Copywriting jobs in the UAE January 31, 2006
Posted by Farrukh Naeem at copywriterjournalist.com in : Advertising, Advertising in Dubai, Advertising in the UAE, Copywriter Job in UAE, Copywriter job, Copywriter job in Dubai, Copywriting, Copywriting Job in UAE, Jobs in advertising, Marketing, advertising jobs in uae, copywriting job in dubai , trackbackIf you’re looking for a job in advertising in the UAE, these are the usual routes:
1. Spot the vacancies in the local newspapers
Gulf News and Khaleej Times are good places to start. The print editions have supplements dedicated to ‘Appointments’, while the usual classified ads can be browsed online.
2. Look for your dream job in an advertising/marketing community website
My friend Zeid Nasser’s mediame.com is a good place to begin.
3. Go through recruitment agencies and headhunters
Most advertising vacancies are posted in the papers through recruitment agencies. Many advertise the jobs available on their own sites and you can apply online.
SOS and Kershaw Leonard are currently looking for copywriters. You can visit them online and apply.
4. Contact your dream agency directly
Sometimes, the best thing to land a good job in advertising is to meet the Creative Director of your dream agency directly. Even if a CD does not have a copywriting position waiting to be filled, a few minutes with a good one can get you valuable feedback on your portfolio.
Visiting an agency and meeting its creative head helps you understand the agency and its expectations better.
But be warned: CDs are very busy souls and you must not be pushy in trying to arrange a meeting with them. Most will be happy to give you a few minutes of their time, when they have a few to spare. Which is rare. It rhymes, eh?
5. If you apply everywhere and nothing seems to work, don’t get mad…
Get even. Start your own agency. Or freelance copywriting business.
Dubai Media City and RAK Free Zone can help you establish your own advertising/copywriting operation with minimum red tape.
There are many other ways to stay in touch with the advertising world.
Networking helps. Knowing people in the industry will keep you updated on the trends: who’s moving, who’s scouting for talent, etc.
In a multicultural place like Dubai, a few advertising decision makers have a tendency to try and pull in their ex-colleagues from back home, whichever country they are from. Unfortunately, I have seen this sometimes leads to groupism in the agency, so this is an option I do not personally admire or encourage.
Even though I usually have a friend or two in most top agencies but I don’t use friends to pull any strings. Because if one is good at what one does, getting spotted in a crowd of applicants isn’t usually a problem.
Of course, there are Murphy’s laws. And luck too.
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Comments»
Hi Mr. Faroukh, hi everybody,
can anyone give me an idea about the salary average of an Ad copywriter in UAE?
THANKS A LOT
Sissi
Hi i am currently workin in Jeddah saudi Arabia as web & graphic designer im looking forward forshifting to dubai on urgent basis since my fiance is here and i want to settle down fast could you please confimr me the recutiment agencies where i could have 100% placement support.
Hi Sissi:
Copywriters could get US$ 1000 to US$ 5000 and more. Depends on credentials, company, and sadly, nationality too at times. If you’ve won an award, have Gulf experience, are from the Creative Director’s village - add bonus points
Hi Muhammad:
Maybe we could trade places, man. Jeddah is an hour from the Haram Shareef! SOS and MBR are active for ad recruitments here. Welcome to Dubai!
farrukh
Thank you Farrukh for your time, effort and guidance. This blog has been very useful. Thank you also for believing “There is enough for everyone” as opposed to the crab mentality many ppl have in the present age. Jazak-Allah-Khair.
Dear Maliks,
Thank you for taking the time to call, comment and appreciate. Yes, there is enough work to pass around. I believe in the law of abundance. The more you give, the more comes back to you
farrukh
Hi Farrukh,
Aslam walekum, salaam namaste,
I am a Delhi based copywriter and want to work with an Ad agency in UAE.
Please do let me know how to go about finding a job in UAE. if you could recommend some ad agencies there.
P.S. I have also dropped a mail at your ID.
Farrukh, I am a suit that understands the creative process, looking for a good job in dubai. Can you recommend an agency or a head hunter that i should talk to? I am an australian living in KL at the moment.
Hi Swati: We’ve had emails exchanged.
