Hello,
As part of my blog, I'd really like to describe my graduate job hunt, the application processes and my experiences along the way!
The truth is, I went in to the whole process slightly too optimistic, I was convinced that having secured dozens of placement year interviews, and passing my very first assessment centre ever, securing a job with IBM straight away and turning all of my other ones down! I presumed it was going to be just as easy to get a graduate role- I couldn't be more wrong! It's a billion times harder!!! The applications are ruthless and the deadlines are much earlier!
Recently, I was lucky enough to have an interview with one of the biggest advertising agencies in the world, JWT. After a lengthy application process, I was invited to the Account Management interviews in London.
I was told the interview would be 45 minutes long and there would be nothing to prepare. So I headed over to London, had breakfast with my friend Umesh in the Hospital Club (shout out!) and prepared for my interview. We went over my competencies, skills and experience of the marketing/ advertising world plus general facts about the company and their clients. I thought this would be great preparation as knowing the company is a great start to acing an interview!
The email said 'Smart Casual dress code' so I opted for a Black Ted Baker dress, a tailored jacket and plain black heels- as apposed to my usual suit.... however when I arrived at the offices in Knightsbridge, I couldn't have been more overdressed! Everyone else seemed to be in leggings!!!!! jeans, super duper casual wear! I stuck out like a sore thumb!
Before the interview I had been reading the graduate blog that JWT published which contained profiles of all of their 2014 grads. Literally, every single one of them attended Cambridge, Oxford, UCL, Bristol and the likes.... this immediately worried me even before I arrived on the day. I go to UWE, a previous 'poly' which focuses highly on employability through practical skills and application rather than simply academic theory. I love this part of my uni experience and honestly, I believe UWE has been great at providing me with the skills and experience and I feel 100% ready for the world of work..... something which I doubt a lot of graduates share. However, I couldn't help but feel that JWT didn't value these types of skills, however they valued a highly academic, book-smart candidate, something which I couldn't necessarily provide to that level.
However, I had been offered one of 100 interviews out of 1000's of applications- so they must have liked something right?
There were around 4 or 5 interviews happening at the same time as mine, so I chatted to a few of the other candidates whilst we were waiting, yep Cambridge studying philosophy.... Bristol studying psychology..... London studying Latin.......... thank you for confirming all of my doubts! When I told the girl from Bristol I was from UWE I think she was a little shocked! I was so proud to be sat amongst these brainy, brainy people and know that I had earned my place there! Speaking to them, I realised that none of these people were from business/ marketing backgrounds and therefore advertising agencies aren't really valuing these types of degrees!
Once I was called into the interview, I was met by a lady and a man, one from HR and one who I believe was a fairly recent graduate account manager. They were both really nice and helped me relax.
We started by talking about my degree- I wasn't really expecting this but went on to talk about my dissertation, the modules I was studying and the people I had met. We then talked about IBM, Vet's Kitchen and a couple of other projects I've been working on (read previous blog posts for more info!). This was all fine and I have written so many applications, I know these roles and skills inside out!
We then went on to talk about advertising in general and they asked me about which adverts I really liked..... my mind went really blank and I think this is where I messed up!! I had researched JWT's advertising in-depth and had hundreds of THEIR examples, without really thinking about the industry as a whole! I ended up talking about Sainsbury's Christmas advert and then M&S Christmas advert....... zzzzzzz how boring and cliche!!! My mum (a midwife) could have probably given those answers, nevermind someone who's supposed to be a mini expert in the field! She even asked me "what about non-christmas adverts" and I gave her a really crap answer about Oreo........ I literally froze I struggled so hard to find a answer that would blow them away!
I know I write a bloody blog about great advertising campaigns!!!!! But at that moment I couldn't think of a single one!!!!
We then looked at a number of adverts, the first one was a picture of a tomato on a white background with GAZPACHO written across it..... tell me how in god's name you are supposed to analyse that! It's crap!
Then there was an army advert which I think I analysed well and one for electronic cigarettes which allowed me to speak about ethics etc. which i think was ok!
Then, they asked me about my 'culture' and what I like to do in my spare time, I spoke about Enactus, my entrepreneurial society for social action- something I thought they'd really like, but they were like "No, what do you do for FUN".... but Enactus is fun!!! So I spoke about Bristol Wine Club which they seemed to like, then they said "What about aside from wine?" I just wanted to turn around and say "Well aside from studying a full time degree, running events at least 5 times a week, attending a monthly wine club, seeing my friends, writing my dissertation, acting as marketing director for enactus and doing job applications there isn't much time to do anything else" but I was too scared so I just said travelling........
All in all, I left thinking it had gone really badly- turns out it had as I didn't get a second interview! Honestly, they were ruthless and I guess I don't fit the perfect mould of candidate they were looking for, but that's OK!
I have learnt a lot about Ad Agency interviews and although I really wanted the job before I went, I am OK with not getting it! I think I would be a lot more prepared if I ever went for a similar job....these opinions are totally my own and I would love to hear if you've had a similar or completely different experience!!!!
Thank you for reading!!
Steph
This is a good, confessional read. Perhaps I can help you to understand one aspect of this process.
ReplyDeleteI went to an old university (Cambridge), I've worked in a young industry (public relations) and I now teach at 'new' universities (including UWE). So what are employers looking for, and why do Oxbridge candidates often do well?
Employers don't mind what you've studied - or where; they hire you for what you can do in the future. So the interview is designed to test your ability to think on your feet. Someone who has studied philosophy will probably be more comfortable with open questions than someone who's studied a modular subject taught in neat boxes.
The reason thinking is so important is that no one knows what questions you'll be asked in future. In the promotional industries (advertising, marketing, and PR) it's even more important as the boundaries are blurring as the media landscape changes.
My final point is that JWT and others operate in a commercial world in which bigger is not necessarily better (though some global clients prefer large, global agencies). Starting on a graduate scheme in a large agency is only one approach.
There are more opportunities to start small, and even to set up your own business. One door closes; many more will be open to you.
Thanks for sharing Richard- that's really insightful and helpful! I understand the different ways which these type of students think and how they have been taught to be very analytical, critical and have been used to debates since day one! It's just a shame that I'm worried my continuous determination to get in to the industry won't pay off! I think going down the small agency route is definitely my priority going forward!
DeleteThanks for your help and for reading.
Stephanie
PS I've advised some very large companies as a consultant, but have never been comfortable in a corporate environment.
ReplyDeletePPS: The merging of digital/PR/advertising around so-called 'content marketing' is a very exciting development that offers many opportunities for ambitious graduates.
I'd advise you (and others) to stop thinking in boxes ('PR', 'advertising', 'marketing,' 'SEO') and start seeing the opportunities. I was clueless as a 21 year old history graduate: you have a great headstart over me!
You don't need to have studies Latin to understand 'carpe diem'.
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI know you wrote this article a long time ago but I just wanted to say thank you for posting this. I've got an interview with JWT London for their grad scheme so this post is incredibly helpful. I also want to say there are so insane similarities between us: I've had some previous experience with IBM, went to University in Bristol and I was involved in Enactus too - I was the MD of Enactus Bristol. As I kept reading I was like oh my gosh, the similarities keep going.
Just wanted to say thank you. I really appreciate your honest account of your interview. I hope you've found a great place in the communications world!