Related Posts
Layoff in IQVIA?
@iqvia
More Posts
MITREs Glassdoor rating is like a ski slope.

Thoughts on BCG Toronto?
How much does a SM for Total Wine & More makes?
Can someone guide on this?

Additional Posts in Advertising
Modern problems require modern solutions.

Mccann creatives - what are the good groups?
Lemme get your Evansville Indiana recos
What do y'all know about Konrad NY?
New to Fishbowl?
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.




From what I’ve heard blacklisted is now done with word of mouth. In the construction industry there was actually a “list” (of whistleblowers) that was found and there was a lawsuit. My thought is if it’s a gut feeling I’d ask an insider (recruiter buddy) if they know anything. I’ve actually considered changing my name to see if it’s true (I called out something- rightfully so - at my past agency and got laid off shortly after.)
Or have someone you trust "reach out to a place you think might be blackmailing you seeking a reference as a potential new employer"
Nah it’s just really tight right now. Lots of people in the ad industry looking for work, as agencies shrink their staff. Also, recruiters are really awful nowadays, they literally don’t even bother looking at their inbox backlog. Also, if you are approaching 40, or are over 40, you could be experiencing ageism.
Well I’m only 31. So it can’t be an ageism thing, at least I would hope not ha. But this makes me feel a little better that others are being affected as well.
I’ve had the same issue. Going on 10 months now. Literally been told they love me and then suddenly a change of heart (claim budget cuts, etc) it’s really weird. I’m sorry you are experiencing this too
@ACD2 that’s awesome 👏
What city? Are they looking for any Producers (I can also make a killer cup of coffee)
Don’t you think that if such list existed, agencies would check that first before inviting you for an interview? It’s your time as well as theirs
CW2 I started singing Bon Jovi because of you hahaha
I don’t think you have to be blacklisted to experience the crappiness of the industry. It took me forever to land the full time job I have now. And I (hopefully) don’t have any dark secrets to land me on a list.
Wieden on my resume, decent produced work, easygoing personality...still a struggle. And hell, the full time gig I took isn’t exactly ideal. It’s just the state of the industry
Market yourself. Here are some thoughts.
Twitter
Engage in conversations on Twitter about the business. Follow key people.
LinkedIn
Connect with key people. Write articles and publish on LinkedIn. You’ll get a lot more reach on your posts on LinkedIn than on other platforms (all things being equal - certainly if you have 100k Twitter followers any 100 LinkedIn connections the math will be different)
IG
Follow accounts and people. DM about relevant topics in the business. Engage. Don’t sell.
Podcast
Start a podcast about something specific in the business. Make it niche. Expect small listener or viewer count. Make it local as well. So the Austin Ad Creative Podcast or whatever. When you reach out to people on other platforms invite them to your podcast.
Before I read your follow up I thought, “I bet this person is over 40.”
You will find something. It’s just hard to get over the way people look at us in this industry .
I’m only 31...
I agree but think it’s harder for them to get over the salary that comes with being over 40. Just an educated guess
Why not fully embrace freelance?
I had an unamicable ending of a project with a recruiter and couldn't land anything for 6 months so was terrified they had blacklisted me. But I eventually had other recruiters I knew reach out - I'm probably blacklisted at that agency but I doubt it spreads farther than that. I agree though I don't think there's a list per se and I have close enough relationships with other recruiters that they'd probably tell me if I was. This industry is big enough that you will find a place. Good luck though! It's been a slow summer - hope you get something soon.
I work with both but consistently the ones that come through are definitely in-house since they can push you through the top of the pile. and they tend to move around too so when they end up a different place they bring their list along.
If you're hitting a dead end with recruiters try working your way in through the people at the agency. I have people send me their books unsolicited all the time and I always take a look and provide feedback.
OP is strumming my pain with his fingers. Same boat. Kind of want to retire.
Sounds like my jam. I’ve never been an awards person anyway. Thanks for the tip!
Steelworkers went through this. Now it's our turn. Headcount is shrinking and will continue through the next decade imo.
What’s your book look like?