Hi George: Welcome. Now is a good time - many agencies are looking for people in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. http://www.sos.ae is a good place to look for advertising related jobs.
Whatever your favourite agency network may be, chances are that it’s here in the UAE - look their UAE offices up online.
And do keep visiting - I plan to keep my readers updated on openings here in the UAE.
HI farrukh
I’m a copywriter working in Delhi.I have about an years experience…i worked in Leo Burnett for 10 months,and now i look forward to work for a good agency in Dubai…so cud u help my in my decision as to what channels shud i go through and what kind of chances do i have in making it in a good agency.
Hey Farrukh
I’m an english copywriter with 4 and a half years of experience and a cannes media entry shortlist (2005)to my name. I used to work in Mumbai, but then got married and the same company transferred me and my hubby ( yes, we work together.. trouble free) to Sri Lanka. Right now, we’re a bit harrowed by the industry standards here and are looking to shift specifically to Dubai. He might have something lined up. But im at a real loss on how to go about looking for a job. Is there any way you could help? If you know anyone recruiting etc . Just something to get me started? I’d greatly appreciate it. greatly. Please email me? Thanks a ton.
Hi Murtaza: You could come through your agency trying for a transfer to their Dubai office, you could log on to MNC agency sites and apply to their UAE offices, or you could go through the recruitment agency route. Best of luck.
Hi Vera: I have emailed you. Hope that helped. Do keep visiting.
Hi farrukh
I am a lecturer in English literature and a freelance copywriter working in India.I want to shift to Dubai as a full time copywriter. Many people have advised me that i should be in Duba for a personal interview if i want to be considered for a job. Is there a way of getting across to advertising agencies in Dubai, while i am in India? How should i get started? Should i approach a recruitment agency? Please advise
Hi Rashmi: Having an online portfolio would help. You could email prospective employers by looking them up online and pointing them to your online portfolio.
Before CDs meet people, they usually like to see samples of their work.
Of course, being physically present here makes it easy to cover more ground and convince people face to face. It’s easier for people to offer you a job if you are already here.
No harm in contacting agency people from India first via email and then taking it from there.
farrukh
Hi,
Am a writer from Coimbatore. Right now am searching for a writer job in Dubai. I have two years experience in writing.
Well, i have tried all the job sites and eNewspapers but couldnt coime across any good openings. That ignited a thought in me “Am i unaware of the right way?”….. Can you pls let me know how to find the right job in Dubai..
Expecting your reply,
Lubuna Waiting
Hi Lubuna,
Welcome to my blog. There are lots of good jobs around, being advertised too. Do keep in mind that with Dubai becoming a hot destination for creatives from around the world - the competition for good openings is pretty stiff and your resume is up against people with more experience, more awards, and perhaps with brands and agencies matching the prospective employer’s pet likes.
farrukh
Hi Farrukh,
I am a a Dutch Burgher living in Sri Lanka looking for employmeny in Sales & Marketing field in UAE.
Could you please advise who I could get in touch with an employer while in Sri Lanka.
Awaiting your earliest Reply.
Wyndham Prins
Hi Wyndham,
Welcome… you could look up your target employers’ website onm the net - most have contact addresses for potential recruits.
farrukh
hi sir, i have been working as copywriter for some enough time, and i do like this profession so much, but unfortunatley im far from it for awhile and i went through other feild for some reasons,. honestly i wish i can go back to it, its in my blood.but i dont know how i can start.,,,,,,,,,, u might tell me u need to apply , i know u r right,but i feel my resume wont be attractive to the HR. because i told u i stopped for quite some time and im not willing to fill my resume with lies which i guess what works nowadays….
regards
Hi Ziad,
If you can impress the creative director of agency with your portfolio, the HR guys would not mind too much. HR people usually have the task of elimination rather than selection of candidates.
farrukh
Hi Farrukh,
This is Dinesh from UAE. I am not a trained or professionaly qualified copy-writer I do not know to find my way into this field,particularly with regard to the Dubai market.
Please advise me on the same.
