I applied online. I interviewed at Bernstein-Rein (Kansas City, MO) in Jun 2017
Interview
Overall interview process was very disorganized. I was brought onsite twice to interview. Each time consisted of 3-4 interviews with individuals from different departments. There were several times I was asked the same question (which is OK). There were aspects based on the line of questioning where I could tell upper management was interpreting my answers differently than the people in the department I would be working with. Overall it seemed like there was a disconnect between upper management and what was required for the job.
Bottom line, this opportunity didn't work out. Because of the multiple rounds of onsite interviews it felt very misleading. Some of the feedback I got made it seem that it was a culture fit. I would highly suggest to their HR team (if they have a true HR team) that while recruiting they should conduct initial phone interviews to clear questions related to culture and the basic requirements of the job to make sure people are a good fit before proceeding. It can save a lot of time and energy.
These guys could not have been more unprofessional. I came to Kansas City to interview with them because god knows they weren't going to spend any money to meet me halfway. Had to wait almost 30 minutes in the lobby before they could find people that were going to interview me (This was an entry level position, but a technical, client level management one nonetheless). They did not have a room reserved and we spent another 10 just trying to find one. Once we did, 2 entry level employees who had been there no more than a year and had about the same level experience as I fumbled around with trying to come up with interview questions. I assure you this is the first time either of them had even heard my name or seen my resume. After about 15 minutes of going over my background in the space, they asked me if I had any questions for them, signaling to me that they did not know what they were doing, did not care, and did not have really any authority over whether or not I got hired. They looked very stressed and upon telling me about their current work gave new light the practice of ad agencies giving employees freebies like industrial coffee makers and food in lieu of clients that treat you horribly and an even worse work/life balance. 2 weeks later I got a template letter in the mail saying that I was declined the job, without any follow up. After my experience there I would not have taken an offer had I even received one.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Bernstein-Rein in Nov 2013
Interview
Hiring process was through a headhunter, so it went very smoothly. The interview itself was on-site, which was a great opportunity to see that the culture was laid back and met my expectations for a well-respected advertising agency.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They did give me a scenario and knowing I had no tools at my disposal, they asked how I'd approach pulling together a media plan/what vehicles I'd use. It wasn't all that difficult, but it was unexpected.