When interviewing, is there a tactful way to talk about exciting projects that you have worked on or are working on without disclosing confidential agency/client information?

I find these questions come up and I wonder if there is a best practice for answering. Can disclosing too much (even if it’s a good and interesting answer) actually work against you in terms of getting an offer?

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Bragging is one thing, but divulging *confidential* information would make me, as a 20-year hiring manager, wonder if that person would turn around and do the same to my company should I hire them. It’s a breach of trust, IMO, and demonstrates a character flaw. Some companies have employees sign NDAs, so this could even be a legal issue, too.

Is there a tactful way to brag about a project or client when you can’t show the work? Yes, but it shouldn’t be the crux of your interview. It’s merely part of your presentation. If you can only talk in abstracts, can’t show finished work, or can’t even provide a reference to confirm your story, then that’s all it is... a story. BUT, stories are powerful and while it may not show you technical skills or your creativity, it does give you an opportunity to show your personality, let the interviewer see how much you love design, etc. This by itself will not land you a job, but it will leave an impression on the interviewer, which could keep you at the top of the list. Isn’t advertising mostly good storytelling?

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Just do it. An interview is bragging about yourself and your abilities and your future potential employer isn’t going to blab to your clients about what they know. I’ve always name dropped my clients and talked about the projects during interviews.

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Personally I lean into the NDA element and keep things a bit vague. “The project I’m currently working on is a global campaign that launches in X countries and we remotely shot a film for a major auto brand” etc. You can tell a story without revealing confidential information.

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If it has not launched don’t bring it up. Mention the gist in vague terms to let them know you are in the middle of something exciting but not willing to disclose this will also showcase your integrity.

If the project has launched you should have no issues discussing the work and your role.

When agencies are mum about particular clients it is likely because they are a potential conflict to another client they service (i.e. Apple vs Samsung).

Be careful, don’t burn bridges.

Also obviously never discuss non-public information that you know - basically anything under embargo.

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