Hi Dinesh,
The best qualification for a copywriter is good copy in his portfolio. Show people what you can do with your writing. Write ads - dummy ones if necessary. Don’t just say it, do it. People will believe you if you’re good.
Best of luck,
farrukh
Dear Farruk,
I would like to have a better position as copy writer or business/financial market reporter in UAE. Please advise me on the same.
Welcome Ashkar,
For copy, the post and comments above would help. For reporting, you could always query business editors with story ideas.
Best of luck,
farrukh
Dear Farrukh,
I am working at a Pakistani Televison Channel as a Urdu Copywriter,
also have some experience of advertising and radio broadcast medium i want to know are there any opportunity for urdu copy writer in UAE
Welcome Sabir,
There are Urdu TV channels broadcasting from here, and some shows being shot here too. That’s scriptwriting. There aren’t many Urdu ads produced here that could be enough for a full time job.
farrukh
Assalam Alaykum Farukh
My name is Mansoor Ali, currently i am working in saudi arabia as a Sr. Graphic Designer. I am intrested woring in dubai. Please give me proper advise what i do.
ASSALAMWALEKUM,
FARRUKH BHAI
Myself Mohd Asif Khan I am pursuing mjmc from Amity university lucknow campus.I want to become a reporter but i am a little bit confused to see the charm and bucks in the advertising field.I like composing song ,composing stories etc.I am in third sem.I have to
do my enternship in the fourth sem.I am very much confused that which would be good for my career and this question also give me alot of pain that i should do enternship in reporting or advertising.
Bhai please tell me through mail that which will be brighter for my future.Please give me solution farrukh bhai.
I bow down to allah to fulfill all your dreams and to reach the pinnacle of life.
ALLAH HAFIZ
Hi Farrukh,
First of all thanks for this resourceful information. It just explains what people are looking for.
Am currently working in Bombay and looking for a job in Dubai. I have 3 yrs experience in the serach engine marketing field (Paid search) on Google. Could you let me know the demand for such professionals out there and where can i apply for the same
Hi Farrukh,
I am a Sr. Visualiser in Rediffusion DY&R Mumbai. Have been working for about two and a half years now in the advertising industry (was in O&M Mumbai before this). I would like to shift to Dubai, and would like to know how to go about it, and how much salary i can expect given my work ex. I believe in presenting my portfolio personally to the CD of any agency, rather than just sending across my work. So could you please advise me if its possible for me to fix interviews from before so that I can go to Dubai for some time, maybe a week and meet people?
Thanks.
P.S. Would you know of any placement agencies here in Mumbai who can help me fix interviews in Dubai?
Dear Mansoor Ali,
Wa Aleikum As Salam - the broad tips are pretty much in the post above. If you need to know something specific, feel free to email me.
farrukh
Dear Mohd Asif from Amity,
It’s As Salam Aleikum, not As Salam Walekum. Anyway, Wa Aleikum As Salam.
If you want true job satisfaction, don’t get distracted by more ‘bucks’. Pick the profession that you are more passionate about, and one that suits your aptitude and skills.
Both advertising and journalism are very demanding professions - perhaps visiting a news room and a few ad agencies will help you make up your mind.
I wish you luck in your career,
farrukh
Uma,
Mail me your CV - I think I can do something about the SEM position.
farrukh
Hi Poulomi,
I worked with Wunderman under Rediff Y&R too in New Delhi once upon a time.
It’d be a good idea to set up appointments like you are planning and then come and show your portfolio face to face to CDs. Many times it is possible to speak to CDs directly or email them for an appointment, here in the UAE.
Mail me your CV if you like, so that if I come across something interesting, I’ll pass it along.
farrukh
Hi
i wonder if you can help. I’ve worked in integrated agencies in London for over 13 years and am currently in a similar agency in Manchester where I am a Client Services Director. I am considering a move to UAE as it has always been an ambition of ours (my wife is a great Sr Art Director) but I do not know where to start.
Where is the best place to discover the right agency, where should i be looking and what’s the best place to appreciate local community/ schooling etc?
Many thanks for your help on this.
Hi Kevin,
One way to spot hot agencies is at the global awards. There’s also Ivan’s Adsoftheworld.com where you can see some great work from the region and the world - and the agencies associated with it.
