The interview was structured with a series of formal, skills-based questions. I found that a bit surprising, especially for a leadership role like Creative Director, where the focus should lean more toward vision, cultural fit, and the kind of environment you know how to build. When someone’s work and experience clearly speak for themselves, those things should lead the conversation. To be honest, I felt overqualified for the role. Based on the level of work I’ve done across major global campaigns, I know my experience outpaces most people in that company. The role specifically called for a Creative Director with marketing expertise, which is exactly what I bring to the table, so it was definitely unexpected to be passed on. I also got the sense the person interviewing me might’ve felt a little intimidated, which can sometimes shift the energy in ways that aren't productive for a true leadership conversation.

The interview process started off strong. After applying, I was quickly contacted by HR and had what felt like a genuinely positive first conversation. Everyone I spoke with was very nice and they seemed impressed with my background, and everything moved fast—within a day I was booked for a second interview with an EP. That second conversation also seemingly went well. The EP noted that I “covered all the bases” they were looking for (However, I did notice that second interview felt a tad rushed). My background, rooted in post-production, content directing experience, and leading major creative campaigns for top studios aligned closely with what the role and company claimed to be looking for. But after that? Silence. I followed up with a thoughtful thank you the next day (no response), then another polite nudge over a week later. No response from either the EP or HR for weeks, despite clear interest. When I finally got a reply from HR (after multiple messages), it was a brief rejection with no feedback. With 15+ years of high-level experience in the creative industry including film, marketing, post-production, and branded content, I entered this process confident that I could exceed the needs of the role. And frankly, I still believe that’s true. If you're a senior-level creative professional, approach this one with caution. The process didn’t reflect the caliber of leadership or clarity you'd hope for in a company courting top talent.