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How to land an agency role?

almost 4 years ago from Joseph Barrientos, Sr. Visual Designer

  • Frédéric AudetFrédéric Audet, over 3 years ago

    You'll have to accept the reality of the agency world though. It's all about RFP's, winning those RFP's, then handing over the production work to team B.

    Find an agency with strong ethical values that are known for their expertise and play hard-to-get. Avoid joining an agency that relies on just a few clients, or that are part of large networks (think Publicis, Havas, Dentsu, etc).

    Also, learn to sell yourself. You'll have to present work to clients, which is probably going to be a whole new language to you. Client terms, not product terms.

    I worked for agencies, I owned a 25+ people agency for a few years and now I work in digital products, AMA.

    3 points
    • Joseph BarrientosJoseph Barrientos, over 3 years ago

      This was my thinking as well, looking for a company that plays hard to get and has some presence of value or mission. My issue with that is wouldn't they be less likely to hire someone with purely product and no agency experience?

      Luckily i've dealt with selling/presenting to partners so in those instances i'm very confident though I will need to remember to focus my vocab to client speak.

      In your experience, when it comes to portfolio reviews what's the most important content or processes you expect to see/would like to see?

      0 points
      • Frédéric AudetFrédéric Audet, over 3 years ago

        "My issue with that is wouldn't they be less likely to hire someone with purely product and no agency experience?"

        That's a good question. IMO, if you find the right agency, they'll focus on making things right, not making things only look good. An agency winning the brand aspect of a project could easily be asked to consult, even champion the product side of the project. That means your expertise could come into play! Nurun are known for this... They do brand, strategy and product.

        "In your experience, when it comes to portfolio reviews what's the most important content or processes you expect to see/would like to see?"

        That really depends what role you're applying to. I hired people who were really good at translating strategy into bespoke interfaces, but also hired people who focused on product decisions and strategy—more UX driven.

        It all comes down to your T shape personality. You can be good at many things, but find what you're very special at. Build a portfolio so you can tell the story on how your approach projects and can effectively build strategies or/and translate strategies into nicely branded digital products.

        I'd be curious to hear what other people from DN have to say about this, but I believe product companies look for the journey when hiring people (process, design mindset), whereas agencies will focus on the result.

        0 points