Mail me your CV if you like - I might have something interesting for you here in the UAE.
Also, I am curious to know why moving to the UAE is on your ‘To-Do’ list
farrukh
I’m a business journalist with over 3 years of experience. Would you plz tell me what would be the averaeg salary of a journalist/copy writer in UAE?
Regards
Sadiq
Hi Farrukh
I currently work at Wunderman Jhb as a copywriter and am looking to make the move to Emirates. Currently in talks with an agency in Abu Dhabi. I’m battling to get a distinct idea on salaries. Some say it’s cheaper to live in Abu Dhabi than Dubai and others (especially web sites) say not really - accommodation being the big baddie. As a medium weight below the line copywriter could i ask for US$5000 (or more?) and would that include my housing costs or would that be an extra? My biggest concern is accepting a poor salary thinking it’s great and then having a lower standard of living compared to what I enjoy here in South Africa.
Thanks so much.
Hi Sadiq,
Copywriter salaries are higher than journalist salaries. Depends on your credentials and the company you work for.
Copywriters can earn anywhere between US$ 3000 to US$ 5000 and beyond as they move on to become ACDs. Some nationalities earn more than others - yes, it’s sad but true.
farrukh
Hi Charlotte,
In the past few years, housing has become a very challenging issue all over the UAE. Although Dubai is more expensive, it has more accommodation options than Abu Dhabi. The salary you mentioned is in the ball park for middle weight copywriters. MNCs may be able to pay even more than that.
Mostly companies would leave the house hunting to you and the house rent allowance would be part of the salary.
Hope that helps.
farrukh
Hi farukh,
Man you are great! I really value your comments on basically everything copywriting. I want to move to Dubai too. I am currently working in Kenya as Head of Copy in a major Ad agency. I need global experience in advertising and Dubai unquestionably comes to my mind as a one stop shop.So…having said that crap what is the way forward for this creative soul searching for a creative abode in a world that is dubbed the emerging new world?
I am a copywriter….not just a copywriter but a very creative one for that matter.Period!
Hi Ken from Kenya,
I wouldn’t recommend the Dubai ad scene as the place to gain global experience or even as a one stop shop for creative people. Yes, if you are keen on working in the Middle East, Dubai is worth a try.
The way ahead is to try the things above. If you’re passing by Dubai, a visit to a few top CDs with your book could also help
farrukh
Hi Farrukh
Tony Martin here just waiting to explode on the copywriting scene in Dubai. Any takers?
Regards
TM
Dude…
Funny how the comments on this post read like an advertising agony aunt’s column!
Real neat.
Agony uncle, actually… LOL.
farrukh
Erm…checked ur inbox lately?
Btw…could u tell me the rates for writing print media copy as a freelancer ($/word)? Obliged.
Hi Farrukh,
I am working for a BPO here from the past 2 years and also have 2 years of experience as content writer for a company which has already wound up and so I have no proof of my work but have an experience certificate.
I am not a graduate but have impeccable English language spoken and written skills.
I am coming to Dubai in December and hope to settle down with a job there.
Since, I am not degree graduate do I still have some chance of getting a job based on my experience?
I shall email you my CV to have a look… if you permit.
I just want to make sure before I come there with hopes.
Ali.
WHAT’S THE AVERAGE MONTHLY WAGE FOR FOREIGN CREATIVE DIRECTORS WORKING DUBAI?
Hi Nasr,
Been travelling so couldn’t respond earlier.
Copy rates vary - good writers can charge US$ 1 and above. depends on one’s credentials really. And the client’s willingness to pay of course.
farrukh
Hey Ali,
In copywriting, certificates donlt mean anything. The writing speaks.
Advertising creatives carry portfolios to interviews. Journalists carry clips. Web writers can just forward links to content.
Creatives from around the world are competing for jobs in Dubai - so you better come armed with a very strong portfolio if your aim is a good MNC.
