Hi fellow CDs. I’ve been looking for a new job for a while without a lot of luck. Is it slow out there still or is it just me... Any advice on what agency recruiters are looking for in a CD book? Anyone up for giving me some “real talk” offline?

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Also, if you’re white and male, recruiters will relish saying nobody’s hiring people like you right now. But everyone interviewing you will be a white male.

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Yikes

Maybe be ok with taking a senior or ACD title. You can still have CD responsibilities in an ACD role. Is it management you’re dying to do? Why does the CD title matter? Is it money?

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I am definitely considering looking for an acd role and have started including that in my search. Money is a part of the puzzle - willing to take a dip but can’t afford a massive one.

I’ve been seeing a lot of in-house creative leadership positions. Have you tried those?

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I’m definitely open to that as well. I interviewed for one last week but it was not the right fit.

Bit of both. There are two economies at this level - did you win a gold in the last 5 months? That’s the fast turn layer. If not, how’s your book and what’s your experience? That’s the slower route but still valid.

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I’m a realist and know that’s probably a big part of it. I have a very solid book but not mind blowing and not full of awards. My guess is that I’m immediately disqualified when someone(s) with that focus is in the mix.

Do you have a job already? I’ve been freelancing since mid last year and there is tons of work, but most agencies aren’t committing to full time at this level. But since I’m freelance rn, I’m ok with that. Maybe it’s tougher to find a full time gig because nobody’s sure of the immediate future.

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Ok, got it. Not necessarily suggesting you go freelance. I’m just saying it’s not you or your book, it’s the “uncertain times” excuse every agency is leaning on to avoid hiring full time CDs. So don’t be down on yourself!

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Agencies are slow to hire right now due to covid. And the usual timing of hiring is skewed. I predict that it will pick up into the summer, which is usually when it slows down. Keep applying, interviewing, and consider freelance. Things will turn around. Happy to talk offline, too.

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Where are you?
Are you willing to relocate?
How are you looking for gigs?
Using a headhunter?

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