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Small but powerful Although raw numbers rank Hill, Holliday as a "mid-sized" advertising agency, this Boston firm is recognized throughout the industry as a leader. Representing clients such as John Hancock, Advanced Micro Devices, Minolta, and Fleet Bank, Hill, Holliday's track record makes it one of the most influential agencies in New England, the 33rd-largest firm in America, and an important advertising innovator. Founded in 1968, Hill, Holliday's relatively small size means it can still provide clients with services from the whole company, not just from one department. The result is an integrated approach that includes direct marketing, exhibition services, and web site development. Interpublic takes over The Interpublic Group acquired the agency in the summer of 1998, and the deal brought big bucks for CEO Jack Connors and a number of other top execs. Hill, Holliday now operates as an independent entity and has benefited from its alignment with IPG's Ammirati Puris Lintas. Company reorganization In 1999, Jack Connors announced a company-wide reorganization focused on company acquisition strategies. A new business development overseer was also elected, which helped the company to land a $15 million branding assignment with CNN and a $50 million advertising account with Priceline.com, the discount airline ticket site. The company has been aggressively seeking out dot com business; by late 1999, these clients represented nearly 10 percent of Hill, Holliday's total estimated billings of $800 million. The firm has also secured accounts with the Boston Herald and with Fleet Boston. Spring 2000 ushered in yet more changes at Hill, Holiday. First, in March, CEO Connors announced his imminent resignation. He stated that he was searching for a replacement, in addition to planning further management changes at the agency. The next month, Hill, Holiday announced that it would take over Goldberg Moser O'Neil, which is also owned by Interpublic.
Our sources reveal that "about 50 percent of new hires are from referrals." The company does post job information on its employment or job openings web page. Applicants may fax or mail resumes to the Human Resources department or e-mail them in plain-text format to jobs@hhcc.com. Insiders say the interview process is "not stressful at all," but add, "we only hire one entry-level person for every 100 interviewed." The whole thing may take "up to four or five weeks, depending on how urgently they need to fill the position. Candidates begin with a Human Resources rep -- their main duty is to make sure that you are not a psycho of some kind." After that screening, applicants meet with "junior people" from the specific department -- "the people you would work most closely with." This is followed by meetings with higher-level people, up to the senior account level. After that, "wait and be patient" until they call with an offer or send a rejection letter. For creatives, "the process varies," says one recent hire. "Some people are hired on the spot, others come back two or three times to meet with creative directors." Don't expect too many technical questions for entry-level postions, "they want to see that your decision to enter the field isn't just a whim." And "of course, do your homework" find out what accounts they're working on, and "have some understanding of what they do." Insiders say you should "highlight your computer and Internet skills. Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint are extremely important." The company is now hiring recent MBA graduates as well. These graduates are being used to build databases, conduct market research, and create product distribution strategies. Another way to get your foot in the door is through Hill, Holliday's internship program. As one of 40 interns, students get an opportunity to work in most departments and gain exposure to all stages of the ad process.
Where everyone knows your name Hill, Holiday offers its clients the "resources of a large firm" but the "intense creative energy" of a small firm. Employees at this "hot shop" also say "the atmosphere is very entrepreneurial, so if structure is a necessity, HH is not the place for you." Employees describe their colleagues as "warm," "friendly," and "spunky," and say "it's very much like a family, with all the good and bad connotations." Co-workers often develop "very strong attachments," but sometimes that makes things "a little dysfunctional." Proud of their work Hill, Holliday's 40th-story location in Boston's highest skyscraper offers "breathtaking views" of Beantown. Employees say the "open-door design" at the agency's headquarters facilitates "cooperation and community." The creative floor, equipped with a pool table for those stressful moments, is "definitely the most fun," say insiders, who relish the "relaxed atmosphere." While the firm must sometimes compete against the "muscle" of larger competitors, Hill, Holliday employees say they "relish the challenge" of trying to "prevail as the underdog." "There is a real sense of pride," says one insider, who adds that "you see Hill employees walking down the street wearing Hill Holliday jackets and baseball hats." Low pay and diversity Starting salaries are low ($25k to start), the hours are "long and hard" (60 to 70 hours per week), and "it takes a lot of tenacity to make it." But if you can stick it out, sources say things get much better: "After seven years or so, the pay is much higher than most industries." Encouraging. Though "it's not one of the most diverse places in the world," sources point out that this is really a reflection of location. "Boston is one of the last real bastions of discreet segregation," notes one employee. But insiders agree that the company "treats its employees well." One insider points out that the company is "quite a female-friendly place," offering "generous" maternity leave and "was the first advertising agency to offer daycare." In addition, HH is consistently ranked as one of Working Mother magazine's "Top 100 Companies to Work For." Other perks include sabbatical leave, free Ad Club membership and in-house fitness facilities.
Human Resources 200 Clarendon Street1 John Hancock Tower Boston MA 02116 (617) 437-1600
Creative advertising;Interactive;Marketing;Strategic consulting;Trade shows/conventions/seminars
DMB&B;Publicis;J Walter Thompson More Company Profiles For more career information, go to Vault.com ©2000, Vault.com Inc
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