I wish you the best in your career pursuits…
farrukh
HI BEN - DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE WAGE OF ‘FOREIGN’ CREATIVE DIRECTORS WHO TYPE IN ALL CAPS AND DO NOT EVEN HAVE THE COURTESY TO SAY HELLO?
farrukh
Sorry where were my manners, hello there. Can you answer my question or not? If not it’s ok and thanks anyway
Welcome back BEN. And hello.
Wages vary widely depending on the agency and the applicant’s credentials. Can go from USD 10,000 upwards per month.
farrukh
thanks appreciate it
Happy to help, BEN.
farrukh
Hello Farrukh,
Very useful tips here.
I am a freelance copywriter but have been translating and editing previously so I am not familiar with the market rates.
Could you possibly tell me what is the average rate per word, in regards to slogans, sms campaign text, and advert text?
Your advice is appreciated! Thanks,
Heba
Hi Heba and welcome,
Ads and slogans shouldn’t be charged per word but per project.
Copywriters in every market have different ways of billing projects - ranging from per hour and per day to per project. Whatever works best for you.
Also, billing depends on your pricing strategy and where you want to place yourself in the market as a writer.
farrukh
hi farrukh
Could u pls give me information about how to go about job hunting in the field of corporate communications in UAE? My frnd has 5 years of experience in this field, presently working in India for an American Company. Who are the people to be contacted or applied to in UAE and what are the prospects of corporate communication here in UAE?
Hi Uma,
There are many job sites that have dedicated Gulf versions for job seekers. Put up your CV there. Plus, from India or nay other country, you can apply online to lots of jobs.
Of course, the best thing is to meet people face to face for interviews.
Job hunting here is like in any other place. Hard work, persistence, creativity help. And of course, networking too.
farrukh
Thanks Farrukh!
Hi Farrukh,
I am a Copywriter planning to come to Dubai towards the end of January. However, I have been told that early January is the best time for job hunting in the UAE. Could I have some advice on this matter?
Thanks
Mario
Hi and welcome Mario,
People usually take a few days off combining Christmas and New Year, so definitely after New Year. At what time your dream agency will have just the position for you is hard to say. But January is definitely a good month if you’re on the move. The weather’s perfect
Contact me once you’re here - maybe I could refer you somewhere.
farrukh
Hello Farrukh!
I’m begging from across the sea.
Nice blog. I was wondering if you know of anybody in the UAE willing to pay a totally creative U.S. based sales/copy writer for work?
Thanks!
-Tony
Hi Tony and welcome,
Lots of work being given to native English speakers here, mate. Guess you would find a place in the UAE sun too - maybe tie-up with an agency which sources out work to freelancers
farrukh
hi Farrukh,
I m Shiny doing Content writing for a web designing co. in India. I have only 6 months of experience in this field, but believe strongly on my writing skills. My sister in Dubai is ready to sponsor my trip to the UAE; can I get the job as a copy writer or content writer with this experience at UAE ?
Eager to hear your advice…
your friend,
Shiny
Hi Shiny,
There aren’t many interactive agencies here at this time. Some even outsource their work to India.
Nothing should stop you in testing the waters and getting in touch with potential employers from India before you arrive. It’ll help you assess where you stand in this market.
In my opinion, how one writes is more important than how long one’s been writing.
Best of luck!
farrukh
Hey Farrukh
My name is Seema Kaushal. I am in the US currently as a Fulbright scholar. Prior to coming to the US, I was teaching English at prestigious Panjab University, Chandigarh. I have done Masters in English and really have a very good teaching experience at University level for more than two years. My communication skills are really amazing. I am in the US for one year and have been teaching at American university, NCSU.
Could you please tell me about this work opportunity as a copy writer?
Please consider my qualification and let me know about my eligibility though i don’t have work experience in this field.
eager to hear from you
seema
USA
Hi Seema,
You surely must be good at your work if you’re a Fulbright Scholar!
Copywriting does require a good command of the language but more than that, one has to have a passion for products, branding, marketing, consumer behaviour.
More than just writers, copywriters are brand ambassadors, ’salesmen in print’ as the ad legends used to say.
Advertising agencies around the world have copy tests to test the ability of trainee copywriters - or you could develop a sample portfolio of ads written by you to show what you’ve got.
Show not tell is what advertisers are taught to do.
