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Did 3 panel interviews at Discover Financial Services for the Sales Account Executive role and felt the TC package was too low. Salary at $70K with annual bonuses at 25% with. $5K one-time sign on bonus. I made the case that my experience and education was far more than even the preferred criteria on the job description, and over 3x of the minimum qualifications. The recruiter is now thinking of two other roles for me:
Lead, Program Marketing
Lead Field Solutions Representative
Any feedback?
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Conversations on diversity and inclusion continue to dominate in our industry but is ageism getting lost in the shuffle? Check out the Account Planning Group’s next event: https://www.apgcanada.ca/event-calendar/?fbclid=IwAR27vEJ3tDDwexCZJE_LxAuU962L9sJwGM8VAhjisDI64Zc3Y85OnzINaOs#id=135&cid=1396&wid=201
Who’s going to replace Tom at Ogilvy?

Thoughts on working at McCann or INNOCEAN?
Strategy Director market rate these days?
I went from Toronto -> London -> Toronto.
Here’s the real deal:
- There’s way less volume of opportunity here. Focus on getting in somewhere decent rather than holding out for the very best (there’s just way fewer jobs). You can always move around later.
- There are fewer job titles here. If you were already at AD / SAM, shoot for an AD role. If you sell yourself at account supervisor, you’re going to lose out on long term earning potential.
- Salaries are far lower here compared to cost of living. You’ll have way more $$ in the bank, but rent (at least pre-Covid), food, alcohol, and clothing is at least 2-4x higher here. Expect some time adjust.
- Shoot for ~90k as AD. You can probably get a bit more, but this will give you a competitive edge.
- Most agencies only give you 2 weeks paid vaca - it’s not enough. Always negotiate for a 3rd, or 4th if possible.
This is super helpful! Thank you!
70-90k depending on agency
Why not go for director level - London market would be busier but not too diff from Toronto
I think for a jr AD you’re more likely to be on the $80-90k range but CP1 you could totally be right! Just depends on the agency I suppose.
Pro
Around 70,000 for a supervisor, give or take 5 or 10, depending on the size of agency, clients, etc
I don't know how salaries compare in UK, but I've worked in Oz and agencies pay more there than here. Partly because of the forced super withdrawals from your pay and partly because cost of living is a bit higher in australia.
I was an account director in Australia for 6 months and then moved to London and currently freelancing as a Senior Account Manager so thought it might be safer to go for a Supervisor level. But yeah I guess I could shoot for an AD level depending on the JD! Thanks!