In advertising, we are currently in a candidate-driven market.

This means there are lots of unavailable creatives and very available job opportunities.

After searching, asking, analyzing and searching more, I find a great candidate for one of my available art director positions. They see value in my client’s job opportunity, we get through the initial stages of recruiting… and then there’s the interview.

Please, please learn to sell your agency to candidates.

You are in advertising. Sell. Sell. Sell.

On so many occasions I put a great candidate through the gauntlet of the submission process – sending their book, their resume, phone screening, etc. I send them information on the relocation they are potentially going to have to prepare for. They go to the interview and upon meeting the team they hear complaining about the agency, personal problems, emotional problems, gripes about money and gripes about overtime.

Would you take this job?

There will always be negative people who seek out negative everything. There will never be a perfect office environment where everyone loves everyone all the time and never has to work extra hours. If you have more than a couple of unsatisfied employees – this is an entirely different problem and even with all the money in the world you won’t be able to keep your employees or attract new ones. However, there is no excuse for not putting your best out for potential talent. There is no excuse for not being able to spark someone’s interest in your agency if they have come this far. Please, find out what is ruining the atmosphere at your place of business, or who, and revamp. To read more on the top ten negative vibes put out at interviews, click here.

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