Here’s another load of tips for students, grads and juniors.
A previous one said not to just follow the advice of one person, so don’t just listen to me. Speak to as many people as you can, get book crits and listen to the advice.
But if you think there’s some useful stuff in here, do point people this way.
Tip 31 // Show what you could be.
Your book should be full of great ideas. That’s pretty obvious.
But when everyone else’s book is stacked what’s going to get you a job over them?
When I’ve hired in the past I often got it down to the 3 best books. Then it became about the people.
I ask myself, ’In a year’s time who do I think will be the best?’. Judged on drive, interest, passion…
That’s not always been the team or person with the best book.
Tip 32 // Look to what’s next.
Your first job doesn’t have to be ‘the job’.
I know someone who’s first job was in an agency that wasn’t doing much great work.
They pushed each brief they got, carried on working on their book at night, kept looking.
And got a move to a more creative agency, but working in a not very glamorous category.
So they did the same again. Found opportunities, picked up the odd award and then moved to one of the most celebrated agencies in the country and loads of great briefs.
Treat that first job as a step, then push forward.
Tip 33 // Start big. End on a high.
People always remember beginnings and endings.
The first and final impression have the biggest influence on how people will judge you.
So make sure your book’s ordered to give them the best ones possible.
A good guide is best campaign first. Then your second and third best work goes in second and last place.
Mix up your other work through the middle. Stronger, weaker, stronger, weaker…
Just don’t think that means you can get away with hiding something terrible in the middle.
Tip 34 // Start a conversation.
When you’ve got a book crit lined up make sure you’ve prepped some chat.
Some of that can be little stories, background or points about what’s in your book.
But also make sure to know something about what they’re doing.
‘I saw your … work and thought it was great’ can come across as toe-curlingly false so go a bit deeper. Ask questions about how they did a campaign, what they’re working on now or their opinions.
Creatives love to chat once you get them going.
Tip 35 // Don’t get sucked in.
Placements are great. I’ve said that before.
However there’s a pitfall that some grads fall into.
Which is… getting your heart set on the agency you’re in.
It happens easily. You’re in a place where everyone’s really nice, you’re actually doing work, maybe going on a shoot and to the pub after work. It’s fun.
And you start to forget that there’s other agencies out there who might be hiring.
Keep the hunt going. You don’t want an opportunity to slip by.
