Helpful Tips for Preparing for an Interview With a Creative Agency
Preparing for a job interview with a creative agency is not like preparing for an interview for a corporate position. So make sure you’ve considered the following points before you walk through an ad agency’s doors.
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1. What industries does the ad agency cater to?
Many creative agencies specialize in work for a few select industries. To learn which industries they target, check out the mission statement on their website, review the ad agency’s client roster and carefully review their recent work samples. Then prepare for your interview by researching those key industries, and be sure to highlight the most relevant work you’ve done.
2. Who are their top clients?
Hiring managers may ask you to describe what you already know about their ad agency, so it’s important to show that you’ve done your research. Again, their client roster and recent work can provide valuable information. Look for multiple projects with one client. Then, refer to them if the opportunity arises during your interview.
3. What type of work do they do?
Most ad agencies are multidisciplinary and address a client’s overall branding. However, they usually have a few specializations. When preparing for an interview, look for patterns. Does the agency do more print or more digital work? Are they known for a particular discipline, such as brochure or poster design? Once you’ve determined their focus, include similar projects in your portfolio. (Read our tips on how to best present your portfolio.)
4. How big is the team?
Make sure you know the size of the creative team when you’re preparing for an interview. Although the core responsibilities may be the same, a creative role at a 10-person agency may differ greatly from one at an agency with a staff of 100. A smaller agency will have fewer layers of management, which impacts reporting, approvals and growth potential. And each person will also “wear more hats” at smaller ad agencies. If you have concerns about these differences, work them into the conversation during your interview.
5. Who does the position report to?
At an ad agency, you’re more likely to report to the owner or someone in a creative role, rather than a noncreative person in a corporate position. But it’s important to clarify this point, because it shapes your conversation about performance reviews, career development and even salary structure.
6. Who will be the interviewer?
Try to find out who your interviewer will be when you’re preparing for an interview. Then you can tailor your responses accordingly, especially while presenting your portfolio. Use different language when talking about your work with HR versus a creative director or a marketing manager. But remember to make any conversation results-driven.
7. What’s the corporate culture like?
Get a sense of the office culture before your interview, so you can dress appropriately. Look for clues in staff photos on the company’s website and social media pages, or talk to a friend or a LinkedIn connection who currently works there. Even if the ad agency has a casual dress policy, such as jeans, shorts and T-shirts, you should dress neatly and professionally for your interview. Granted, you may not want to wear a suit to an interview with a laid-back creative agency, but you should look neat and polished in business casual attire.
8. What soft skills are most important to the position?
Job candidates should prepare to highlight their strong communication, collaboration and problem-solving abilities during interviews. “Working at an ad agency requires an ability to manage multiple clients at once and shift gears quickly when needs change suddenly or projects arrive unexpectedly,” says Diane Domeyer, executive director of The Creative Group. “Employers are looking for candidates who can jump from task to task without dropping balls and work in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. Being adaptable, outgoing and customer service oriented are also essential for thriving in an agency setting.”
Preparing for an interview requires research and practice. Showing that you’ve taken the time to understand the agency’s mission, niche and culture will help you stand out among the pool of candidates for the position.
Source: Robert Half | 8 Tips for Preparing for an Interview With a Creative Agency
