Why you need a Recruiter. Period.
The fact of the matter is that ad agencies are businesses and like all good businesses they have people employed to make sure the grandiose vision of creatives doesn’t result in bankruptcy. These people are CFO’s. Are they good at what they do? Yes. Are they completely necessary? Debatable but probably. They’re the hard assess of the industry and to make your way past this ad agency bouncer you need a recruiter, period.
His goal is to get what he wants at the lowest possible price. He doesn’t care about your Gold Pencil. In fact, he has a pen made out of diamonds that, in the right light, reflects a picture of his condo onto the wall. And don’t even try to convince him his money is worth your sense of humor, the last time he laughed was when Bambi’s mom died. And that’s why you need a recruiter, because we have his gatekeeper, the hiring manager on our side.
We as recruiters know the industry and the people in it. The majority of our recruiters were successful art directors and copywriters in a past life and thus, have worked with a number of the people who are now Executive Creative Directors in top agencies. Some are even as high as 4 on our speed dial. That’s right…four. He is the leader and protector of all this is creative, productive and often slightly weird in his agency. The fact of the matter is we know the players and we know what it takes to get you that job.
And hey, could you get through a few doors with out us? Maybe. But, don’t look at me when you’ve received your travel arrangements, courtesy of the CFO, and you are sleeping in a roach motel on gang alley before your first interview. Oh and in this scenario, he has probably also rented you a scooter instead of splurging twenty more bucks for a Kia Sedan. Think about that. Seriously.
Technorati Tags: ad agencies, recruiter, interview
Posted: February 15th, 2008 under Archived Posts.
Comments
Comment from new york hustler
Time February 27, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Recruiters are for the most part … idiots. I am sure some of you are qualified but I havent met you. The truly dumbest people Ive ever met are recruiters. You dont seem to need any qualifications or education to be one, so I think every empty brained person who needs work, becomes a recruiter. Ive worked with the top places and the bottom places and they all absolutely suck - worse than realtors - they arent there to help you, they lie like rugs, they claim contacts they dont really have.
And as far as this “article” - the CFO will be most thrilled to hire you without a recruiter so he won’t have to pay a stupid fee because a recruiter sent an email to “earn” it.
Recruiters are for suckers.
Comment from Jose
Time February 27, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I agree with new york hustler. I have had the worst time trying to find a competent recruiter throughout my career. And if the attitude of the poster of this article reflects what goes through their head when you’re wasting your time talking to them, well, we can clearly see that these are people who have no idea what is like to have goals in life and work you tail off until late at night to produce the best work possible in the field that you actually love. And by the way, the reason you don’t win any awards in your so-called “job,” is because you need to have talent to win one. I guess that’s why they became recruiters, they don’t know what working hard is or reaping the benefits of a good day’s work. They’re too afraid to dare to dream, or pursue any goals for that matter, if they have any in the first place. They don’t have what it takes, period; that should’ve been your title Lauren. And no, recruiters are not for suckers, they’re for BIG suckers!
Good Day
Comment from Paul
Time February 29, 2008 at 8:41 pm
My 2nd wife was previously married to one of the best advertising recruiters in LA in the 1980s — a guy who I knew and respected (although not enough to keep my hands off his wife, I guess). But the point is, back in the day, recruiters actually did all that was described in this post — networked, knew people, knew the right candidate for the job — and most important, were trusted by their clients (the agencies) to come up with that one right person.
But today, the Web has destroyed all that. Agencies post creative jobs on Monster, then turn around and give the same assignment to a “recruiter”. Who, as often as not, merely sends around emails to every creative he or she knows, asking for referrals. Or simply searching Monster for resumes to forward to the client, after a quick vetting process.
Gone are the days when most recruiters actually earned their 25% — partly because their clients are also soliciting for the same candidates behind their backs.
Comment from SMH
Time February 27, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Great article and you definitely make a great point! I am currently exploring opportunities as an Account Director/Account Supervisor. Do you have any recruiting companies you would recommend?
Thank you!