Another semester ends. As tons of new creatives enter the job search, The Ad Grad Project is back to provide a little direction. Last year, I provided 51 opportunities in five weeks, showing you in each state that you don't have to go to an ad agency to get the ad experience. This year, I sent out a questionnaire to HR personnel and recruiters asking what they look for in creative candidates. So throughout May, I will post their answers and hopefully give you a little more insight.

Now here's the fine print: the Ad Grad Project posts are not requests for resumes by the featured individuals. Check the site of the featured agency for possible opportunities.

  Rachel Vingsness, HR Generalist for Jack Morton Worldwide offered some great suggestions for junior creatives.

Jack Morton Worldwide is "a global brand experience agency" with multiple offices here in the U.S., as well as Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe.

What kind of experience or background should a person have when applying for an internship or junior creative position?
Talented junior creative’s can come from many disciplines and therefore don’t need to have a particular background.  What’s more important to me is that they exemplify our core values:  Passion- Do you have passion for creating brand experiences?  Building relationships between people and brands?  Bringing brands to life?  Agility- Do you embrace change?  Respect- Do you respect others?  Their opinions?  Their skills?  Their needs?
 
That being said, we do value the rigor of certain academic school programs and therefore the talent that comes from them such as VCU Brandcenter, Miami Ad School, Creative Circus and UT Austin.
 
What makes a portfolio stand out?
A portfolio that demonstrates innovative and strategic thinking is critical.  Additionally, one must show versatility and breadth.  This is proof that one is versed in an array of mediums and understands what channels are most effective to use and when.
 
What are some common portfolio mistakes?
The most common mistake is an unorganized portfolio.  Your portfolio should tell a story and give me an understanding of who you are and how you think.  I shouldn't have to try and manipulate your work to make sense of it.
 
What do you look for during an interview?
I need to see the FIRE in their eyes.  Proof that they live, eat and breathe brands.  That they are constantly thinking about the best ways to reach communities and influence them.
 
Collaboration and communication is vital.  I look for their ability to listen to others, analyze what’s being said and articulate their thoughts.
 
And lastly, I look for someone who has a positive and infectious personality.  We like to have a good time!

Associate Creative Director-Digital Elisa Thomas also provided this video with a few words of wisdom from other members of the Jack Morton Worldwide team. Thank you both.