Hello!

We put together some advice as you’re networking, connecting, and hopefully finding your first or next exciting role.

But first, who are we?
Allies in Recruiting

  • In 2020, Allies In Recruiting was united by a collective commitment to create a more inclusive and equitable industry for all.

    In 2022, we joined with The One Club organization, allowing us to support their programming while amplifying our voice and impact to create real change.

  • We prioritize collaboration over competition as we work together to ensure a more equitable and diverse industry for us all through education, discussion, and sharing best practices.

    To date, we’ve invited staffing lawyers, personal wellness speakers, and experts in inclusive recruitment practices for communities that include disabled, neurodiverse, trans/nonbinary, veteran, Black, Asian, Latine, and more.

  • We’ve grown to include hundreds of recruiters across advertising, marketing, and technology. Our leadership teams include talent experts from Nike, Airbnb, Doordash, WPP, Dentsu, and some of the best independent recruiters in the biz.

    Click here to see the current list.

  • Includes commitments to recognize and unlearn biases. educate ourselves on equitable recruiting best practices, and speak out against prejudice of all types.

    Click here to view the full Recruiter Pledge

OK, now let’s get you a job.

Networking

  • Introduce yourself to everyone! You never know which connections today will lead to opportunities ahead.

    Join the conversation and make connections using #WAATBP on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

    Ask questions, get information, grow your network, and be prepared to follow up on these connections in the weeks ahead.

  • Add everyone you meet on LinkedIn, and include a note to help them remember you. If you do not hear back, wait a week before following up.

    If this person’s company has open roles that interest you, include the link when you reach out. They may be able to connect you with a recruiter or hiring manager who can get you closer to the role you want.

  • Start with what you know — use your alumni network, student groups, professional networks, and current or former co-workers.

    Then, do your research on the companies you are interested in. As you reach out, show that you have researched their work and can speak to how you can join the work they’re doing.

Don’t just use your resources to find
your next role —
use ours!

Job Sites We Use

Résu-may
we help?

  • Include your contact information, relevant work experience in chronological order, education history, certifications or trainings, and clear language on the role you’re seeking.

  • Look up the job descriptions for positions you are interested in, and use keywords in your resume that appear in the job description itself. Doing so reflects that you understand the position’s responsibilities and why you would be a great candidate for the position.

  • Treat your LinkedIn like your cover letter when applying — an elevator pitch of your previous experience and goals.

    Ask your co-workers or former teachers to add a Recommendation to your profile. Doing so allows recruiters to include this information for hiring teams, increasing the chances of interviewing and being hired.

    LinkedIn Groups are also a great way to connect with professionals in areas of your choice, from subject areas, industries, or cultural experiences that reflect your own.

  • Take advantage of templated websites like Squarespace, and be sure not to overcomplicate your designs. Ensure your site is clean and organized, and clearly displays your work at a high resolution. Also, be sure to note the specifics of your contributions to various projects. This is a chance to show off skills like motion design, illustration, typography, 3D design, film.

Interviewing

  • Before any interview or conversation, do your research on those you’ll meet. Make note of their education, career path, and any professional groups they’re a part of. Create specific questions based on what you find.

    You can also use sites like AdWeek or AdsoftheWorld to see specific campaigns or clients they have worked with. Use this information and be specific in your outreach. A little bit of flattery goes a long way for busy ad professionals!

  • Test your computer, internet, and the conferencing software to troubleshoot any issues before the interview.

    Test your internet and be prepared to use a phone or computer as a backup option.

    Find a quiet spot and consider using a virtual background if you worry about your settings or others walking into frame.

  • Speak about your demonstrated strengths, the roles you’ve had, teams you collaborate with, and why you left each position. Include specific examples of how you have experience with responsibilities from the job description.

    Be sure to include any concrete data or results that can speak to your successes and skills. Don’t be afraid to flex!

  • What drew you to work for this company?

    Where does the company have the biggest area to grow?

    What does success look like in this role?

    Can I address any outstanding concerns about my ability to succeed in this role?

  • Be sure to send a virtual note following interviews and conversations. Use this as an opportunity to emphasize any points from the interview, and reiterate your interest in the role and next steps.

Forbes Interview Preparation

You've got this

You've got this

We hope these tips are helpful, and
hope you have a fantastic time at
Where Are All the Black People.

If you’re onsite, please sure to
stop by the Allies in Recruiting
booth to say hello!

Click the link below to set up
a chat with one of our Allies

Let's Chat!

You’ve Got This!
You’ve Got This!
You’ve Got This!
You’ve Got This!

Eight Ways to Turn Ageism on Its Head by Cindy Gallop         
Top 20 Job Boards for Diversity Recruiting by Jessica Treeman/Breezy
Mixed Company Podcast We are a candid podcast and consultancy about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in creative Industries. Our mission is to take a critical look at advertising from “the bottom up”, as we unpack current issues and provide real solutions. 
70 Inclusive Language Principles That Will Make You A More Successful Recruiter Thanks to Courtney Seiter, Director of People at Buffer and Co-Founder at Girls to the Moon, and the Handshake team for building an incredible list of inclusive language principles that make us better people and a better society for all.
FCB’s Vita Harris on Expanding Terminology Around Biases written by Lindsay Stein/Campaign
Why ‘Culture Fit’ Is A Failed Idea in American Hiring by Monica Torres/HuffPost
To Be or Not To Be: How Anti-Racism Impacts Company Culture by Julius Dunn II and Shameka Brown
The Unmasking of Systemic Discrimination in 2020 by Julius Dunn II and Shameka Brown
This is an opportune time: Why remote work could help agencies hire and support more diverse talent by Kristina Monllos/Digiday

We are always looking for articles and resources that reflect our mission. If you would like us to include new information, please email us at hello@weareair.org