“Yup. I’m old. Just like forests and mountains. I’ve seen seven different versions of the best ideas every produced. I know how to save a campaign. I know when to let one die. I’ve seen global CMOs rise and fall and can tell you the real reasons why. And I’m the person everyone under 30 will ask for advice, on and off the field. If that’s someone you want in your corner, great. If not. I’m going to your next nearest competitor.”
Yeah I just sat there, stunned. Slight wincing of the eyes. I think I involuntarily sighed/gasped. Not a full-on gasp, but inhaling air through gritted teeth. Like this face 😬
You understand that this against the law. If someone says that, make sure HR is aware because of it’s a proper agency, they have a lawsuit on their hands.
We make sure nobody discusses age, where they live/commute. Frankly, it’s about being professional and most HR folks will inform the right people about this issue.
At the end of the day it’s about having mutual respect. And that goes for “you’re old and still just an AD?” as well as “you’re so young to be a CD."
“I’ve seen a lot. And it’s helped me learn what works, and what doesn’t. What’s a fad, and what’s always true.”
“In my experience, going through several platform changes – from print to digital, micro sites to Snapchat – helps you understand how to keep evolving your thinking, rather than just relying on the platform you came up with.”
I really, really wish I had recorded it. It was not a kid; this was a head of creative, which made it even more strange. Still, I’m digging through my files to update my book with different things, just in case.
“I’ve seen things you people wouldn't believe.
Creative briefs on fire off the shoulder of Orion.
I watched banner concepts glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
Time to die.”
PS - the interviewer then apologized. Honest mistake I assume, and I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. But it’s not the first time I’ve heard a comment regarding the length of my career. I don’t know what to say. I was stunned and had no witty comeback.
Was this HR or the person you’d be working with/for? Shocking either way, but I’ve been screened by some fresh-out-of-college HR coordinators who, no offensive, didn’t know shit.
Like 
“Yup. I’m old. Just like forests and mountains. I’ve seen seven different versions of the best ideas every produced. I know how to save a campaign. I know when to let one die. I’ve seen global CMOs rise and fall and can tell you the real reasons why. And I’m the person everyone under 30 will ask for advice, on and off the field. If that’s someone you want in your corner, great. If not. I’m going to your next nearest competitor.”
Truth is the agency in question probably doesn’t deserve to have someone like 👆🏼that👆🏼in their corner.
Sorry I didn’t catch that. *turn on voice recorder on phone*
Wasn’t thaaaat funny AD1
Hit them with your cane
Ha, ACD6, maybe I could say that!
Is there a response? I’d sit there silently and let them sit in the verbal diarrhea they just made.
Yeah I just sat there, stunned. Slight wincing of the eyes. I think I involuntarily sighed/gasped. Not a full-on gasp, but inhaling air through gritted teeth. Like this face 😬
I always say “Experience never gets old.” TM Yep, I trade marked that line... I interview a lot!
I like this!
You understand that this against the law. If someone says that, make sure HR is aware because of it’s a proper agency, they have a lawsuit on their hands. We make sure nobody discusses age, where they live/commute. Frankly, it’s about being professional and most HR folks will inform the right people about this issue. At the end of the day it’s about having mutual respect. And that goes for “you’re old and still just an AD?” as well as “you’re so young to be a CD."
Have no job. Lawyers cost money. Now that’s a conundrum.
“I’ve seen a lot. And it’s helped me learn what works, and what doesn’t. What’s a fad, and what’s always true.” “In my experience, going through several platform changes – from print to digital, micro sites to Snapchat – helps you understand how to keep evolving your thinking, rather than just relying on the platform you came up with.”
I really, really wish I had recorded it. It was not a kid; this was a head of creative, which made it even more strange. Still, I’m digging through my files to update my book with different things, just in case.
“Wow, you’re young. Are you related to the boss?"
That’s a good one! Interviewer looked about my age in this case, but others who have said it were usually younger. I’ll save this one for next time!
“I’ve seen things you people wouldn't believe. Creative briefs on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched banner concepts glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die.”
This comment wins. Everybody go home.
“In the words of r Kelly, age ain’t nothin but a number baby"
And what he said when he tried to marry her when she was 15
PS - the interviewer then apologized. Honest mistake I assume, and I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. But it’s not the first time I’ve heard a comment regarding the length of my career. I don’t know what to say. I was stunned and had no witty comeback.
Was this HR or the person you’d be working with/for? Shocking either way, but I’ve been screened by some fresh-out-of-college HR coordinators who, no offensive, didn’t know shit.
Maybe you misheard. Did you have your hearing aid battery charged?
Maybe I could use a variant of this! While pointing at my ear, I could say, “Sorry, I misheard you. Think my hearing aid battery went dead!”
If you don’t get the job? A law suit. :)
Well then you can live off the proceeds from the lawsuit.
Congrats on that job offer coming your way!
“Wow. You’re fired"
Wow! Let me make sure I’m spelling your name correctly for the subpoena.
Some people’s stupidity is infinite. I’m sorry he/she said that to you.
I’ll take law suits and long walks on the beach for $800
This might work if I said it in a really humorous tone.
“Wow you’re a douchebag” is one option.
And if it was a woman, you should say “You know, women can be tools, too"
Get up and walk out