Applying for any job is a daunting process. Is your resume formatted for ATS (application tracking system) while still being grammatically correct and not just a compilation of words needed for scanning? Did you use the right terminology in the industry with the latest acronyms? Is your cover letter the perfect balance of confidence and humility? 

It all comes down to this 2–3-page document that is somehow supposed to encapsulate all your experiences, and abilities and highlight your personality. A tall order for a digital document. 

With my career journey spanning decades in marketing, both agency and corporate, I believe the relational component is missing in today’s recruitment process, so it’s no wonder that employee turnover is a hiring challenge that Canadian employers are most concerned about (source) since the numbers have not gone down since 2021. (source)

This relational component is essential in every aspect of my life, both personally and professionally, and my recruitment process with Initiate Marketing was completely interpersonal. It was truly unlike any interviewing process I have experienced…and I have experienced several.

My beginning at Initiate

My relationship with Initiate Marketing did not start conventionally with an online CV submission, it began with a mutual LinkedIn connection, which led to a scheduled call from Jennifer, (Chief Operating Officer), a 30-minute dialogue that was wonderful and informal. A simple conversation between two people, evenly balanced with both of us contributing our professional objectives, goals and desires transparently while still getting to know each other on a human level.  

I have found these initial interviewing conversations with agencies are typically one-sided, a bragging session of accomplishments that is more about ego boasting than getting to know the candidate. But Jennifer made sure to give me ample space and time on the call to communicate points about myself, while still communicating details of the role I was applying for.

Shifting the paradigm

Shortly after the call, I received a text from Jennifer inviting me to dinner! To dinner?!! Truly something I had never experienced in any recruitment process. I was immensely fascinated by the invitation and instantly connected to both Jennifer and the organization.

On a Monday evening, I had dinner with both Michael (Chief Creative Officer) and Jennifer at an authentic pizzeria in the heart of Little Italy, and although the atmosphere was wonderfully casual, the conversation was professional with typical interview questioning and details about the position. The evening was completely relational, negotiations were made as we broke bread together and connected instantly on several personal interests outside of work.  

While enjoying the best fire roasted pizza I’ve ever had, we communicated our objectives, discussed growth with the agency and discovered our mutual love for authentic Italian cuisine. The unconventional interview dinner exceeded both our expectations as I received, and accepted, an offer from Initiate just a few days later. 

Prior to the offer, I did submit my CV and provide all the typical requirements needed, but that 2–3-page document was not the initial connector and factor that determined my candidacy, it was simply a piece of paper needed for administration purposes.  

I am grateful to both Jennifer and Michael, not only for the unconventional and relational interviewing process, but the opportunity they gifted me to work with extremely talented individuals in a safe space that lets everyone on the team grow professionally and relationally.