I wish you luck!
farrukh
Hi there, i have been invited to an interview with a global advertising company for the role as “creative director” in Dubai. what wage should i accept? or reject? i am confused as there is not much information out there on wage determination in Dubai. one of my friends is stuck in a job as lead graphic designer with a leading company but has a low wage, he cant leave because of the whole ban thing in Dubai.
Hi Moni,
The size of the agency would make a difference. I’d say it starts from USD 10,000 per month to USD 18,000 and more depending on the candidate’s credentials too.
Hi Farrukh
Great post. I am a South African writer and online marketing specialist living in Johannesburg. A friend of mine recently came back to SA after working as a freelance writer in Dubai. He said it was a fantastic experience and he can’t wait to get back.
I am keen to follow in his footsteps (although it will be tough to leave the wife and kids behind for a couple of months/years).
Cheers,
Tony
Hi,
I graduated 2 years ago in Mass Communication. I have not had any job experience since then, due to some family circumstances. I do not know where to start. I have applied for many jobs in my field, however, I get rejected as I have no experience.
I would like to work in UAE as I graduated from the Americain University there and I like the country. But, I am not living there now and I can not go there to look for work. So, I can only use the internet.
I would really appreciate it if you could help me find a way to start my career.
Thank You
Hi Tony,
You’re most welcome to the UAE. And why leave your family behind - bring them along too if you can afford it.
farrukh
Rayan,
I’d suggest that you start with wherever you currently are. People may doubt what you say you can do but they’ll believe you if do it.
Think of what you are passionate about, what your skills are - are you a design person or a writing person, or a strategy person or a people person. And then see which filed suits your temperament most. Then just dive in!
With hard work and persistence, you can move mountains, my friend.
farrukh
Hi Farrukh
I read your above piece with much interest, very insightful.
Based in London, I specialise in financial, business and investment writing. I have stumbled upon a couple of business contacts in Kuwait which has opened my eyes to the possibility of contacting companies in the UAE.
I wondered whether you would be able to recommend any useful avenues to contact companies please - any particular websites and/or publications popular with corporations and financial institutions.
Many many thanks in advance
Erum
Hi Farrukh,
My names Ray from South Africa. I’ve been offered a job in Dubai as a Graphic designer. I have 8yrs experience in the business. What salary should I expect? What other incentives should i negotiate? And one last question: What is the cost of living there? Living in a fairly nice flat, food, car, internet, phone etc.
Dear friends
I am interested to write short fillers for periodicals. Chould anybody advise me to get a foothold for the same?
Regards,
Naser/Dhaka/Bangladesh
how do you know if you will be a good copywriter or not?
i mean i work in advertising now in dubai, i like copywriting but i do not know if ill be good at it or not! advice man
Hello Farrukh,
Was kind of possibilities are there available for a senior copywriter to secure clients in UAE whilst residing in another country.
I am currently interested in expanding my international client base whilst remaining in Australia. I find that I have had some wonderful clients that are happy to have remote writers. Any advice is appreciated.
Regards,
Sarah
Hi Farrukh,
I am Tamas Pataki from Hungary.
I have done some copywriting tasks for SAAB Hungary (headlines, radio spots, etc.) as i used to work there as a marketing trainee before. But right now “officially” i am working as a buyer for Nokia, which means that my resume does not look that impressive -if it comes to applying for a copywriter position-, even though i am absolutely aware of my skills.
Do you know if there is any kind of competition currently in the UAE, where i could prove my skills, and thereby take up some copywriting tasks in the country?
…Otherwise i am afraid i have to find some other way (=other field) to get to that beatiful place as an employee:)
Thank you very much in advance.
