Crafting a standout advertising manager resume is your first step towards securing a top spot in the high-stakes world of advertising.

In this guide, you'll find practical tips, real-world examples, and customizable templates to help you sell your unique skills and achievements. Let's get started on making your resume as compelling as the campaigns you create!

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Read on to learn all about:

• Exploring handy resume examples for advertising managers
• Choosing the best format for your resume
• Crafting a catchy resume summary or objective
• Highlighting your best skills in an advertising manager resume
• Showcasing your most relevant work experience
• Using powerful action words in your resume
• Listing properly your education
• Selecting relevant extra sections
• Avoiding common mistakes in an advertising manager resume
• Pairing your resume with a relevant advertising manager cover letter
• Learning about the average salary and job outlook for advertising managers
• Accessing top job search resources for advertising managers

Advertising consultant resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Strong profile section: The profile is dynamic and highlights key attributes, such as the ability to deliver client satisfaction and drive successful marketing campaigns. Mentioning proficiency in innovative marketing strategies and social media content creation sets a positive tone.
• Relevant work experience: The work experience section is well-detailed, emphasizing specific achievements and responsibilities. For example, spearheading advertising strategies and significantly growing Instagram followers showcases Bruno's impact. Recognizing him as the top-ranking consultant adds credibility.

What could be improved?

• Lack of quantifiable achievements: The resume could benefit from more quantifiable metrics. While the Instagram growth is specified, other achievements could be strengthened with numbers, such as the budget managed or the number of campaigns led.

Marketing manager resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Specific achievements and responsibilities: The work experience section is filled with specific duties like "Cultivated relationships with customers and the community to foster long-term business growth" and "Led content creation process from concept to final production." These details give a clear picture of what the candidate has accomplished.
• Strong technical skill set: The skills section features a robust list of technical proficiencies, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, and SEO. These are crucial for a marketing manager and show the candidate’s capability in using various tools and platforms.

What could be improved?

• Lack of quantifiable achievements: While the responsibilities are detailed, there's a lack of quantifiable achievements. Adding metrics, such as "increased social media engagement by 40%" or "reduced costs by 15%", would provide concrete evidence of the candidate's impact.
• Overlapping roles and responsibilities: Some responsibilities, like managing social media and conducting meetings, are repeated across different roles. This can make the CV feel redundant. Streamlining these entries to focus on unique contributions in each position would make the document more impactful.

Digital marketing manager resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Recognized performance: Receiving accolades like Employee of the Month twice underscores the candidate’s dedication and exceptional performance. This recognition further boosts the candidate's credibility and reliability.
• Educational excellence: The education section features a strong academic background, including a Master’s degree in Marketing and a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours. The high GPA and involvement in relevant clubs and societies showcase the candidate's dedication and well-roundedness.

What could be improved?

• Limited information on tools: While the candidate lists a variety of tools, it would be beneficial to specify proficiency levels or examples of successful campaigns executed using these tools. This adds depth to the technical skills section.

1. How to properly format your advertising manager resume

Getting the format right on your advertising manager resume can set the stage for a winning impression. Let's break down three main types of resume formats and when to choose each one.

1. Chronological resume: The chronological format is like the “tried and true” campaign strategy — it’s straightforward and effective. This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. When to choose it? Go for this if you have a solid, uninterrupted career path in advertising or related fields. It’s perfect for showcasing a steady progression in roles and responsibilities.
2. Functional resume: Think of the functional format as your best bet for a targeted ad. Instead of focusing on a timeline, it highlights your skills and achievements front and center. When to choose it? This is ideal if you're switching career paths or have gaps in your employment history. It allows you to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences without being tied to specific dates.
3. Combination resume: The combination format is your creative hybrid, merging the best of both worlds —  chronologically listing your work history while also highlighting your key skills and accomplishments. When to choose it? Opt for this if you have a strong career history and a diverse skill set you want to showcase. It's great for emphasizing both your professional growth and your expertise.

In the end, the format you choose should best highlight your strengths and fit your career narrative. Keep it clean, concise, and relevant to the job you’re applying for, and you’ll have a resume that captures attention — just like a great ad campaign.

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2. Craft a catchy resume summary or objective

A compelling resume summary or objective is like the tagline of a stellar ad — short, impactful, and memorable. Here’s how you can write a strong one tailored to an advertising manager job.

Crafting a resume summary

A resume summary is typically used by professionals with substantial experience in the field. This section should encapsulate your career achievements, key skills, and what makes you an asset — all in a few sentences.

Elements to include:

• Professional identity: Who you are and your years of experience.
• Key skills: Highlight your most relevant skills.
• Notable achievements: Mention a few significant accomplishments that showcase your expertise.
• Career objectives: Briefly state what you aim to achieve in the role you’re applying for.

