Advertising agents buy and sell advertising space on many different types of media outlets, like billboards.
Advertising agents, or advertising sales representatives, play a vital role in the success of media outlets. Agents solicit or sell advertisements for television, radio, periodicals, newspapers, websites and outdoor advertisers. Agents face a lot of pressure in their careers and must be willing to cope with rejection from clients. They should be prepared to work hard for long hours in order to be successful.
Duties
Advertising agents are responsible for soliciting advertisements on behalf of their clients. They frequently meet with clients who want to advertise a product, and must develop a sales plan. The agent is then responsible for finding advertisers who are willing to campaign the particular product. Agents must constantly sign new clients, so they may spend a significant amount of time traveling to visit prospective advertisers. They may also spend much of their time on the phone contacting clients.
Working Environment
Advertising agents may face a significant amount of stress in their careers. They are usually given monthly sales quotas and face an enormous amount of pressure from their employers to meet those quotas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, advertising can be stressful because income and job security depend directly on the agent's ability to maintain and expand his clientele. Advertising agents work extended irregular hours, including holidays and weekends. Some may work from home since much of the communication with clients is through email.
Education
For entry-level positions, a high school diploma is acceptable by most employers. However, for sales positions, other employers prefer candidates with a degree. Those with a background in marketing, business, communication or advertising will have an advantage. A strong background in sales experience may take the place of educational requirements. Most employers provide on-the-job training to teach new hires interact with clients. During training, new hires will observe experienced agents as they contact clients.
Earnings
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that median annual wages for all advertising sales agents were $43,480, including commissions, in May 2008. The top advertising agents earned over $93,600 per year, while the lowest 10 percent of workers earned under $22,620. Agents employed by motion picture industries made the most amount of money. Newspaper, book and periodical advertisers made the least in 2008.
Advancement Opportunities and Job Outlook
Advertising sales agents can advance in their careers by taking on more prominent clients. Agents must have the ability to lead others and have a strong sales record to advance to managerial positions. Experienced agents may become sales managers, sales supervisors or vice presidents of sales. Some may even be able to change industries. The job outlook for advertising agents is expected to grow by seven percent through the year 2018. Growth is expected to increase particularly in online ad sales and cable television.
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