For many years now, New York has been the hub of the advertising world. All the big shops are here, and they expect the best talent. In reality though, New York living, in the Advertising industry anyways, is not all it’s cracked up to be. New York is like the bratty kids in high school who’s dads own car dealerships: everyone hangs out with them because they throw the best parties, but really they can be pretty annoying. Not to say that New York isn’t a wonderful city, much to the contrary. New York offers action, excitement, and prestige, but…

A common problem for many of my candidates is the problem of becoming pigeon-holed. After working many years in a specific industry, say Automotive for example, one may find themselves thinking “so where do I go from here?” For the most obvious solution to the above problem, we turn to the blue-footed booby (see picture). As the world awaits the upcoming release of the cinematographic masterpiece, “Snakes on a Plane,” we also wonder anxiously “what comes after snakes?” “How can the movie industry possibly progress from this movie of all movies?” The idea for successful sequels is to make alterations…

Always one to enjoy relating the trials and tribulations of the recruiting world to my favorite hackneyed celebrities, my focus this week turns to one of the most delightfully repugnant of all, Scott Stapp. In a job interview (or in any life situation for that matter), one wants to avoid at all costs becoming “Scott-Stapp-esque”. He stands as a prime example of the dangers of over-confidence. If you have ever witnessed a Creed video, you are aware of Scott’s unsavory demeanor. In 9 out of 10 of these visual and auditory atrocities, Stapp is perched atop a rocky cliff, arms…

When I was a little kid I used to watch Looney Tunes, and would always have to change the channel when Wile E. Coyote came on. I found the whole fiasco much too frustrating to watch. The poor coyote is starving to death, and every attempt to feed himself is thwarted by unfortunate coincidences. The frustration I felt as a child has followed me into adulthood, but in a slightly different aspect of my life. Candidates can have great offers in their hand, but will throw them away for a chance to catch the elusive Road Runner. Just like my…

Flowers, chocolates, lingerie, candy hearts, a new job; all of these lovely things are typically associated with the annual celebration of St. Valentine. Has your company been a good Valentine this year? Have they treated you with a dozen roses, a diamond necklace, and a thoughtful card? Or did they opt for the fake plastic rose and pack of M&M’s from the gas station? If your company is not giving you the TLC you deserve, and is looking frightening in their lacy negligee (they have really let themselves go), it’s time to move on to greener, less flabby pastures. Let…

Resumes are short, one page summaries of a person’s entire career history. Therefore, every word on the document is of utmost importance and should be carefully considered for effectiveness and relevance. The importance of a few words can be seen in the recent debacle over the title of Samuel L. Jackson’s upcoming film masterpiece “Snakes on a Plane”. Fearing this title would turn the movie into a joke (which, of course, it obviously is), the powers that be wanted to change the title to “Pacific Air Flight 121”. Samuel L. Jackson would have none of this, and promptly laid the…

Interactive and digital advertising/marketing is hot right now. Al Gore, armed only with moxie and a happy-go-lucky attitude, has grown his invention, “the internet,” from a pipe dream into the new standard in communication. E-commerce has swept the nation and the globe, and the marketing industry, like many others, is surfing the cyber wave.

Interactive advertisers, once considered “nerdy,” are now popping bottles of Cristal and receiving invites to P. Diddy parties (excuse me, it’s just “Diddy” now). They are what is hot in the Advertising business, and can do nothing to escape the large herds of bikini-clad “fly honeys” and…

Since the introduction of Chuck Norris into the Wired and Hired world, there has been a public outcry for more career advice from everyone’s favorite Texas Ranger. Believe it or not, Chuck Norris is not only an expert in martial arts and facial hair landscaping; he is also well-versed in career development: · Chuck can spot an ill-groomed beard from a mile away. Chuck’s classic beard withstands the test of time. To find out whether or not the company he interviews is just as timeless, he does serious research. What is the company’s financial track record? Are they consistently successful or…

‘Twas the day before the big interview, and all through the office
Every creature was irritating, especially my boss Phyllis (nothing rhymes with office)
My resume was formatted, and worded with flair
I knew my Talent Zoo recruiter would deliver it with care
Trapped in my cubicle, dangerously close to “smelly Fred”
While visions of dollar signs danced in my head
Steve in his offensive polyester suit, with eighties style pleating
Had just announced another long, arduous staff meeting
So excited was I to escape Steve and his suit of ill-flatter
When I thought of it, I nearly lost control…

A good reference can sometimes make or break a deal, especially if it is a close race between two candidates. Try to provide references from people who like you, who know your work well, and who are recent. People you worked with ten years ago remember very little about you, and the work you did with them may no longer be relevant. An effective reference sounds something like this: “Tom is a detail-oriented professional who will excel on a retail promotional account. If it were socially acceptable and scientifically possible, I would clone Tom and have my entire company run…