Kind Regards,
Tamas
Hi Erum,
If you want to keep yourself updated to the ad and media scene in the GCC, I would recommend fellow blogger Zeid Nasser’s MediaMe.com. And a news portal like AMEInfo.com
KippReport.com is amazing for a fresh perspective on current affairs and lives of businessmen.
farrukh
Hi Ray,
Have been on the move recently and couldn’t reply to posts… sorry about that. Salaries are usually given lumpsum and you have to figure out your expenses. I’d think a monthly takeaway of USD 10,000 would be good for things you mention, out of which you could end up paying USD 2,000 to USD 3,000 per month for renting a 1-bedroom apartment.
farrukh
Dear Naser,
You could pitch your filler ideas to publications which source out fillers. A query email to the editor of your target could help.
farrukh
Hi Lebnan,
If your copy is getting results for your client, you’re a good copywriter. If your copy is making life better for its readers/target audience, you’re a great copywriter.
farrukh
Hi Sarah,
Possibilities are always open if your work works for a client. Yes, there are challenges of not being able to work with an art director who might be here.
If you could email me a link to some of your good work… maybe I could help.
farrukh
Hi Tamas,
If you could manage to put together a good portfolio of big idea ads and maybe team up with an aspiring art director for a joint portfolio, you could get Creative Directors interested I think.
farrukh
Dear Farrukh,
I emailed you a few days ago but it seems the email may have ended up in the spam folder. I would like to know if journalistic experience is relevant for a copywriter?
SIncerely,
Tony
Dear Tony,
I’ve got your email. And replied to it in detail. Yes, any kind of writing experience helps, sometimes even gives an edge to a copywriter.
farrukh
assalam walekum farrukh bhai,
i m belongs from u.p.,kanpur. i hd done diploma in radio management & programming.right now i m pursuing internship in big fm,aligarh as a promo producer.so i m really anxiously willing to work in dubai as a copy writer.kindly can u give some detail about how to crack this to found the destination.
khuda haafiz.
Dear Farrukh,
Brilliant blog; I’ve read all the comments - and your diligent replies. It reads like a hundred hopeful voyagers sailing off from the harbour.
Now here’s another small vessel unfurling its sail. I’m Steffen Collings, a copywriter based in London. For the last year and a half I’ve been builing up a portfolio of conceptual work - my response to live briefs and my take on current campaigns. I love writing with a view to giving the reader some reward. Copy I feel is the poetry of commerce, but provoking action rather than reflection. I will always be fascinated by the power of language to capture a reader, especially outside the usual ‘homes’ of language such as the novel or the newspaper or the poem.
Here endeth the lecture. Now here’s the point. It rains far too much in this soggy land. I’ve decided I need light to write. What do I have to do to get samples of my work to the right people in the UAE/ Dubai? I haven’t spent 20 years at BootleBartleHigglyWiggly or whatever but I know i can write, answer briefs and, er, well, sell stuff! I am also interested and have some experience in writing for digital/ BTL.
Can I send you samples of my work Farrukh? Or does your arm ache waving so many adventurers goodbye?
Warm regards,
Steffen Collings
Dear Farrukh,
Sorry, Steffen again. My Arabic’s not too hot and so the portfolio I am building is full of English langauge words and the website I am developing showcases English copy. How much of a limitation will this be? The recruitment agencies I am looking at seem to specify ‘English Langauge Copywriter’ for their positions in Dubai etc. but I’d thought I’d check with you.
By the way I’ve been trying to send this message several times but it doesn’t seem to want to stick.
Sorry to pester and thanks for your time.
Warm regards,
Steffen
Blimey how embarrassing - I seem to have posted the same message three times, like someone knocking on the door until it caves in…
Ooops,
Steff
Hi Farukh,
My name is Ayesha and i am an HR for an ad agency. i am glad i have across this site. and you have been very sweet in replying everyones email. I am looking out for copywriter for immediate placement. Can you help me in looking for one.
thanks,
Ayesha
Hi Farrukh
Good Evening
I am kumail from india working in dubai now as an accountanct & no experience i have in advertising field but i am very much interested in making slogans and television advertising concepts for products.
Please guide me how do i go with this.? Also what softwares i need to learn & the most important i want to make a part time career in this.
Appreciate your response and thanks
kumail
Hi Farrukh,
I am looking for a full time copywriting job here in Dubai. Been freelancing actually so I thought it’s easier to get news but apparently people are saying “we are not hiring at the moment”.
Do you know anyone who is seriously and urgently in need?
