How To Get A Job At A Creative Agency
Gosh, it’s very rare that something comes to me that’s creative from a creative person looking for a job. Call me crazy but if you’re applying for a creative position then be freakin creative.
Here’s one I got yesterday that was fantastic. All you would-be creatives looking for a job, take notice!
Hisham Kekhia (hisham.kekhia@gmail.com) sent me a package in a standard gold over-sized envelope. I opened it only to find another gold (smaller sized) envelope in it. On that smaller envelope was a standard label that said:
“There are many layers to a person - kind of like an onion, or this series of envelopes. The deeper you delve, the closer you get to the core, and the more you get to know the person.”
I thought to myself, wow, who is the mysterious person and it’s a good thing I love onions. I’m totally engaged now. So I opened that envelope and guess what? Yup another small gold envelope. Here’s what that one said:
“The resume and samples within are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There is much more on the inside, waiting for you to discover for yourself…”
Okay, now I’m 100% hooked. I can’t wait to open the next surprise!
I opened that envelope to find Hisham’s cover letter,?resume, 20 printed samples of?copywriting work and yet another smaller gold envelope.? Here’s what that envelope said:
I look forward to hearing from you.
And in that envelope was his personal business card.
Here’s the first paragraph of Hisham’s cover letter:
I hope you enjoyed your small journey to the center of the envelopes and that, more importantly, it grabbed your attention. Of course, as in advertising, grabbing attention is just the first step, and now that I have yours I would like to express my interest in the possibility of working with Brand Identity Guru as an intern this fall.
Now that’s the way to send in a job application. Note that Hisham just used standard envelopes and labels, nothing fancy. But the THINKING and process was very engaging and creative.
Now, unfortunately for Hisham we only hire senior level (10 years plus)?people at BIG. It’s a policy we live by as our Kahunas all work virtually so being seasoned is critical to our and our clients?success, but…
Here’s Hisham’s info for all those other agencies looking for a rookie that’s exceptional:
Hisham Kekhia
email: hisham.kekhia@gmail.com ?or
Hisham does have 2 years of agency experience.
p.s. To all those other creative people that email me just?their resume or send it snail mail, you have no chance. Or most likely any chance with any other creative company. Raise your game or get out of the game.
We’re in a very tight race in this years competition. Please take two seconds to help us out by clicking on the?Vote For Me button! You can vote once a day.
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September 11th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Scott,
Thanks for sharing Hisham’s story! I think you should give him a shot despite his lack of “experience”. Creativity is not something you learn, and he could very well have that next BIG idea that a seasoned agency person may not. Just two cents from a person with NO agency experience…
September 11th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I think a better question to ask is how the hell are we not on your RockStar page
I’ve been tempted in the past to break policy but it’s a decision I’ve made and swear by. Some will call me crazy but clients want that seasoned pro. We always have to overcome the shortsighted thinking of NOT having an office and it makes it more challenging with a rookie. Add to it that I can no longer claim all Kahunas are senior level.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I find that a person with 10 years of experience is one of two things: A great Vice President, or a Terrible Individual Contributor. The former can lead with experience, the latter is an employee who expects to be paid a lot for the same value than someone more junior can provide: and becomes disgrunted.
I think the sweet spot for hiring people is 5 years of experience - when they have polished their rough edges and learned the ropes, but still have the passion to learn and grow.
Said that, companies willing to invest in themselves should try recent graduates (especially if they have something special on them, like a graduate degree or unique skills). I find that it is usually more rewarding to train a hardworking person into something they do not know than to make an experienced person work the level of effort required in a growing company.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Since you enjoy creativity so much, why not be creative yourself and hire Hisham?
I think hes proven himself so far, that hes much more qualified for the job than those senior level applicants…
I say give him a shot at it.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Well to be honest I’m not looking for another writer so it’s really a moot point. But we have to stay true to our brand and part of that is that all BIG employees are senior level.
But I did give him mad props on the blog so hopefully he can hook on with someone!
September 11th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Thanks very much, it’s very flattering to be featured on this BIG blog. Just a quick correction, my gmail address is as follows:
hisham.kekhia@gmail.com
Having an uncommon last name has its downfalls…
September 16th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
All things said, wether you pick a fresh graduate or a well aged creative guru, you’re kinda rolling the dice exactly the same way. Its all down to guts and luck on both the employer and employee. If fait has brought a spark of luck into someone looking for a needle in a a hay stack, then its time to look past the end of your nose, and grab it.
September 26th, 2008 at 3:21 am
Wow Hisham sounds like the person you are looking for - very unique and original. Too bad he wasnt able to get the spot