Why is it bad? This summary is too broad and generic, offering no specific details about the candidate's key skills or achievements. It fails to make the candidate stand out or show how they meet the specific needs of an advertising manager role.

Why does it work? This summary is focused, providing a clear picture of relevant experience and specific achievements that demonstrate the candidate's effectiveness. It uses concrete numbers ("increasing brand engagement by 30%") to make the achievements measurable and meaningful.

Crafting a resume objective

A resume objective is often used by those who are new to the field, changing careers, or seeking a specific position. This section should highlight your career goals, the skills you bring to the table, and how you intend to contribute to the company.

Elements to include:

• Career goals: Clearly state your professional aspirations.
• Relevant skills: Mention skills that are pertinent to the job.
• Alignment with company needs: Explain how your goals and skills align with what the company is looking for.

Why is it weak? This objective is vague and lacks specifics. It doesn’t clarify what skills the candidate offers or how their ambitions align with the needs of the employer, making it less effective in capturing the employer's interest.

Why does it hit the mark? This objective is specific and directly ties the candidate's skills and experience to the goals of the company. It lays out a clear path from the candidate’s background to their future contributions, making it easy for employers to see the fit.

Remember, a strong resume summary or objective can set the tone for your entire application. For an advertising manager role, your summary should highlight specific experiences and measurable achievements, while your objective should clearly state your career goals and how they align with the company’s needs. By being precise and direct, you make a compelling case for why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

3. Pack your resume with advertising manager skills

Selecting the right skills for your advertising manager resume is crucial to making sure you stand out to potential employers. It's important to understand the difference between hard and soft skills and choose the most relevant ones for the field.

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that you have gained through education or training. These can be measured and tested, such as proficiency in software or technical knowledge.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are more general traits or habits that shape how you work, both on your own and with others. These include abilities like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

When writing your resume, it's essential to list the skills that are specifically required or mentioned in the job ad. This ensures that your resume is tailored to what the employer is looking for and increases your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catching the hiring manager's eye.

All in all, choosing the right skills and placing them prominently on your resume demonstrates that you are not only a well-rounded candidate but also directly qualified for the specific job you're applying for. This targeted approach can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview and, ultimately, the job.

4. Boost your advertising manager work experience resume section

In the work experience resume section, list all relevant work experience to advertising, including your job title, name of the company, and duration dates.

However, instead of listing your duties, make sure most of your bullet points discuss impressive work achievements. Even better, use numbers to illustrate them — how you increased sales, how big of a budget you controlled, or the number of marketing campaigns that you created.

You can even mention notable names, for instance if you had some successful campaigns, happy clients, or mentions in big media outlets.

Each bullet point should also include a strong action verb that fits your industry. They help you beat vague statements and make literally everything sound much more impactful.

If you combine all of these tips in your advertising manager work experience section, you’ll get something like this::

Why is it effective? This example is specific and result-oriented. It uses strong action verbs, quantifies achievements, and clearly demonstrates the candidate’s impact in their role, making it easy for hiring managers to see their value.

Why does it fall flat? This example is too vague and lacks specifics. It doesn’t quantify achievements or provide enough detail to demonstrate the candidate’s impact. The use of weak verbs like "worked on" fails to convey strong initiative and accomplishment.

But what if you're a fresh graduate? In that case, you may not have significant work experience, but you can still make this section shine by highlighting relevant internships, part-time jobs, or academic projects.

Describing your work experience and key projects in a detailed, specific, and result-oriented manner makes your advertising manager resume stand out. This approach ensures that potential employers see your value and the impact you've had in your previous endeavors.

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5. Use powerful action words in your advertising manager resume

Using action words in your advertising manager resume is crucial for creating a strong and impactful narrative about your professional experiences. These words convey a sense of initiative, leadership, and effectiveness.

Why are action words are important?

• Clarity and impact: Action words provide clarity and make your sentences more dynamic and engaging. They help to vividly describe what you have done, making your achievements and responsibilities stand out.
• Professionalism: Strong action words enhance the professionalism of your resume, showing that you are a proactive individual who takes charge.
• Passing ATS: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords. Using appropriate action words increases the likelihood that your resume will pass through these systems and reach a hiring manager.

For example, rather than writing "Responsible for creating ad campaigns and managing a team," you could use "Developed and executed high-impact ad campaigns while managing a team of creatives."

Incorporating powerful action words into your advertising manager resume can transform it from a passive list of duties into a compelling account of your professional journey. Action words help to clearly convey your achievements and demonstrate your leadership and initiative. Remember to choose words that accurately reflect your responsibilities and the impact you’ve made, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your resume.

