The Perfect Fit

"How Do I Get Experience If Nobody Will Hire Me Without Experience"

The classic "Catch-22" of our business!

I had a graphic designer who lives in LA and has four years' experience and an MFA apply to me for a Sr. Visual Designer position for a client in St. Louis.  While I thought she has exceptional skill as a designer, I didn't think (she did not give me enough information to believe) she was the right fit for our client.  I of course responded to her and explained my thinking, along with suggesting next steps.

I received this email response from her:

"Hi Bob, 

Thank you for your email. 

You tell me I have the skills to do the job, but not the experience.

Tell me this, how do I gain this experience when companies don't give canditates like me the chance? 

I need the right people to invest in me and give me the chance to move forward with my career."

I've had this reaction a number of times in the past.  As I was writing her an email of response, I realized that sharing the entire event with you might add some value.  I certainly hope so.  While the question how do I get experience if nobody will give me an opportunity to gain that experience, has been around forever, it simply must be ignored and overcome! 

New St. Louis Agency Search: Associate Creative Director-Copywriter #13022

I'm happy to say that the marketing for hiring creative candidates continues to warm up. 

 General Description:
Our client is looking for a writer as a result of growth.  This new position is an opportunity to take the next step in the advancement of your career while developing headlines and body copy (both long and short) for print , point of sale, the web and, “alternative” marketing channels.  Work with and learn from colleagues motivated to deliver the best and most effective advertising and marketing communications to their clients’ customers.  Here’s your opportunity to become part of an exciting “big time” agency environment and contribute to the success of clients you know about and have enjoyed using.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Utilize strong conceptual skills while maintaining brand and strategy integrity to create copy that consistently succeeds for the client.
•    Manage applicable components of large projects, insuring timely delivery within budget parameters.
•    Work with other creatives and account service folks, efficiently, cooperatively and with a supportive eye towards complete client satisfaction.
•    Work directly with clients and the account team to manage multiple simultaneous projects as well as participate in presentations, both internal and external.
•    Develop a thorough understanding of our client’s business and that of their competitors.