I recently placed ads for creative positions on TalentZoo.com. The large number of responses I have received indicates the market is still flooded with people out of work. That’s no surprise to me. The economy has caused the worst job situation I’ve seen during my career. But with adversity there is opportunity. I’ve always been […]

Many that attempt to find a career in advertising know little of the complexities of getting into the best companies. A great portfolio of work is essential, but it isn’t enough to land the job. Here are a few skills to develop to make sure you are in the top tier of job candidates. 1. […]

Is your career path a downward spiral? Why do most careers start and stay on the wrong path? It’s simple when you think about it. If your company does mediocre work, it expects you to do the same. In fact, it trains you to be mediocre. When you work for the wrong company, you learn […]

You’ve always had a creative streak in you. Maybe you even went to school to nurture it into a creative career. Chances are, that plan hasn’t come to fruition. Most people who go to school to be in a creative career in advertising, end up doing something on the opposite end of the spectrum. You […]

Give your portfolio an annual check-up. If you can’t get anyone’s attention in the communication arts industry, more than likely your portfolio is the culprit. A goal to refresh your portfolio every year will keep you competitive. Employers seldom look for potential. They want the sure thing. Your portfolio has to do more than share […]

I really hate photographs of myself. I am simply better looking than what the camera records. The problem is the lighting, the angle, the focus, the exposure – anything but me. It can’t be me. Such vanity is how many approach evaluating their careers. They blame outside forces rather than personal weaknesses. They blame a lack […]

The foremost reason people blow interviews is that they don’t realize an interview isn’t an interview. An interview is the “What’s-Wrong-With-This-Person?” meeting. Employers do everything possible to prevent a hiring mistake. This includes heeding “red flags” during an interview. Ill-preparedness is how these flags are waved. To avoid this fate, take these steps to prepare for […]

Socrates mentored Plato, who mentored Aristotle, the father of science. Study any great success and you’ll discover they had more than a mentor. They had the right mentor. A young Steve Jobs wanted to sell his typewriter. He accidentally walked into the apartment of Robert Friedland. A friendship resulted that helped Jobs overcome an introverted personality and free […]

You know that place you dream of working; the one that does such great stuff that everyone wants to work there? If you want to dramatically improve your chances of getting an interview, you have to craft a compelling narrative with your portfolio, and make sure that every included piece speaks to your strengths. 1. Make it a page-turner. Your […]

Without a doubt, this is the most exciting time in the history of advertising. The digital age has greatly increased the potential for creative innovation, but the digital revolution has also brought a new complexity to what we do. With consumers now in control of what communication they receive, and when and how they receive […]