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6. Make your education section shine

Adding your education to your advertising manager resume is crucial in showcasing your knowledge base, dedication to learning, and academic achievements. Even if your degree isn’t directly related to advertising, the skills and experiences gained during your education can be highly valuable.

For those whose education is in a related field, such as marketing, advertising, or communications, listing your education is straightforward and directly supports your candidacy. For instance, imagine you have a degree in Marketing:

On the other hand, if your degree is in an unrelated field, it's still important to list your education. In this case, emphasize transferable skills, relevant courses, and projects. Imagine you have a degree in English Literature:

Here, the candidate draws attention to relevant courses and projects that showcase skills applicable to advertising, like creative writing and communication, demonstrating their adaptability and relevant competencies.

Within this section, you may also highlight any advertising certificates you've earned, as they underscore your specialized knowledge and commitment to the field. If you have more of them, you can include them in a separate section called “Courses & Certificates”.

Here are some of the best certificates to include on your advertising manager resume right now:

• Google: Google Ads Certificate
• Google Data Analytics Certificate
• Facebook Blueprint Certification
• Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS)
• Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
• Hubspot Digital Advertising 101
• Hootsuite Advanced Social Advertising Certification

List them in reverse chronological order and include:

• Name of the certification
• Authority
• URL or code
• Any relevant dates

Remember, listing your education on your advertising manager resume, whether it’s directly related or not, is vital in showcasing your background, skills, and achievements. By strategically highlighting relevant aspects of your education, you can effectively demonstrate your qualifications and readiness for the role.

7. Choose relevant extra sections for an advertising manager resume

Including relevant extra sections in your advertising manager resume can provide a comprehensive view of your background and abilities, making you stand out from other candidates. Here’s how to choose the most appropriate sections and why they matter.

First, consider the additional experiences that best complement the core responsibilities of an advertising manager. These could include activities that demonstrate leadership, creativity, teamwork, or community involvement. Make sure to spotlight sections that showcase skills directly relevant to the job.

Volunteering

Volunteering can be a powerful addition to your resume, especially if it involves marketing or community outreach. For instance, consider listing volunteer work for a local non-profit where you managed social media campaigns or organized fundraising events.

This example is relevant because it highlights skills in social media management and event promotion, directly applicable to an advertising manager role.

Professional affiliations

Being a member of professional organizations demonstrates your commitment to the industry and can provide networking opportunities. Listing affiliations like the American Advertising Federation (AAF) or the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) can be impressive.

These affiliations are relevant as they show your engagement with the professional community and your dedication to staying current with industry standards.

Awards and honors

Listing any awards or honors you've received can be another excellent way to demonstrate your capabilities. Recognitions like "Best Ad Campaign" or "Employee of the Month" show that others have acknowledged your hard work and success.

These awards are relevant because they highlight your exceptional work in advertising and marketing, showcasing your ability to excel in the field.

Choosing the right extra sections for your resume can provide a fuller picture of your qualifications and make you a more compelling candidate. By including sections like volunteering, professional affiliations, and awards and honors you can highlight your unique skills and experiences, making your resume stand out to potential employers. 

8. Avoid common mistakes in an advertising manager resume

Crafting an effective advertising manager resume requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of what hiring managers are looking for. Avoiding common mistakes can significantly boost your chances of landing your desired role. Here are some pitfalls to be wary of, along with tips on how to avoid them.

1. Being too vague: Using generic statements like "responsible for advertising campaigns" without providing specific details about what you accomplished can make your resume blend in rather than stand out. Instead, be specific and quantify your achievements. For example, say "developed and executed 10+ advertising campaigns that increased brand awareness by 25%." This gives hiring managers a clear idea of your impact and effectiveness.
2. Overloading with jargon: Filling your resume with industry jargon and buzzwords might confuse or overwhelm the reader. While it’s important to include relevant keywords that are likely to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS), your resume should still be easy to read and understand. Use clear and concise language to convey your accomplishments and skills without overcomplicating it.
3. Neglecting to customize your resume: Submitting the same resume for every job application without tailoring it for the specific position can be a major misstep. Carefully read the job description and highlight the skills and experiences that align most closely with the job requirements. Customizing your resume makes it more relevant to each employer, increasing your chances of catching the hiring manager's eye.
4. Omitting relevant keywords: Failing to include keywords from the job description can prevent your resume from getting past ATS. Incorporate keywords naturally into your resume, ensuring they fit within the context of your achievements and responsibilities. This makes it more likely that your resume will be flagged as a match by the ATS and reviewed by a human recruiter.
5. Ignoring formatting and proofreading: Submitting a resume with poor formatting, typos, or grammatical errors can make you appear unprofessional. Use a clean, professional format with consistent fonts and spacing. Proofread your resume multiple times, and consider using a tool like Grammarly or asking a trusted friend to review it for you. Attention to detail can make a big difference.
6. Listing irrelevant experiences: Including unrelated job experiences that don’t add value to your application can dilute the impact of your resume. Focus on experiences that demonstrate your skills relevant to an advertising manager role. If you must include unrelated jobs, emphasize transferable skills that will be beneficial in the role you are applying for, such as leadership or project management.
7. Underestimating the importance of soft skills: Only focusing on hard skills and technical abilities while neglecting soft skills can be a disadvantage. Highlight both hard and soft skills, as advertising managers need to be proficient in technical aspects but also strong in leadership, communication, and creativity. Balancing these can make you a more well-rounded and attractive candidate.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong, effective advertising manager resume that captures the attention of hiring managers. Be specific, avoid jargon, customize your resume, use relevant keywords, pay attention to formatting, focus on relevant experiences, and balance both hard and soft skills. This comprehensive approach will help ensure your resume stands out for all the right reasons.

