What's the most unusual thing you've done to try and land a job? Most of us don't stray far beyond the tried and tested CV and covering letter format - after all, it works for many sectors - but then again, as the cliche claims, it doesn't come more cut-throat than advertising.
That's why some looking for their dream job in the sector have been using plenty of creative thinking to stand out to those at the top. Take Ry Morgan - he attempted to subliminally influence interviewers by wallpapering a nearby tube station with stickers bearing his name. And then there's the near-legendary Alec Brownstein, who bought Google Adwords spots next to the names of six ad executives - so when they googled themselves they saw a message from him asking for a job.
So, do this mean to impress the recruiters you should be tapping your inner creative at the application stage and going one better? Not necessarily, says Michelle Greenhalgh, head of graduate recruitment at Saatchi and Saatchi.
In a recent Guardian Careers podcast, Michelle's advice to job seekers was you don't necessarily have to resort to tactics like pulling out your wallet to deliver the recruiter cupcakes everyday - instead consider focusing your applications on who you want to work for and really understand what the agency has produced and what the interviewer might have worked on.
So, inspired by the efforts of those wanting to break into the industry and the level of interest in working in it, we've invited a panel of experts to discuss job prospects within the sector. We won't just be concentrating on entry-level roles either - our experts will be on-hand to help those planning a move within the industry in 2011 - so join them live on 17 January.
The discussion will take place in the comments below - feel free to post your question in advance.
Our panel:
Kate Bruges is co-director of talent at advertising agency JWT, responsible for recruitment and training. She is also chair of the industry's IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) Professional Development Group and a fellow of the IPA.
Jon Daniel is the executive creative director of ebb&flow, a branding company specialising in brand strategy, design and communication.
Tristan Connell is advertising managing director at The Bank. The company works with clients including Peroni, Adidas and William Hill.
Colin Lock is director of HR for the Accord Group, a marketing services group with three direct response advertising agencies.
Emily Somers is client services director and head of account management at advertising agency Leo Burnett.
Bill Scott is a partner at BBH, a creative advertising agency. Bill started his career at Saatchi and Saatchi in 1996 and joined BBH in 2000. In 2009 he was made head of account management.
Justin Taylor is the interaction partner at media agency network MEC. He currently runs the MEC interaction brand and social media teams and is responsible for the digital growth of MEC clients.
Paul Alexandrou is executive creative director of content marketing agency, Story Worldwide. With a background bridging the worlds of advertising, arts and entertainment, his work has included major integrated campaigns, film, digital and innovation assignments for clients including Diet Coke, Nokia, Lexus, the BBC, London Fashion Week and Amnesty International.
We'll also be joined by several representatives of AMV BBDO, a creative advertising and brand management agency.
Between 1pm and 2.30pm we'll be joined by:
Adam Chiappe, an art director and copywriter
Matthew Saunby, an art director and copywriter
2.30pm and 4pm:
Jez Tribe, an art director and copywriter
Prabs Wignarajah, an art Director and Copywriter
