It’s no secret that digital and interactive agencies have been hit by the economic downturn. Even with all the “digital is the future” hype, interactive firms are not insulated from today’s reeling business environment.
Still, many agencies are looking for talent. The market is flooded with talent for the first time in many years and—for the time I can remember—it’s a buyer’s market for agencies, and this creates opportunities for us to build and improve our teams. Jobs are out there.
So how do you land that plum agency job? Unfortunately, skills and experience are simply not enough. Luck and timing also play a big hand. However, you can improve your chances by getting more tactical (and strategic) in your job hunt.
Need ideas? Here are seven helpful tips that might improve your chances…
1. Have Someone Make an Introduction
This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. You can vastly improve your chances of being considered if someone connected to the agency makes a recommendation or introduction on your behalf. Look at your network and contacts. Does anyone you know have a contact at the agency? The world of digital agencies is small and surprisingly nepotistic. While a recommendation alone doesn’t mean you’ll get the job, it will often ensure that you get considered.
2. Define (and Sell) your Special Value
What is the real value you can offer our agency? What is the one thing that makes you stand out and is the one facet of your skillset that we can’t live without? Remember, agencies are in the business of selling our people’s capabilities. Of course, your education, background, and prior experiences are all important, but what we’re really looking for is that one special aspect of you that will excite both our clients and internal team.
3. Be Professional, Courteous, and Error-Free
Show up on time. Dress appropriately. Make sure your resume doesn’t have typos. Be respectful. While this may seem like job-hunting 101, you would be surprised at the lack of professionalism and carelessness we see from job applicants. Remember, if you work at a digital agency you will be reflecting the agency (we think about this…a lot). The impression you make goes a long way.
4. Do Your Research
We are always impressed when applicants come in with a solid understanding and knowledge of the agency. Make sure you gather all the data and information you can before the interviews. Look at our website, check out the projects we’ve worked on, and Google the hell out of us. Be prepared with smart questions and tangible perspectives.
5. Check Your Online Brand
If we think you are a potential fit we will Google you. We will look you up on Facebook, on LinkedIn, and we’ll check out your blog if you have one. Make sure you’re online footprint doesn’t contain anything that will scare us away.
6. Follow-up, But Don’t be a Stalker
Proper follow-up is both an art and a science. Feel free to send a nice thank you email or letter, but avoid placing calls or overdoing it. Show us that you’re interested and excited in the position but don’t come across as desperate or scary. Be patient—it may be a week or so until we get back to you.
If you’re interested, RDVO has several positions open…
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