Need some advice. I’m interviewing for an associate director role and was asked to do an assignment. The assignment pertains to the current work stream on the account I’m interviewing for. My Q:

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

If they’re giving you an actual client brief without being an employee and not a made up/pro bono one there are bigger questions to be asked...just say you’re not comfortable with this and would rather prove yourself on a probono/social impact initiative instead. If they say no, you’re dodging a bullet...

likesmarthelpful

+1

If I complete this fairly heavy strategic assignment, I’m doing free work for a very high paying client. If they choose not to hire me, my insights could live on. Is it possible to turn down the assignment without souring the relationship? At a director level, it feels disrespectful at best. Do I have the right to object? Certainly I risk losing the opportunity but...my resume should speak for itself at this point. Anyone have experience navigating this?

like

I went through an interview where they asked me tough questions specific to problems they were facing an account and asked me to explain the process I would take to resolve it. I didn't need to do actual work and they concluded I was qualified... No need for an assignment!

like

I went through an interview where they asked me tough questions specific to problems they were facing an account and asked me to explain the process I would take to resolve it. We discussed several situations and scenerios that required intelligence and knowledge of the role to answer. I didn't need to do actual work and they concluded I was qualified... No need for an assignment! Especially 5-10 hours. That's insane. Go home.

like

Literally just went through a similar experience, but for a senior planner role.

Spent 3 hours interviewing away from my current job, then was given an assignment that “shouldn’t take more than 5-10 hours” with one assignment being extremely relatable to the account I’d be on.

The recruiter said the assignment proved them right that I wasn’t senior enough for the position. 😪

Tbh, I would think in my case/level a small assignment is cool. But at your level your resume and ‘work’ should speak for itself... but hey if it’s really an amazing opportunity I’d play ball.

like

Actually, no. People inflate their accomplishments at every level. It’s shocking, I know. But without a trusted reference, you need to put candidates through their paces at every leave

like

Sid Lee asked this of me. Pass. It’s so obviously wrong to do that it raises more questions

like

I did this once and landed the role. I think you can look at it 2 ways: 1) you’re time to shine (especially if they seem super excited about you) or,
2) free work (at which point you could offer to show them some original work that you’re proud of)

If you’re worried about giving your work to them for free then just avoid sharing. Present from your own computer

like

Also, as someone already said, coming up with the right strategy is easy(ish). Getting a team, an agency, a client, a company excited about it and acting on it - that’s hard. And if you can do that, they’ll give you the job - because they’ll be excited. So I say go for it. Good luck!

like

I agree. I think it’s gets complicated when there’s vested interest on the interviewer’s side. However, if the assignment is open enough like — a brand you love and why or how would you would reinvent a brand? I think those kind of assignments are likely more productive and help the candidates shine

like

I've been asked this before. It's shady as hell and a sign something is wrong with them. Run away.

like

I had this happen twice. Once was for a freelance gig which is crazy. The place ended up sucking so hard cause the founder was cray that I took it off my resume. Took way too long to do the assignment & there was no way to take short cuts & demonstrate approach. 2nd time was at Grey on one of their clients. Much less time to do & actually was fun. So it really depends. Go with your gut in terms of how excited you are with the job

like

From my experience, execution is just as hard if not harder than ideation. So, I’ve learned to separate the two and am more than happy to share my insights with anyone, knowing that actually executing on insights is more than half the battle. This is all saying that even if you give them your insights, they would have to execute on it, which is tough if they don’t hire you. Because typically, if it’s a clever/novel one, there would be more than a few meetings for you to explain what you’re insights are and how to execute them.

like

I think if your insights are so blindingly brilliant that they are good enough to share with a client and live on, they’re probably going to hire you off the back of them. And if you don’t get the job, they don’t rate your output, and so they won’t want to nick them and share them anyway. Either way it’s fine.

