Clemenger BBDO Melbourne has launched its annual search for Australia’s top talent, the ‘Exception to the Rule’ program.
‘Exception to the Rule’ is a commitment to the agency’s belief that the future leaders of the creative industry aren’t solely coming through traditional tertiary pathways.
It is one way agencies diversifying the socio-economic background of their employees.
Launched last November, this year's program builds on from the success of last year, with a number of full time staff being hired from a pool of 150 applicants, including a plumber, stage hand, contemporary dancer and personal trainer, among others.
Clemenger BBDO Melbourne CEO, Nick Garrett, said that the results of last year’s pilot program confirmed a belief he’d had in finding the next generation of creative talent.
“Like a few industry folk, I had a gut feel for a few years that some of the best advertising minds weren’t coming into the industry because of the barriers to entry presented by traditional pathways. After the success of our pilot program last year, it absolutely confirmed that belief.
“The Exceptions we recruited last year have made amazing strides since joining the business and have added immensely to the diversity of thinking and work throughout the building, and continue to add to the culture of the agency. I couldn’t be happier with the result and look forward to finding this year’s recruits.”
The recruitment process is in two stages – the first is providing answers to two questions, the first being a video response showcasing what makes the applicant interesting or different, the second being a written response highlighting a recent piece of work from a brand that impressed the applicant, along with their thoughts around what could have been done better.
Following those responses, successful applicants will be invited to participate in the final stage where they’ll be assessed in person while completing an agency style group task.
The desire for more diversity is sweeping the industry with a number of agencies looking at how they can do more.
Earlier this year JWT global chief creative officer Matt Eastwood announced a similar program to Clemenger's, which also hires people without university degrees.
The industry has rallied to launch The Agency Circle, a movement designed specifically with improving diversity in mind. Since the 2016 launch, M&C Saatchi, Leo Burnett, The Hallway and more have introduced new policies.
10 roles are on offer through the program, with the full-time positions running from January to December, 2018.
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