Advertising Discussions
Interviews

I recently went through an interview at a FinTech company. I had a gut feeling that things weren't going to work out because I wasn't having fun during the interview. It was too dry and corporate. I got an email telling me that they weren't interested. Moral of the story: If you're not feeling the vibe, it's not going to work out, no matter how desperate we all are for a job.

For those who were laid off from COVID, how long have you been out of work? I’ve been unemployed for 4 months now despite interviewing and it’s starting to crush my spirit / make me seriously question my worth. Any others out there so I know I’m not alone?

Me: I'm interested in this job.
Recruiter: Sorry we ain't hiring people who need visas.

EVERY. SINGLE. INTERVIEW. RN.

And to think I use to get interviews off of here. Now, nothing.

What are we wearing to interviews these days?

Had a zoom interview and was on video right on time. There’s the recruiter, chomping chips, looking hit, oblivious I was there. Baby screaming in background, dog barking. The realness was refreshing.

Can someone explain to me why there’s a one year policy on applying to an agency? Like if I applied on my own and then 6 months later a new position opens up and I apply through a headhunter, what does it matter? Especially now.

Had a super random interview yesterday. Got emailed in the morning and we were on a call shortly after. It seemed really promising. How long should I expect to hear back if at all? I’m desperate here. It was a sign of hope, lol.

For people that were let go from one job due to a bad culture fit or management problems, how do you answer that in interviews without seeming like you’re blaming anyone?

Had a couple of final interviews. Should I wait to hear back? Or apply pressure with a follow-up? Does that even work? I don’t want them to feel relaxed and continue to interview other candidates, since right now there are plenty of options out there.

Do you add the people you interview with on LinkedIn? During some interviews I’ve had people say “add me on LinkedIn or feel free to connect” I’m waiting on next steps from HR/internal recruiters a couple places so not sure if adding will be weird.

A couple of days ago I posted about getting ghosted by a recruiter for the initial screen call. Just received an impersonal cut and paste (not even addressed to my name) saying the “Response to the interviews was well received by the team, unfortunately...” I didn’t even get to the interview stage or meet anybody. LOL

How did you guys handle leaving an agency to go to another one? I plan to leave my current spot if I get the offer I’m interviewing for, but I have not given anyone the inclination that I’m looking for other roles. I’ve just started convos to see if it’s possible to get a raise or promotion in the near future, but no answers yet. Just don’t want to burn any bridges or blindside anyone. I’ve been around for about 10 months now

How would y’all approach applying to an agency’s “General Application” posting (ie. the role isn’t named, you’re just submitting your resume)? Any successes? Strategies? Should I cold email the recruiter/HR person in addition?

Strategists- any pointers on working with Production folks? Or Production folks- what have you appreciated most about the strategists you’ve worked with? Interviewing at a shop, and they’re one of the folks I’ll be talking to, but I haven’t worked with one before. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Just saw an opening in my company that I’m interested in applying to. Any tips on how to make my case ? (I just started a job in June due to COVID)

What’s the cockiest thing you’ve ever heard while interviewing someone?

I'm considering to completely stop applying for jobs till the covid situation starts to turn around. So few junior jobs with so many applicants (many more than pre-covid). Any advice?

Does anyone have any recs for applying for roles at bigger companies (for example Apple?). Normally I find a recruiter and reach out but sometimes there seems to be so many! Job portals have seemingly tens of suitable roles

I’ve applied to over 40 jobs since I was laid off in March. Not one click to my portfolio, per analytics. With a family of four, we are being spread thin. Not only is the income desperately needed, but my creative soul needs a release. I would be happy to do typical Art Director work but I’m “over qualified” for that and am never taken seriously when applying for work below CD/ACD. If anyone needs or know of any company needing freelance work, large or small—I’d really appreciate the lead. 🙏

Whose idea is Michelob ultra courtside? I’ve seen articles crediting Wieden. I’ve seen interviews saying it’s actually McCann and Microsoft’s initiative. I’ve heard people at FCB saying it’s theirs. It’s an excellent idea. But arguing over credit is unbecoming to professional advertising agencies. What’s the real deal?

Should an ad agency be able to thoroughly check my references and ask for my entire employment history (including why I left each job) before agreeing on a salary?

I’ve had 7 interviews, met every stakeholder, was initially approached by one of them, who will be my boss. Plus I’ve had great feedback after every interview.

I was laid off from my previous job because of COVID so don’t have a ton of leverage. But that shouldn’t make me powerless. The process just seems like overkill.

Thoughts?

What are some good questions you like to ask during interviews, once you’ve gotten past the gatekeepers?

From everyone's experience, how long does it usually take to hear back about an interview? How long should you wait before reaching back out?

Genuinely asking. Should I hang up on or continue an interview with a CD when they ask me to tell them about my work in my portfolio because they haven’t looked at it at all even after I gave them my portfolio link after they requested for it? They’ve had an entire week to at least skim through. It’s one thing to ask me to tell them about how I approached it etc but to outright admit you didn’t even look at my portfolio? Not trying to be entitled but Idk man

I have a foreign friend that is interviewing for a Creative Director role at a big Pharma Agency in NYC. Because he is from South America, I’m gonna Zoom call him to help him practice for the interviw (in English).
Since I’m a strategist, I’m not aware of what questions are asked for a Creative Director role at an interview. Can you folks help me listing the most important questions HR asks, so I can help him practice?

How long does it take to hear back about an offer? They basically told me they want me to join the team about two weeks ago. Interviewed with five people and all went well. Emailed the recruiter yesterday and radio silence. Waiting is the worst. Did they change their mind or does it take a long time to get an offer approved and made?

I have an interview this week! Best questions to ask the agency during COVID times?

I’ve seen a number of posts on LinkedIn lately from recruiters who are complaining about being ghosted. I’ll let that sink in. Laid off recruiters, seeking work, are complaining about the terrible way they are treated after starting the interview process. THE IRONY.

@Adweek I had it again. In their obituary of Stewart altar, a great man who served the industry and his agency for his entire adult life, they refer to him as “old school editor retires’ . Ageism at its worst. I strongly urge an industrywide boycott about a week. No sneak peaks, no interviews, shut them off.

I completed 9 interviews at a company. Did an assignment netting in a 15 page presentation. Received very positive feedback from those along the way and the external recruiter. Planning to receive an offer today. Just received candid feedback that it "heartbreakingly going to be no" and that it is only based off of something a reference said about me 11 days ago (had interviews since then).
What would you make of this? Would you reach out to your references to temperature check what happened?

Facebook’s interviewing process is weird and kind of messed up for the company they’ve become. Feels like 15 rounds, a test, a presentation and no feedback or connection.

Questions to ask the interviewer during a CD interview?

I'm in a bit of a pickle.

I'm interviewing for a CD position in-house and I have absolutely no idea what salary range to ask for. I have 6 years of experience, and am based in Australia. The company is known to pay quite well also, knowing to pay above market rate.

The range out there is so broad between agency and in-house, and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, not to mention worried that I could either undersell myself or ask too much and not get the job.

Interviewing with small agencies who want your big agency experience, etc. Do you negotiate salary assuming they have a lower range? Or do you shoot them a big agency figure? If lower, how much do you mark down?