Lib Wilhelm, arguably one of Roanoke’s most well-known caterers, was famous for a recipe that not many people outside of our region know about: cheese slaw.

When I meet someone new to town, one of my first questions is always “Have you had cheese slaw?” After they say no, I show up a few days later with a full container and a recipe card.

Here’s my modified version of Lib’s recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. shredded swiss cheese
• 1 bundle of chopped green onions (don’t forget the tops!)
• ½ cup chopped fresh banana peppers
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh jalapeno peppers
• mayonnaise (use a neutrally flavored one)

Directions

1. Shred and chop all of the ingredients.
2. Dump everything into a large bowl and gradually add mayonnaise, mixing thoroughly each time (you want the mixture to be wet enough to hold together so it can be spread on a cracker).

I don’t know how long cheese slaw stays good in the refrigerator (mine never lasts that long!), but if it’s in there for a few days, you may need to mix in a touch more mayonnaise to bring it back to life.

Enjoy!

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We had a great group of students, with some truly impressive work. I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that several of us were glad we were not competing for jobs against a few of these go-getters. Throughout the day, a few overarching themes did emerge, so for our upcoming generation of advertising professionals, I offer the following perspective and tidbits of advice:

Diverse Skills

If you have writing experience, play it up. Whether it’s some advanced English courses, advertising copywriting or journalism; writing skills are applicable across a variety of jobs and may get your foot in the door. Not all design or advertising curriculums require a writing component. Emphasizing those skills will set you apart from the crowd.

Typos

While we’re on the subject of writing, let me bring up a wretched four-letter word: TYPO. Don’t have any – plain and simple. Check, double-check, triple-check and have someone else check your materials. This is not the time to be rushed or careless. During the job search, you might get lucky and have a typo overlooked in your resume or portfolio. Then again, you may have someone like me who spots them a mile away. With all the gorgeous work you’ve created, do you want a typo to be what they remember about you and your work?

Personalization

Personalizing your portfolio and resume to each job application is a nice touch; however, don’t make it so specific that it looks a bit stalker-ish. It’s great if your dream job is to design CD artwork for Lady Gaga. But don’t make every component of your presentation about little monsters and outrageous fashion. I’m pretty sure Lady Gaga and her record label have lots of designers at their disposal – will your world end if they don’t pick you? Keep that in mind and expand both your mind and your work to other possibilities.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice your poker face. Seasoned advertising professionals have had years to develop thick skin when it comes to criticism of our art. Those of you just starting out haven’t experienced that joy yet. If an interviewer questions your reasoning around a particular design or copy point – practice an objective answer, not a passionate defense. You probably won’t bring them around anyway and may end up looking defensive. Nod and smile. Repeat.

Be Memorable

Consider having a leave-behind of some sort. Whether it’s a business card, a copy of your work on a disc or booklet or some other piece of memorabilia, leave a small reminder for the interviewer of what you have to offer.

It goes without saying to always dress your best, have a firm handshake and look people in the eye. Actually that goes for everyday, not just during job interviews. Good luck!

I really enjoyed the portfolio review. I thought the student’s brought their A-game and even found in inspirational. I felt like I was able to give great feedback due to the quality of work.

What other advice do you have upcoming advertising professionals? Tell me below.

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But we’re more than that.  We, too, have feelings.  However, it is part of our job to bury those feelings into a deep, dark hole in the hopes of making everyone satisfied, much less happy or even thrilled. We manage the crap to keep client’s companies busy with customers and to keep the people at agencies/ marketing departments employed.  Sure, there’s the occasional after-work or mid-afternoon “strategy session” at the local watering hole, or an expensive dinner to “keep up client relations”, but it’s not always sunshine and rainbows.

With that in mind, it should be known that we in accounts put up with a lot of bitching and degrading from all sides.  We aim to please and when we don’t, we hear about it.  No one gets to hold our hand or sugar coat the blunt reaction from a client to a despised ad.  Most AE’s know how to explain how a creative concept originated and we understand how the emotional attachment is what drives brand loyalty.  However, not all people get it, and that’s when we step in to see if the concept is as horrible as the client’s reaction portrayed.

Some people don’t like the color green and others are under the suggestion that the public won’t understand a product unless you include ALL the features in a given promotional ad.  We, account people, get that a cluttered ad is typically not the best route and we know about complimentary colors; some shit just makes sense.  However, not everyone sees the vision despite holding it right in front of their face. Two plus two will never equal four to these folks.

When that’s the case we have to go back to work.  In an effort to minimize the number of expletives and derogatory comments we hear in a given day, we may look to simply shoot the changes along with the understanding “it is what it is.”  This doesn’t mean that we, account people, can’t push back, only that some battles are not worth our effort and time.

At the end of the day, however, we want to put out the best work possible for our entity.  We want push back from clients and more importantly from the creative team when they feel strongly about their work or idea.  But please note that we may have already fought that fight and we can’t save the world on that given project.  We’re on your side, so stop bitching and make the damn logo bigger.

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