic to a website, highlights an App or emphasizes the client's social media presence on Facebook and Twitter.

JOB GROWTH

After the economic shake-up in 2008, advertising job growth declined big time. It wasn't a good time to be in the advertising business. Companies were closing, massive cutbacks were happening and the unemployment rate shot up. But as the economy started to rebound, so did the job growth in 2010 and held steady until 2012. Although another dip occurred going into 2013, job growth went back up and has continued to climb.

JOB TRENDS

Employers are searching for candidates with mobile-based expertise and internet skills (some basic others more advanced depending on the position) because cellphones and computers have changed the way businesses market themselves. As a result, the need for savvy web-based advertisers has increased. In 2012, there was approximately 524,000 mobile-based advertising jobs and the number is expected to climb to 1.4 million by 2015, according to a recent study. Advertising spending was estimated at $139 billion in 2012 and is most likely to hit $400 billion in the coming years.

BACKGROUND OF ADVERTISING

Whether or not your advertising job is fully digital, here is a breakdown of advertising.

An advertising account manager works with a number of different departments in the agency to successfully implement clients' campaigns. They brainstorm with the sales staff and art directors for creative ideas and work closely with the finance department to prepare budgets and cost estimates for the campaign. They manage the clients' accounts and act as a liaison between the client and media agency that places the ads. Larger companies may have several account managers--each responsible for overseeing different clients.

Here are some typical advertising job duties:

• Collaborate with department heads on contracts, media or product advertisements.
• Meet with clients to discuss strategies/campaign ideas and contract negotiations.
• Gather and organize information to plan advertising campaigns and decided where to advertise in (television, radio, print, online, billboards).
• Conduct market research and analyze their findings.
• Review sketches and plans for the client's campaign.
• Oversee daily activities in the advertising, marketing and promotions departments.

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At the WunderLand Group, we specialize in placing qualified marketing, interactive and design candidates with companies in New York, Chicago and San Francisco. If you are experienced in advertising, we have a number of positions waiting to be filled! For more information, contact our staffing experts today.