Media buyer : Employers and vacancy sources

Advertising is an increasingly competitive and specialised industry. It is also amongst one of the most popular career choices for graduates.

Typical employers include:

• media independents;
• new media agencies;
• advertising agencies;
• full service marketing agencies.

Media independents specialise in buying, and sometimes planning and research. Traditionally these services were only offered by advertising agencies. Media buyer positions are found mainly within media independents.

Media agencies cover all types of media while new media agencies cover advertising through the internet, digital media and SMS messaging. Some companies operate specialist new media departments. Some jobs are also available in advertising and full service marketing agencies, where there is a greater opportunity to interact with the creative teams.

It is still possible to work in a media buying or buying-planning capacity within a small number of creative agencies (marketing and advertising agencies, etc). It is crucial, however, that you are aware of the difference between creative agencies and independents when making applications. For example, you are more likely to be involved in an integrated campaign if working for a creative agency, so your application would need to reflect this, with a greater emphasis on creative skills.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Media Week Jobs  
• Campaign  
• Marketing Week  
• Guardian Jobs  (Saturdays and Mondays)
• Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA)  including the IPA Jobs Online  service
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)  

Some media independents recruit graduates directly, while several companies recruit through specialist agencies. Many of these agencies have dedicated graduate sections. Some advertising/media agencies may respond to speculative applications. The Creative Review Handbook  may be useful for identifying contacts for speculative applications.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.