Thanks and regards,
May
Dear Mayank,
I’d suggest that you get solid exposure in India and build up your skills in that market before you turn your career sights to Dubai.
farrukh
Steffen,
If I was an agency reading what you have written here in the comments, I’d hire you for copywriting.
farrukh
Ayesha,
This blog is flooded with copywriters reading and commenting, with many adding their emails to their comments (click on the commentor’s name).
If you haven’t found a copywriter so far, email me - I could help.
farrukh
Hi Kumail,
You don’t need software to come up with concepts. For print advertising, you’ll need images/words and for TV - just have the story and script and a production company will take care of the rest.
Hope that helps.
farrukh
Dear Farrukh (& Ayesha Sharif),
Farrukh, Thanks very much for your kind comment above. Don’t worry, I’m not asking you any more questions. To continue the voyager theme of my last comments I’m just using your lovely blog as a kind of desert island from where I am calling out waving my arms, marooned and ragged trousered, to the beautifully named AYESHA…Hello! HELLO! DON’T SAIL PAST ON YOUR BIG SHIP. RESCUE ME! I’M A COPYWRITER WITH 3 YEARS INTEGRATED EXPERIENCE ABOVE THE LINE, BELOW THE LINE, CRUISE LINE. I CAN ANSWER ANY BRIEF WITH SMOKE SIGNALS AS WELL AS WORDS. SO PICK ME UP. I’M A MAN OF MY WORD AFTERALL.’
Farrukh has my mail or just leave a comment here Ayesha - if you’re not on the horizon by now and getting smaller… I’m working as a copywriter in London at the moment but it would be great to explore the UAE ad scene, with added sun.
How are you Farrukh? Did you get my last e-mail? I know you have been busy; answering all these comments must make you feel like a very tired Father Christmas. My copywriter web site is under construction - right up there with one of Dubai’s mega structures - and I’ll send you the link when it’s live.
Many thanks,
Steffen
Dear Ayesha,
Just in case you might not be inclined to send a little boat out, tell the skipper there’s copywriting buried treasure on my island. Oh yes, arrrgh, shiver-me-timbers and taglines.
Sorry, bit silly that.
Steffen
Steffen, meet Ayesha. Ayesha, meet Steffen.
I don’t usually let job calls in through the comments section but Steffen’s reply made it worthwhile. Someone must rescue him from his island… LOL.
farrukh
Hi Stephen,
Sorry, was kinda busy. you canan send me in your portfolio and resume to ayesha@shuttle.ae. We have hired a copywriter but your art of writing has kinda attracted me as well.
Hey farukh,
I also have positions open for Graphic designers. If anyone is looking out then they are free to get in touch with me.
Thanks again for your help.
Regards,
Ayesha
Your smoke signals seem to be working, Steffen.
Good to hear from you again, Ayesha.
Designers reading the comment above - you know what to do
farrukh
Hey Farukh,
Thanks for the quick response. I am sure they are many designers who are still looking out for a job.
Regards,
Ayesha.
Dear Farrukh and Ayesha,
Thanks for throwing me a line. That should be my job rather than yours. I am now splashing about in the shallows like a long haired lunatic reaching for the rope. In otherwords I’ll mail you Ayesha - thanks for the address. I am currently constructing the best website in the world. Yes, it’s the online presence of my portfolio and full of copywriting gems and trinkets it is too. Er, well, ok perhaps it’s not quite the best website in the world but it’ll be pretty good and easy to click around. I’ll post it on here when ready and send you the link Ayesha.
Farrukh - what’s the best peiec of UAE copy you’ve seen recently? There’s some good stuff happening in the UK, Nokia’s ‘Music Almighty’ (Weiden& Kennedy) and Oxfam’s ‘Be Humankind’ (RKCR) hook the mind as great lines do.
Is there a Dubai crunch? I hope not. It’d be great to wave Dubai to that…
Steff
Hi Farrukh,
Your blog is really helpful for people like me who want to work in advertising but don’t know how to make the 1st move.I am an Indian student pursuing my Masters in English literature. i am really fascinated by this field of advertising and also come up now and then with jingles and ideas which i want to make big .Please do let me know how should i proceed on this path.What courses do you think i need to opt for to succeed in my life as a copy writer…