Graduate Advertising Executive CV Template Example
As someone who has supported graduates, career changers, and senior leaders for over 25 years, I know how crucial it is to make a strong first impression with your CV. If you are targeting a role as a Graduate Advertising Executive, you’re stepping into an exciting and competitive field where creativity meets strategy. The advertising industry thrives on fresh ideas, sharp communication skills, and the ability to understand what makes brands and campaigns truly stand out.
A Graduate Advertising Executive typically works within an advertising agency or an in-house marketing department. The role involves supporting the development of campaigns, liaising with clients, conducting market research, coordinating with creative teams, managing budgets, and ensuring that advertising projects are delivered on time and within scope. Salaries for Graduate Advertising Executives in the UK usually start from around £22,000 to £28,000 per year, with progression opportunities leading into account management, creative strategy, or senior executive roles.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to create a compelling, interview-winning Graduate Advertising Executive CV template example. You’ll also find valuable advice for graduates entering the job market, as well as insights for those already in middle management or senior advertising positions. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to craft a CV that sets you apart and gets you noticed.
Why a strong Graduate Advertising Executive CV matters
The advertising industry is fast-paced, dynamic, and saturated with talented candidates. Employers are not only looking for academic qualifications or internships; they want individuals who can demonstrate commercial awareness, creativity, analytical thinking, and excellent communication skills. Your CV is your opportunity to showcase these qualities clearly and convincingly.
Think of your CV as your personal advertisement. Just like a successful campaign, it needs to grab attention within seconds, convey the right message, and persuade the reader to take action – in this case, invite you for an interview.
What recruiters look for in a Graduate Advertising Executive CV
Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with creatives, account managers, and clients.
Strong communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
An ability to conduct and interpret market research and consumer insights.
Project coordination and organisation skills, showing reliability and attention to detail.
Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving abilities, even through university projects or internships.
Knowledge of advertising platforms, media planning, and campaign tracking.
Graduate Advertising Executive CV template example
Here is a clear CV structure to help you frame your achievements:
Full Name
Address | Phone | Email | LinkedIn
Personal Profile
An energetic and creative graduate in [Degree Subject] with a passion for developing innovative advertising campaigns. Skilled in client liaison, market research, and project coordination, with proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams. Keen to contribute fresh ideas and commercial awareness as a Graduate Advertising Executive within a forward-thinking agency.
Key Skills
Campaign planning and coordination
Market research and consumer analysis
Client communication and relationship building
Digital advertising and social media strategy
Time management and project organisation
Team collaboration and leadership potential
Education
[Degree, University, Year]
Key modules: Marketing Strategy, Consumer Behaviour, Digital Media, Brand Communication.
Dissertation: [Insert topic relevant to advertising].
Experience
Advertising Intern | XYZ Agency | June – Sept 2024
Supported the delivery of client advertising campaigns, coordinating timelines and deliverables.
Conducted research into emerging consumer trends to inform creative briefs.
Assisted in producing reports on campaign effectiveness and ROI.
Marketing Assistant (Part-Time) | University Student Union | 2023 – 2024
Promoted campus events through social media, increasing attendance by 25%.
Collaborated with design team to create engaging promotional content.
Managed small advertising budgets and tracked campaign success.
Achievements
Shortlisted for [Advertising Competition] with innovative campaign concept.
Awarded First Class Honours in dissertation on consumer responses to digital advertising.
Interests
Photography, digital media trends, podcasting about advertising.
References
Available on request.
Tips for writing your Graduate Advertising Executive CV
Tailor your CV to the job description. Mirror the keywords and skills listed in the role to show a clear match.
Show measurable results. For example, highlight how your work increased engagement, sales, or awareness.
Keep it concise and focused. Two pages maximum for graduates.
Use action verbs. Words like ‘coordinated’, ‘developed’, and ‘delivered’ convey impact.
Highlight transferable skills. Even if you haven’t worked in advertising, draw from retail, customer service, or academic projects.
Advice for graduates
Don’t worry if you don’t have years of experience. Employers know you’re just starting out. Show your passion, willingness to learn, and evidence of transferable skills.
Internships, volunteer roles, and university projects can all demonstrate advertising-related skills.
Make LinkedIn your professional online portfolio. Share posts about advertising trends, follow agencies, and build connections.
Advice for middle management professionals
If you are stepping up from a graduate or junior role into middle management, your CV should highlight leadership, campaign strategy, and measurable success:
Show evidence of team leadership and mentoring junior staff.
Highlight budget management and campaign ROI.
Demonstrate client relationship growth, including retention and revenue expansion.
Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities.
Advice for senior advertising executives and managers
At a senior level, your CV should position you as a strategic leader and innovator:
Showcase high-profile campaigns and the value they brought to clients.
Highlight industry recognition, awards, or thought leadership contributions.
Focus on commercial impact – growth figures, market share, client acquisition.
Present yourself as someone who can not only lead but also shape the direction of advertising strategies.
The do’s and don’ts of a winning CV
Do’s
Do tailor your CV to every application.
Do keep formatting clean, modern, and easy to read.
Do include LinkedIn and a professional email address.
Do quantify your results wherever possible.
Don’ts
Don’t use generic CV templates without tailoring.
Don’t overload with jargon or unnecessary buzzwords.
Don’t include irrelevant personal details like age or marital status.
Don’t make spelling or grammar mistakes – they are deal-breakers in advertising roles.
Conclusion
Your Graduate Advertising Executive CV is your ticket into one of the most exciting industries in the UK. By presenting your skills, creativity, and drive in a structured and compelling way, you’ll stand out from the competition and land those all-important interviews. Whether you’re a graduate just starting out, a mid-level professional, or a senior executive, your CV should always reflect your achievements, impact, and potential.
If you’d like professional support to take your CV and LinkedIn profile to the next level, I’d be delighted to help you. Book an appointment today and let’s make your application shine: Book an appointment here