9. Pair your advertising manager resume with a relevant cover letter

A cover letter is a critical component of your job application, offering a chance to introduce yourself, explain your interest in the role, and highlight key aspects of your experience. While your resume lists your skills and qualifications, the cover letter provides a narrative that ties them together and explains why you're the perfect fit for the advertising manager position.

Including a cover letter with your advertising manager resume is essential whenever an employer requests one or if you feel it would enhance your application. Even if a cover letter isn't explicitly requested, including one demonstrates your enthusiasm and professionalism, showing that you've put extra effort into your application.

One key difference between a resume and a cover letter is their focus. A resume provides a structured list of your work history, skills, and education, often in bullet points. In contrast, a cover letter is a more personal document that allows you to explain how your experiences and abilities align with the job requirements. It’s your opportunity to tell your career story, demonstrate your writing skills, and explain any gaps or unique aspects of your career.

It's crucial to ensure that your cover letter and resume share the same design and formatting. Consistency in design not only enhances the professional appearance of your application but also reinforces your personal brand. Use the same:

• Font
• Color scheme
• Header styles

This will create a cohesive and polished presentation, making it easier for the hiring manager to follow and remember your application.

All in all, always consider including a well-crafted cover letter with your advertising manager resume, as it provides an additional platform to showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for advertising managers

Evaluating the financial and employment landscape is essential for anyone considering a career as an advertising manager. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), advertising managers earned an average annual salary of $156,580 as of May 2023. This figure provides a solid benchmark for what you can anticipate earning in this role.

What's more, the job outlook for advertising managers is quite positive. Employment for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is expected to grow by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This shows that opportunities in this field are expanding, making it an excellent time to go for a career in advertising management.

The BLS also forecasts about 34,000 job openings each year for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers over the decade. These openings arise due to workers transitioning to different occupations, retiring, or leaving the workforce for various reasons.

With a strong salary and promising job growth, a career as an advertising manager offers both financial stability and long-term opportunities. By continually improving your skills and staying current with industry trends, you can position yourself for ongoing success in this dynamic field.

11. Top resources for job-seeking advertising managers

Finding the right job as an advertising manager can be challenging, but the right resources can make the process smoother and more efficient. Here are some of the most useful tools and platforms to help you in your job search, organized into cohesive sections.

• Professional networking and job boards: Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are invaluable for job seekers. LinkedIn allows you to connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and apply directly to job postings. Indeed offers a comprehensive range of job listings across various industries and features like resume uploads and job alerts. Glassdoor is perfect for researching companies, reading reviews, finding salary information, and getting interview tips, which can better prepare you for job applications and interviews.
• Industry-specific platforms such as Adweek Jobs and recruitment agencies like Creative Circle and 24 Seven are tailored for advertising professionals. Adweek Jobs lists specialized positions in advertising, marketing, and media, making it easier to find roles that match your expertise.
• Recruitment agencies have strong connections within the industry and can offer personalized job matching services.
• Professional associations including the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) provide exclusive job boards, networking events, and industry insights that can be invaluable in your job search.
• Direct company engagement: Many companies post job openings on their own websites before listing them on job boards, so it's beneficial to regularly check the career pages of companies you're interested in working for. Make a list of top advertising firms and agencies and set reminders to visit their career sections frequently.
• Additional resources: Don't overlook other valuable platforms like SimplyHired, which aggregates job listings from around the web, and Monster, which provides extensive job listings and career advice. Networking events and industry conferences, such as those organized by the American Marketing Association (AMA) or MarketingProfs, can also be great avenues for discovering job openings and making valuable connections.

Leveraging these top resources can improve your job search efforts as an advertising manager. By using these platforms, exploring company websites, and engaging with professional associations, you can navigate the job market more effectively and find opportunities that align with your career aspirations. Happy job hunting!