Think it’s a new norm but 5-10 hrs sounds insane

Related Posts

Anyone with leads / opportunities at your respective companies in Digital Marketing? 8+ years experience here across various aspects of digital (content, seo, ppc, automation: salesforce pardot, marketo, etc) Currently a manager at an Agency in BC, Canada. Looking for a consulting / agency kind of role!! Appreciate any help! Much thanks!!

like

Any info on Fractal Software salaries?? They are hiring for a Research Investment role, and I can’t seem to find anything on compensation.

like

What is the perception of a McKinsey solution role that is a CSP? Can I exit to tech? Would the role be better than the T2 role I have now?

like

Hi All,

I have 4 years years of experience ,preparing to give salesforce technical consultant interview, wanted to know what is the salary range and how many rounds of interview and what type of rounds.
My current ctc is 18.5(16.8 fixed)

Thanks in Advance.

like

Does anyone have family members who constantly demand money because they feel like you’re rich now because you’re a lawyer? I’ve always wanted to be in a position to help my family but we all live in the high COL city so my salary doesn’t carry me as far as it would elsewhere. I’ve given a detailed summary of all of my expenses yet every month one family member in particular comes to me for rent money (not some, the full amount, and they refuse to get a job). It has become quite the burden.

like

Any insight on Aesthetic Medical Device Sales? Interviewing this week.

like

Does anyone have experience with career changers in Data Analytics or UX/UI after taking the Career Foundry or Spring Board bootcamps? I’m curious to hear opinions if it’s worth the investment. Interested in hiring perspective or career changer!

like

Does anybody have a referral link for Amex Platinum? - has to be UK based

like

Anyone hiring consultant for EY EY finance transformation is willing to have a chat? Thank you.

like

I am seeking new employment, I was recently laid off due to lack of work. I would very much appreciate any leads. I have a Bs in Construction Management and over 15 years experience with Revit and AutoCAD and 7 years of plumbing design. I have solid references and impeccable work ethic. I truly enjoy what I do. Working remotely the last three years has become a way of my life and supports our current situation well, therefore I am seeking a similar role but will consider other opportunities.

like

Hey fishes! I'm Looking for a refferal for UI/UX designer role.
I have 9months of experience.
Preferred location - Chennai.

like

Hi All,

Can someone suggest what will be in hand salary in CG for CTC 11lpa with 1lpa variable pay? Also, let me know how do we get project in CG? I am not hired for specific project & HR said I will get project calls but she seemed to new GR as she didn't had complete knowledge of the process. Can you tell me the process fir getting a project in CG (for PMO role)...

like

DM for referral

Post Photo
helpful

Hello every one. I am actively looking for job change. I have 10+ years of experience in mechanical component design, PLM and PDM. Also I have experienced in leading a team's and handling managerial activities. I am an certified scrum master and i have successfully completed my six Sigma black belt certification. Please help me by refering in your organisations for suitable role. Please ping me for CV/Resume.

Good morning, I am a recent under-grad and working as a BI Developer. I’m looking at transitioning to a project or product manager role and I have 1+ YOE. I know the job market is not that great as of now but I’ve applied to countless PM roles and have had no success. I want to know from other PM’s if it’s necessary for me to get a PMP certification before I can get a job or it’s not that of a requirement?

like

Hi All, first post and looking for insight! I have an interview coming up for New York Life Insurance Company’s Management Fast Track Program. Does anyone have any experience with NYL or can speak to anything I can anticipate or should be aware of going into this opportunity?

like

Can anyone help on Salary Slab for Fujitsu IT service Mgmt role. YOE: 11 years.
Also do they give shift allowances and if yes then how much ?

like

Which ATS application portals will you not even apply to a job through?
I see Taleo and completely ignore the job and company until they switch to greenhouse or at least workday.

like

Would like to know if anyone here used a resume writing service to help translate AD experience to civilian language. Curious on your experience and if you felt it added value.

Asking because my husband is 20yr AD and currently applying for jobs.

like

More Posts

Is putting your rainy day fund in something like VGLT a terrible idea? Trying to consider options outside of HYSA, with a bit more juice.

like

I’m actually cheating since I am on Grove Street 😃

like
like

In 2023 I'm wanting to help make my management more effective. So, I'm looking for a book or a couple of books to gift my team this holiday season. I would like books that focus on communication and taking ownership. Any recommendations?

like

Hi Fishes

Please give me 11 likes. Need to DM directly.

like

Who else in NYC feels like they’re stuck in a rut and always tired? ☝️

likeupliftingsmarthelpful

Can anyone refer me at pwc for Salesforce developer. I think that is the entry level job and I have graduated in 2020

like

If I am planning on living somewhere in CT soon, is there some sort of general guideline to consider, keep in mind, calculate to figure out how much is enuf to take a job that requires you to commute to NYC 3 or more days a week? Or Boston 3 or more days/week?

like

Best company to work for in the Triangle - NC area? Preferably with high diversity.

like

My 4 year old asked me today what a boss is. What’s the best LinkedIn Cringe response?

like

Do you have a home church? If so, what do you love about it?

