Ace Your Agency Interview: Question Tips + Tricks + Wishes

By: Martin Agency Director of Brand Purpose Communications Doug Zanger
[ Illustration By Martin Technical Designer Nicole Pernell ]

Creative agency interviews are emotional rollercoasters, full of loop-the-loops of “did I prepare enough” and “how do I stand out before the clock runs out?” Even interviewees who’ve memorized agency portfolios—running mock interviews with friends, professors and pets—get intimidated when it’s go-time with recruiters, creative directors and other agency interviewers.

People expect questions about why they’re a job fit, and then get asked:

• What’s your long-term and short-term strategy for overcoming a zombie apocalypse?
• How do you see yourself contributing to industry and agency efforts in racial equity?
• Why is this agency the best place for your ambitions and professional growth goals?

Transparently, many of us, myself included, have been in situations where we felt we tanked so badly we thought our careers had ended before they’d begun (circa 1992 after a Wieden + Kennedy interview).

That’s why we’ve compiled some thoughts from advertising professionals on questions interviewees—especially first-timers and newbies to the industry—should ask and those they wish interviewees would ask more, and how those questions can help everyone in the process.

We’ve sourced thoughts from folks at Martin and other agencies to give you a wide net of perspective to pump you up for your big moment. Scroll through to find the questions and guidance that resonates most with your background and goals.

Executive Creative Director Ashley Marshall, The Martin Agency

Should ask: What does my opportunity for mentorship look like? Will I have the chance to learn regularly from individuals I truly admire in your company?

Most people will make time for anyone who wants to learn from them. It's flattering, and who doesn't want to help build someone in their image? This is your chance to be clear on what you want to gain from the job experience and how you want to grow while letting the person know you admire their work. It's a win-win.

Would love to be asked: What made you interested in me for this role?

This will give you an idea of what a hiring manager looks for and what they see in you as a potential match. It will also give you an opening to talk about yourself, and that's the whole purpose of an interview.

CMO Mike Nickerson, PriceWeber

Should ask: What do you think makes great advertising and why?

While candidates may not always end up with an offer (and they may or may not even want the job), the one thing that will always be true about interviewing is how candidates get brief, but unfettered, access to someone who should be pretty good at this business. Make the most of the interview by asking experts for a dose of wisdom.

Would love to be asked: What kind of client would the agency NOT work with and why?

It's easy to talk about the clients you ideally would work with. Big, fun brands with deep pockets or socially important brands that reflect your values, etc. Outlining a client type that would not work is tougher and more illustrative of who the agency is, however.

Executive Creative Director Jerry Hoak, The Martin Agency

Should ask: What would you say success looks like for me after one year? Year two?

The roles and expectations for juniors vary wildly from agency to agency. It's important to know whether employer expectations align with your own expectations and goals. You also need to be making work fast and often when starting out—that lets employers know you will be hungry and impatient to do great work.

Would love to be asked: What is the one thing you are looking for in a new hire?

The answer is easy: hunger. When you are starting out, that’s all that matters. Talent and skills can evolve if someone is willing to put in the work. I can always gauge the reaction to this answer, and I look to hire people who love to do what we do.

Founder and Principal Tim Wang, TDW+Co

Should ask and would love to be asked: What is your agency's reason for being?

Talent is looking to do good work for a kick-ass brand and for a good cause. Today, more than ever, brands are challenged to be socially aware and engaged. Some agencies prioritize this more than others. The role we see our agency play is to spark meaningful conversation between brand and community to bring awareness to social issues affecting diverse, underserved and underrepresented communities. Our best work is when we can be a cultural bridge between brand and community creating mutual benefit and understanding.

Design Studio Manager Erada Svetlana, The Martin Agency

Should ask: What are the character traits you see in the wrong candidate?

Everyone has hopes and dreams for the perfect person/employee, but this question makes the interviewer think about the concessions they're willing to make. We're working with people who have faults and will make mistakes. It makes the conversation more human.

Would love to be asked: Why are you a good boss?

I want to know whether interviewees care about building a relationship with me as their supervisor. Working together with people under duress can make for uncomfortable situations, and you want to have great communication with your teammates.

Regional Director Simone Davis, Billups

Should ask: How does this role interact with other departments in the agency?

Understanding how your role engages the people you work with day to day can provide a snapshot of the duties related to your role and the company culture/work environment. If specific teams do not interact, why? Is it purposeful, or is there a more significant reason?

Would love to be asked: What do you feel is the best part of the work you do?

First, this question makes me smile and centers me. Two, it makes me think about the positive pieces of work versus the daily grind that tends to seep in over the years. I love what I do, and sharing that energy and passion with someone new to the business is an exciting way to fuel the next generation of talent.

Senior Art Director Rushil Nadkarni, The Martin Agency

Should ask: Talent across any department should ask the interviewer about their mentorship initiatives within the agency.

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first job or fifth, but especially if this is your first—it is SO important to have a mentor. Hopefully, an advocate who’s looking out for you, checking in on you, helping you get better at what you do and keeping an eye on your progress. If you want to elevate people, look out for them. We work in an industry full of focus groups and feedback, which by principle, makes the work better. One would be surprised to know how many agencies think, "Just get in there and figure it out.”

Would love to be asked: If there’s one thing you could change at your agency, what would it be?

It’s not a trick question. But then again, the answer can’t be: “nothing.” In the process, an interviewee will hear a range of things from the various people—like hurdles and challenges that they may be up for.

Some could pertain to their role, some couldn’t. It’s very important to know what you’re signing up for, OR what you could possibly contribute to when you join and make an impact.

