A Not-So-Perfect Fit

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

A candidate has impeccable credentials and strikes you as personable, bright, a great match. You feel blessed. Then your new employee reports to work—and reality bites.

Steve Hayden, now vice chairman of Ogilvy & Mather, was in a rush to find a senior copywriter to work on Apple in 1981 at Chiat/Day San Francisco. One applicant had done impressive work for another hardware company. On the man’s first day, an account exec asked Hayden, “Did you check this guy’s references?”

“Of course, we hadn’t,” Hayden says.



AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in