This blog is dedicated to all of those things people do that beg the question, Why on earth would you do that?

Why on earth would you agree to schedule a phone interview and then not pick up the phone when the Creative Director calls you, twice? I understand that you are probably busy being unemployed as you are, possibly going for the world record on that new video game you bought. However, the creative world is a small one and if you keep this up the only person that will want to recruit for you is someone who is trying to get…

If you are in advertising, you should know better than to send out and post 100 copies of a resume that sucks. If you are an art director or designer, you REALLY have no excuse. Even though most creatives have caught on to the necessity of creating a URL resume/portfolio, many have not done so, and are still sending WD resumes in TIMES NEW ROMAN. They leave out the clients they have worked on. They include awards they won in 1985. It’s a bad scene.

Just as important as your portfolio book is the unique concept behind your resume – you. You must…

Dear Mr. I said I was willing to relo but now that I have an offer I’m having second thoughts,

First, thanks so much for taking hours out of your day and mine to discuss the awesome job opening we have. I was excited that you were so excited. You gave me hope and then took it away like a thief in the night.

I understand that relocation is a big deal and that your significant other has a say in it. However, it is you that seems to not grasp that concept. Was she mad when she found out you were actually on…

“I’ll clean my house tomorrow.” “I’ll start working out next week.” “I’ll pay off that pesky Bloomingdale’s credit card bill next month.” False deadlines. We all set them for ourselves - we’re only human. The one that we recruiters tend to hear (and loathe) the most is something along the lines of “I’m going to start looking for a new job next ________.” (Fill in the bank with false deadline).

I’ll set the stage for you…

The conversation typically starts out with me calling you about an incredible opportunity in a location where you’ve only dreamed about living. It involves a shiny new title…

…and you have to know when to part ways and leave it on shelf. This is definitely easier said than done, but on the flip-side, a lot of time and energy can be saved along with keeping your candidate from wearing out their welcome. When you have a great candidate and your client recognizes that they are truly dealing with the industry’s best (like a pair of Manolo’s), it is easy to get hung up on trying to find the right fit.

Before you know it, your candidate is on their 4th interview for another newly created opportunity with the same agency. It…

Sometimes I call candidates to sell them on a certain position and they are quite content to stay just where they are. “No thank you. I’m happy here…”

This is usually the case when they have been at their current position for less than 1 year.

It’s the honeymoon stage of the relationship. Flaws, transgressions, wrongdoings are all at a minimum or are not visible to the creative. They are challenged, happy and full of life.

Other times I hear a desperate voice on the other end of the phone. They are gainfully employed and making money but they are ready to jump ship.

Why?…

Since NYE, I have already worked out twice and my boobs have never felt as tender as when I gave birth to my twins… or something like that. Why, because I have love handles and want to look good sans shirt. No other reason.

Now these days people will ask about your resolution(s). I find that as hollow as asking about your dreams. No offense, but they hold about as much substance as MTV’s primetime lineup; i.e. they just bought a 2nd season of Shot of Love w/Tila Tequila – and boy is she a pocket full of BLECHH!!

Here’s my perspective on a…

One of the most common New Year’s Resolutions is “Get a New Job”… Got it on your list? If so, here’s an action plan to put your job search in motion for the New Year.

1.) Decide what you want – What type of job do you want? What type of company do you want to work for? What’s your dream job? Once you answer these questions, you will have the necessary focus for your job search in the New Year.

2.) Identify your strengths & weaknesses – What skills are required for the job that you want? What necessary skills do you lack and…

Ok, so perhaps a bit of a grandiose title for this particular blog but it almost relates to what I want to talk about. What I want to talk about is advertising specialties. What type of agency do you work for and what type of agency to you want to work with? I’ve talked in the past about resumes and websites and making sure that you represent yourself as best as you can but now I’d like to touch on an additional factor, your specialty.

This particular subject doesn’t particularly relate to more junior candidates that are still looking to get their ‘feet wet’ in the…