UM (Universal McCann)

1. What does UM do?

 

Universal McCann or “UM” is a media and connections agency, which in its simplest form involves planning, buying and supervising the placement of advertising for major national and international brands. Creative agencies create the message, we ensure the right audience sees it at the right time and within the right context to maximise its effectiveness and impact.
 
They are the most awarded media and connections agency in Australia and are ranked the #1 Best Place to Work by BRW.

 

2. What does UM value?

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The most important behaviour at UM is “curiosity”. Curiosity is the mother of invention and creativity. Curious people ask the tough questions, discover new things and ultimately pioneer new ways of thinking that results in the most creative and effective work for our clients. Underpinning our relentless pursuit to empower curiosity lies our agency’s 5 guiding behaviours; Bravery, Pioneering, Precision and Excellence, Collaboration and Goodness. These behaviours are expected of all employees from the receptionist to the CEO.

 

3. What are some tips to succeed in a role at UM?

• Be curious; always ask questions and never be afraid to challenge the status quo.

• Be ambitious; go beyond your day-to-day remit and show genuine initiative to further your development and embed yourself in the agency culture.

• Be outgoing; media is a relationships industry. Sociability and interpersonal communication are vital elements to be successful.

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4. What's the best part about working for UM (employee perspective)?

"A company is only as strong as its weakest employee - after spending only a week at UM it is clear that this agency really cares about their staff, fostering an incredibly nurturing environment. No matter what your role is, how new you are or how junior a position you hold, everyone in this agency respects what you do because they have done it before. You know you are in a special place when the Chief Operations Officer remembers the headline of your cover letter and the CEO casually comes downstairs for a chat.”

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- Charlotte Berry, Graduate.

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Hiring Process

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Once a candidate has been shortlisted for interview, either via references or an application that involves a point of view piece on elements in the industry, they go through a 3-step process. The first interview involves them meeting with their immediate line manager. During this interview the candidate is asked a range of questions about their background, education and experience as well as talking about their interests and hobbies. They are also asked to complete a “The UM Questionnaire” designed to test their creative thinking and mathematical skills. Candidates that successfully complete step 1 move to a further interview round. This interview aims to provide a fresh perspective on the candidate as well as a “check and balance” on their experience and skills.
 
Following this stage a decision is made on whether the candidate is suitable for employment. Should employment be offered then the candidate returns for step 3, which is a one on one meeting with the agency CEO. In this way, the CEO gets to meet every staff member before his or her first day in the office. This final meeting is also an ideal opportunity for signed employment contracts to be returned.
 
UM has been praised throughout the industry for this rigorous recruitment process. “UM is one of few agencies that people actually request to work at…equally, it is almost impossible to entice people to move away from UM. Their staff are proud to work at UM, feel valued and that they have a voice.”

 

Daily suggested reads for the industry

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AdNews, Campaign Brief, Mumbrella, B&T

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Dress attire

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Smart Casual

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Clients/brands managed by UM

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UM manages the media and connections portfolios for some of the World’s leading brands; including: Coca-Cola, Wesfarmers (Coles, Target, Kmart), ING Direct, LEGO, NSW Government, Optus, NOVA, Virgin Mobile and Meat and Livestock Australia.