Celine Cohen is an Account Director at BBH, leading the agency's work on British Airways and 'all' detergent. She's a six-year advertising veteran, having worked previously at DDB before coming to BBH.
In our latest piece of Expert Advice, Celine shares her thoughts on internship interviews and offers some tips for future interviewees.
Have a point of view.
Be prepared to talk about campaigns you like (they don't have to be from the agency you're interviewing with...but it doesn't hurt ). Don't just evaluate the creative, think about how the mediums they used to communicate to their target(s) were relevant and efficient.
Know the Agency.
Do your research. Get a sense of the culture, the creative, the future of the agency. Go to the website but also Google for articles.
Be humble.
Don't talk a big game. No one expects you to have all the experience and knowledge in the world at this stage in your career, don't pretend like you've 'done it all' or as though small tasks are below you.
Be yourself.
Do NOT regurgitate your marketing textbook idioms. Again, at this level, the people who are hiring you just want to make sure you are a nice, interesting and smart person, not a marketing guru. As a matter of fact, share personal experiences, your interviewer can probably learn a lot about how your generation consumes media and what matters most to you and your friends.
Be passionate.
At the end of the day, the internship will go to the person who wants it most. Show genuine interest. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work in advertising.
Be prepared to answer lame questions.
Unfortunately some interviewers still ask questions like 'what are your strengths/weaknesses' and 'where do you see yourself in 10 years', have an answer. Pretend like it's a good question.
Look good.
I know this sounds obvious but you'd be surprised at the amount of people who come in looking sloppy. It gives the interviewer the sense that you didn't make much of an effort. By the same token, don't overdress and look like your wearing your dad's suit. Agency life is relaxed, wear something nice and comfortable.
Keep your answers short. Ask questions.
Enough said.
