Advertising Discussions
Interviews

I have a roles/responsibilities question. In a big agency, how involved does a Creative Director typically get in creating strategy? My hubby & I both work in mid-size agencies and have different opinions on this, so I'm curious what the norm is. Is the CD present for focus groups? Do they conduct stakeholder interviews? Do they draft any kind of POV on audience insights, persona motivations/challenges? Or are they basically handed a brief, and THEN they translate that into creative insights?

Can we talk about titles? VP and SVP sup, group sup, ACD, and CD. Then we get into all the group level shit. Let me be clear—I understand the fundamental differences between the sup levels, ACD, CD, and group…BUT

WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THE VP AND SVP? I asked in a recent interview and I couldn’t get a straight answer. I swear we’re going to see a VP junior roll here soon.

What are some great smaller/lesser known agencies in NYC? Applying like crazy for Junior CW jobs and I’m trying not to miss anything

How do I up my LinkedIn game? I’m a Miami Ad student trying to land a Junior CW role in NYC. I am blowing. Up. LinkedIn. Trying to reach out to every recruiter and CD at every agency I want to work for. I’ve gotten some bites, but how do I get out of “I like your stuff, I’ll send to my recruiter” pergatory? Worried I’m going to run out of people to reach out to before I even get an interview.

Thoughts on VCCP NY? Have had a few interviews and can’t decide what to think

How have you tried to avoid the realities of ageism? I’ve deleted dates from my schooling on LI and even dyed my graying mustache before video interviews.

Asking for a friend who was Recently laid off…what’s the average salary for Executive Producer (video, experiences, live events) at advertising agency (holding company) with +20 years experience. Research shows $165–190k. He has a few interviews coming up and wants to be prepared but not under-cut himself. Any intel would be appreciated. Thanks.

For all of the (much needed) conversation around rethinking the hiring process, it’s amazing that so many agencies still choose to just ghost candidates who don’t move forward. Especially candidates who’ve gone through several rounds of interviews.

What’s the Grey Midwest office like? I have an initial interview next week!

Any tips on interviewing with a partner? This will be my first time interviewing as a team. We get along great and are friends outside work so I’m not super concerned, just wondering what the usual protocol is. I imagine it should flow like a normal conversation. But when you interview teams do you ask each person specific questions or ask a question and let each person answer?
Also side question: teams usually come in at the same title & salary right?

How do you ask about work/life balance in an interview without seeming like you’re not a hard worker? I’m willing to put in hours, I just don’t want to go to a sweatshop.

Thoughts on Media Monks these days? Interviewing for a Sr. Producer role and curious how people like working there. Any stories or insight to share?

Proper way to withdraw candidacy while interviewing? Explanation in comments

Need help and guidance with a bit of a dilemma - have two agencies I'm interviewing with. One is further along in that, I've met the major players. The other is just starting (met with their HR). The further along one is a freelance/temp to perm. I'm assuming the other role would be perm. If the temp to perm comes through (I already know what $), do I take and then leave if the other offer is attractive? Don't want to burn bridges at all in this business. HELP!!

What are some good questions to ask when interviewing for a first ECD opportunity? Not just to impress, but things you should actually know.

Anyone worked on/with Hasbro before? Currently interviewing for a potentially amazing oppprtunity but would love any input/insight on their marketing teams/culture. Thinking it could be either fab brands and agency like experience with client side benefits or just a lot of red tape. Appreciate any thoughts.

Are references/letters of recommendation still relevant and important these days when applying for new jobs?

How did you deal with the challenges you had to face when you first started working abroad? I’m in the middle of interviews and hoping I get an offer so I could work abroad 🤞

Does anyone have some insight about Grey? More specifically the Strategy department. Spoke with a recruiter and she was trying very hard to sell their CSO and how amazing he is. Also she used the line “they are like a big family” which is a major red flag.

I have the second round of interviews but curious what is really like.

Hey! 3yrs Digital agency strategist exp. running paid social & CPC Ads for primarily e-comm brands. I manage a small team and looking for new opportunities but I’m not sure what exact roles I should be searching/applying for that fit my experience/skill set. I’m experienced in strategy, analytics (GA, Data studio), budgeting, media buying & optimizing. Would this type of role fit under a “Strategist” type role or something similar? Thanks!

Had my final interview with Accenture 3+ weeks ago, followed up with recruiter once 10 days after, and then 2 days ago with no response. Any advice on next steps?

Would it be weird if I start asking to get paid for the copy tests (for the freelance gigs) that I'm applying for? How should I go about it?

How long does it usually take to hear back about a job if you are getting an interview? Is it immediate or would the recruiter select a bunch of candidates then interview? Seems like a ton of places are hiring so I’m just curious

What usually happens on 2nd or even 3rd round of interviews and who talks to you? Done with my interview and was advised there might be a second round. The suspense is killing me.

Made it through 3 rounds of interviews for a job I realllly want. Waiting with clenched cheeks for next steps.

What's your opinion on case studies as part of an interview process?

I've personally drawn a hard line for myself (my book has multiple case studies for different types of projects), especially when it's related to the brand.

Which role would be a natural transition from account management? Especially if one wanted to move to the product side (tech)?
Has anyone here had that experience? Which tech companies are open to interviewing folks from agencies.

Advice needed: I’m a SR CW looking for my next move. After hours and hours of applying and shuffling through job postings, I’m intrigued by the possibility of making a move to UX writing. My current company offers an education stipend that I could use towards an online course. After much research there are several courses that offer an “industry recognized certification”. So my question is, what’s the ROI on earning this certification? Should I go for it or just learn UX on the fly?

Have you ever requested access to your data after you interviewed for a new role and was turned down for a job? What was your experience and do you recommend it?

Hi! Got an interview for a associate position at Xaxis in their Account Services team and I am excited about it! - any tips/guidance on what to expect (interview and the role) thank you so much!

It's been a while since I've interviewed someone. Do you have any tips that you can share?

Been interviewing a bit lately. I’ve noticed there are quite a few places that ram questions at you for the whole time and don’t leave room for you to ask much. Just a reminder that this is a 2 way street. I’m skeptical of you too. So please leave equal time for me to grill you. Thanks. 😁

Had a recruiter reach out from an agency I’d love to work at but I’m not looking to move right now. What’s the status quo here? Do I tell them I’m not looking to move but would love to chat or do I take the first call without saying anything then pull out of interviews after that? New to the industry so unsure what to do!

(jokes aside) what is the right way to answer the “are you interviewing actively” question? play coy and say ‘only when the best opportunities arise’ or say ‘yes, actively’ to highlight urgency?

I had my third & final interview on Tuesday for a new job opportunity. The interviewer mentioned they want to move quickly on this. When should I follow up on an offer letter (that is if I got the job) I mentioned how I have another job offer that needs an answer by EOW.

Interviewing at a place that has a flat structure. My pay would be equivalent to my level and title any where else but the person they want to partner me with considers themselves a level below me(linkedin,etc). Is this type of pairing common? Partners at different levels? As this is a flat structure, I guess this doesn’t really matter but it seems weird that I would be getting paid 25-40k more than my partner as I’m in a different salary band.

Do you get more jobs from applying or just reaching out with your portfolio to places you like even if they don’t have a posting? And do you reach out to the CD or someone your level?