Five chief executives reveal what theyre looking for in a candidate, how to get their attention, and the secrets of their success
GEORGE CROFT CEO, BRICK BREWING
How did you get to the top?
Oddly I think my secret is that Ive never really considered myself a climber of corporate ladders and I truly dont consider myself to be at the top. Ive spent my entire career motivated by the simple belief that smart, determined effort will get rewarded. Positions of greater responsibility are earned because peers and direct reports feel as though the organization is better with you helping to lead it. I also have a great regard for the frontline – where the real work gets done – and believe I can only be an effective leader by being a worker.
How does a job candidate get your attention?
Winning takes extra effort and thats what I look for in a candidate. When someone aggressively goes after a job, I appreciate that drive and determination and it suggests to me that I could expect that same effort from them every day. When they back up that resilience and enthusiasm with past results, I really dont need much more to seal the deal.HOWARD CHANG PRESIDENT AND CEO, TOP DRAWER CREATIVE
How do you get the most from your team? I worked on my own for years so when I started hiring I felt like I had to over – manage. I soon learned you have to give people autonomy; you have to enable them to be experts at what they do and create the environment in which they can succeed.
How does a job candi – date get your attention? They need to really understand our agency. If they invest the time to understand us and our j clients, we are more likely to invest time in them. If I get someone who says “I want to work for you,” Im not intrigued. But, if they j mention they really like one of the brands were working on, theyre more likely to get my attention. Also, be original, be personal and be persistent.
Are you hiring?
We have recently won some new accounts so were looking in media – an additional planner and interactive planner – and account services.
JANICE PRICE PRESIDENT AND CEO, LUMINATO
How did you get to the top?
I would always take on anything that was offered to me, provided I thought I could learn from the experience. While it might not have been obvious at the time, the smallest project might have connected me with partners I would work with down the road. And take risks – dont be afraid of the scary moves. The experience of new cities or new opportunities are great learning tools.
How do you get the most from your team?
I try to include my staff in decisions and be transparent with the process. And always publicly give credit to staff for their accomplishments.
Whats your best recruiting tool?
The reputation of the organization is key to attracting top talent, though my most useful recruiting tools are the networks of my colleagues. You dont do this for as long as I have without building a good Rolodex, and when we meet someone special we swap names among different organizations.
BRUCE MACLELLAN CEO, ENVIRONICS
How do you get the most from your team?
It begins with who you pick for your team. The recruitment process is so important, identifying skills and experience but also attitude and drive. If you choose well, you get the most by providing values, skills and vision, and then getting out of their way to let them perform.
How does a job candidate get your attention?
It usually starts in the written presentation of their skills and experience in an e – mail. It needs to be succinct and clear. When meeting in person, I want to see they have researched our firm and have questions about how we work. Creativity can be risky but works if it is done well. I once had a candidate make custom labels and send me a six – pack of beer to promote himself. We didnt hire him immediately but we did about a year later.
In what departments are you doing the most hiring?
Were hiring the most people in our Digital Practice. Our new office in San Francisco is also an area of recruitment since we have won several clients.
MARK GOODMAN CEO, TWIST IMAGE
How did you get to the top?
There really is no secret. Create short and midterm goals and accept nothing less than to fully achieving them. Surround yourself with great people whose skills complement yours so that you can all ascend. Recognize and seize opportunities to take on additional responsibilities which broaden your scope of influence and stretch your abilities. Be extremely prepared for eveiy business situation; from a short phone conversation to a huge presentation.
How does a job candidate get your attention?
I appreciate when candidates tangibly express their passion and interest in marketing communications and the digital space. So aside from the regular education and work experience that you find in a CV, demonstrating what they do in their spare time as it relates to their interest in our industry, in growing their knowledge, and their participation in the marketing community counts for a lot.