I was trying naturally (<1% chance of conception) and supposed to go on my first Clomid cycle now/near future. Is it irresponsible to try now? What do you all think?

like

My husband and I want to start a family so in preparation for pregnancy I tried lowered my Vyvanse dose from 40 mg to 30 mg to see if I could get by on lower dose. I feel like I’m not even taking medicine at all. When you lowered a dose did you get used to this feeling or should I know right away that this isn’t going to work? I feel withdrawal like my brain is slow and I can’t keep a thought in my mind long enough to finish the thought. I’m on day 4 and it sucks!

like

Anyone else seeing an uptick in ED visits now? We are getting pretty busy with really sick (non-COVID) people. And A LOT of mental health patients.

like

I used to do outpatient surgery part time and flex to pay my bills. Now I'm out of a job! Has anyone
gotten unemployment? I have some questions.

like

What’s the standard RTO (return to office) plan for MBB as of now?

like

Which looks better on a resume? MBB or MBA?

like

I’m 9 years in. Currently taking the educational requirement for CFP through American College. I feel like I can’t focus because I am not really learning anything. Any tips to keep eyes on prize?

like

How much can you expect from HPE for QA Engineer - 4 years. ? I need to quote in the HR discussion. Appreciate the support.

When do you all think it’s time to exit to take your startup on full time? Is there a certain income threshold you’d want it to hit combined with personal savings? Other than insurance, what may be somethings I’m not thinking of in making a plunge? For context, 2 workers, my wife does almost everything now and I assist at nights and weekend. It’s grown from 200 a month to almost 2k a week of profit over the past five months. Has been increasing from 1.5 to 2+ over the past 3 weeks. Contd

likesmart

Additional Posts in Strategy & Planning

Does anyone have a good lead on where to find research backed customer journeys? Either generic for an industry (like restaurant) or for major players in an industry (like chili's). I am fairly new to planning, and this keeps coming up as something and that would be helpful.
Thank you!

like

where my mid 40s and up peeps at? where you working and what are your next career moves? life moves?

like

What brands are you really into at the moment? Would be great to think about and be inspired by those doing a great job!

Has anyone ever worked with Mark Pollard or Julian Cole? Are they as great as they seem?

likefunny

Looking to hire a boutique social media agency who has expertise in helping launch a CPG home cleaning product. Would need support primarily on social platforms. Ideally, the firm would also be able to create content and help determine who the target market is through data tracking and analytics. Any ideas?

like

Influencer Marketing remains a black box in the business. In y’all’s opinion; Who are the key players in the influencer space?! Agencies, tech companies and private companies? I want to follow companies who are doing it big and correctly

like

What’s the salary band variation for strategists between health and non-health agencies?

like

Wondering if anyone has a good example of a brand that originally sold a commodity/mass food and successfully introduced a premium/luxury line, under the same brand name. Kicker is the brand has to have started as mass then gone upmarket, nor vice versa.

like

Thoughts on VCCP London for strategy?

like

Any examples of a strategy consultancy that eventually built out a design discipline after being around for a while?

like

What is a go-to-market strategy?

funnylike

I’d like to be a CSO one day. If you’re there, what helped you get there? If you’re climbing that organizational hierarchy what are you doing to prove you’re an asset?

like

Starting to think about making the switch from agency to brand side. Any tips from strategists who have already made the jump? And is there a level at which it makes the most sense (i.e. should I wait until I make Director and then make the switch, or does it not really matter)?

like

Anyone have any good diversity training resources?

like

How common is it for a strategist to have a website/portfolio?

helpful

Thoughts on Eli Lilly/anyone open to sharing their experience and salary there? interviewing for AD level in media strategy - would be working out of nyc if that matters

Has anyone worked with Wethos? Or, have you, as an independent strategist, worked on more “meaningful” social good projects? I am looking to mix things up, team up, and have an impact.

like

I'm thinking of moving strategy side, best bootcamps or programs to take? Assuming the company pays for it of course

like

Can anyone recommend a good headhunter that has experience in placing agency strategists on the client side (not just agency only)?

likehelpful

Looking for strategy roles in Michigan (or telecommute opportunities)

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal