Job or no Job

This is one of the weirdest things I have heard about recruiting, yet I have now heard it 3 or 4 times.

People have been asking me if having a job is a bad thing when it comes to being recruited. I'm not sure if they are being told that or they are assuming that, but it's just plain weird.

Of course I want you to have a job. That means you are good and someone else thought you were good, hence they hired you. I can't imagine why having a job would be hindrance.

On top of that, I don't mind if you don't have a job. This is advertising. Half the advertising population is out of a job. If I ruled people out for being out of work, I'd be ruling out a huge chunk of very talented folks.

Neither of these factors deter me from considering a person for full time. Now, that's not to say it isn't easier to hire someone who is currently unemployed. When a candidate doesn't have a job, I don't have to wait 2 weeks (sometimes longer) while they give notice. But for a full time hire, come on, I'd wait a month or more for a really great person. I'd like to think other agencies do the same.

Freelance is a whole 'nother ballgame. I want you unemployed and I want you available on exactly the day I need you for exactly how long I need you. Ha. A girl can wish right?

In an absolute perfect world, I'd want to first freelance any candidate we were considering. We feel you out, you feel us out and we take the time to see if the relationship will pan out.

But absolute perfect world doesn't come around too often. We interview, we ask questions, we call references, we check our gut, we trust the portfolio, then we take a huge leap of faith and extend an offer. That's kinda just how it is.

Whether you are currently employed or not is not a big deal. It makes me happy when I know another great agency has found you before me. It makes me even happier to hire you away.

Show it

A simple reminder about interviews.

Exude interest: in the company, in their work, in actually wanting the job.

Exude personality. You'd think this would be a given. But, interviews are nerve wracking and sometimes you forget to just relax and be you. Remember your personality is what defines you from the next candidate. If an agency has asked you to come in, they already like your work and now it's just about you as a person.

Exude interest. Wait, I already said that.

Exude passion: for learning, for the industry, for creating great work.

We recently interviewed a young woman who, at first glance, seemed quiet and reserved. Once she began showing her work, she lit up. She was descriptive about each piece in her book and clearly proud to talk about her ideas. Not only that, but she expressed whole-heartedly her genuine interest working at our agency. And with every subsequent contact I've had with her, she reiterates how much she'd like the position. Add that to her very strong talent and she got herself an offer.

Personality, passion and pursuit. It all adds up.

The Big Things

Big Mistake: no showing a job interview.

Bigger Mistake: no showing a job interview for a position someone referred you for.

Biggest Mistake: no showing a job interview for a position someone referred you for, the same person you asked to be a reference on your resume.

Your True Colors

Recently I was on a panel for an ad school "Meet the Industry" night. Me, another agency recruiter, a copywriter, an account person and a small agency owner. Everyone talked about how they got into advertising, talked a bit about their current job and gave a few words of advice for the students. Pretty typical for this type of event.

I am just as interested in getting a nugget or two of wisdom for myself, so when the agency owner began to speak I was eager to hear his advice.

And here it went: Don't show me your tattoos in an interview. Do not wear earrings (guys), lip rings or any other visible offensive garb. Wear presentable business attire, from Brooks Brothers perhaps. Nothing sloppy or hanging. Remember your manners. Emmulate Emily Post.

My jaw dropped at the first sentence. And a giggle escaped at the last. Emily Post? Brooks Brothers? What industry does he think this is, banking?

I caught the eye of a student in the first row and slowly shook my head "nooooooooooo." I mean, come on. First of all: Show me your goddamn tattoos. You are in a CREATIVE industry. Of course I want to see your personality in all its colors. (there may be exceptions to this in terms of vulgarity, but I haven't see it yet). Don't disguise your personality during an interview. God, if I ruled out all the pierced and tattooed people I'd be left with a very, very small pool of candidates to choose from.

The sloppy and manners part I will give him. But this seems more like common sense than worldly advice. Don't look like something the cat dragged in and be courteous. No brainers. But certainly don't act like anyone that you are not. Because if I hire you, I want to make sure I've seen your true personality, how you really dress and behave. That helps me determine what kind of creative contribution you'd make in our department. And sometimes that involves a big fat lip ring.