Project Manager Shaun Howie, ThinkNW

Should ask: How will I get feedback to improve on client work?

Many people new to the field are afraid of feedback because they see it as negative. The truth is that feedback comes from delivering what is best for the client.

Would love to be asked: Where does mentorship fit into personal development?

Mentorship, early in a career, helps new talent develop their voice and find their place in an often complex organization.

Art Director Jay Levesque, The Martin Agency

Should ask: What kinds of mentorship should I expect to get at your agency?

Starting out in the advertising world is very stressful. Especially when you're thrown into certain projects that you've never had experience with prior. It is important to have upper management support and peers you can go to for questions and help when things aren't clicking. It's essential to work in an environment where collaboration and asking questions are encouraged.

Would love to be asked: What's something you failed at? How did you learn from that failure?

I feel like it's frowned upon to bring up failures, especially in an interview setting. In my opinion, it needs to be acknowledged and accepted because everyone does it—and that's how we learn and get better.

Executive Creative Director Brynna Aylward, GUT Toronto

Should ask: What is expected of this role at this agency?

The job varies a lot from place to place, so asking this straightforward question can say a lot about the company.

Would love to be asked: What idea are you working on that you're passionate about right now?

We’re all passionate creatives at heart, so the best way to get a creative interviewer enthusiastic is to ask about their current pet project. It’ll open the interviewer up and tell you a lot about the type of work they like.

Senior Art Director Derek Smith, The Martin Agency

Should ask: Since I'm new to the industry, how should I approach figuring out what brands fit my personality and culture?

Determining what aspects of a brand best suit our lifestyle and way of thinking are very beneficial. Working for a brand we genuinely have an affinity for makes our job much easier. It gives you the confidence and insight needed to approach projects in a unique and compelling way.

Would love to be asked: How do you deal with the pressure and anxiety that comes from the urge to succeed?

There’s often fear and insecurity when stepping into any workplace. We try to compare ourselves and hustle to do a great job without thinking about the anxiety and apprehensiveness it can cause. Having tools and resources for handling these pressures are important. Mental health plays a vital role in our productivity and way of life—especially in today's tech-driven society. Having a sense of balance and control on our way to success means everything.

Managing Director Mark Irwin, Ardmore

Should ask: How does the agency make money? What model(s) does the agency work with, and how does it position itself on price?

It shows that they appreciate the commercial aspects, and it puts the interviewer under pressure to give a considered answer!

Would love to be asked: Honestly, what reason did the last five people that left the agency give in their exit interview?

It shows interviewees have the courage to ask difficult questions.

VP Director of Design Business Kim Zaninovich, The Martin Agency

Should ask: What's the one piece of work in the last year that the agency is most proud of?

Projects picked up in the press aren't always the same ones people loved working on or felt most passionately about. I think it's important for potential talent to dig deeper to see what else is stirring. I've been in lots of interviews when talent comes in with assumptions about our big clients or most award-winning pieces of work, or even our culture. That's a rookie mistake. If you ask about what the agency is genuinely proud of, you may just get a view into what makes the place tick.

Would love to be asked: I love when a prospective employee asks about my favorite or most challenging project.

No matter the field, asking a person about their personal experience can open up so much conversation in an interview. And since advertising people love telling their fish stories, the answer to this question can reveal a ton. If a project is described as especially challenging, it's a great way to learn about potential stumbling blocks or innovative problem-solving embraced by an organization. If the project was an all-time favorite, it shows the passion of the interviewer and what excites them about their job. In any case, it makes the interview more conversational and less transactional.

Creative Director Annie Elliott, McCann

Should ask: When was your last vacation?

One way to find out if an agency has a good work-life balance is by directly asking creatives how much time they're taking off, especially at agencies with unlimited PTO. Asking your potential future boss when they last took vacay will be a good indication of how well they're creating work boundaries—and how much they'll respect and encourage you to create your own.

Would love to be asked: Will you be my mentor?

Mentorship has played a huge role in the success of my career, both as a mentee and mentor. So if a creative asks if I'll be their mentor, it means they have something you can't teach: a beginner's mind. They're likely to be dedicated to grow, eager to learn and open to taking creative direction. That's the kind of creative I not only want on my team, but also strive to be.

Consultant Cindy Wade, former Managing Director at Mutt Industries

Should ask: How do the distinct departments collaborate to accomplish the best outcomes?

If it's hard for an agency to answer this question, they probably aren't very good at collaborating across departments (meaning there’s usually an Alpha). This does not lead to the best work and makes the environment difficult for other departments.

Would love to be asked: What is the most valuable thing I'll learn in my first year in advertising?

It's thought-provoking for the interviewer, and I think it shows that the interviewee is eager and open to learning.

Director of Digital Peter Cook, Cornett

Should ask: Can you walk me through what a day in the life of this role looks like?

This turns the abstract bullets from a job description into concrete examples.

Would love to be asked: Why do you work here?

It's not an easy answer, but the answer reveals the pluses of the company and the motivations driving people who do well here. If my answer doesn't resonate with you, you will probably not be a good fit.

President Marc Moran, ThinkNW (former Business Strategy Director at DGTL)

Should ask: What does this position pay, and how will the agency help me develop my skills?

We need to address the money from the jump and make sure employers are offering proper wages.

Would love to be asked: What is the company doing to ensure relevancy?

The industry is changing fast, and there is no room for dinosaurs.

We want to hear and see from you, too. If you’re itching to know something or have a question or comment we can start a dialogue on—email: katie.walley-wiegert@martinagency.com.