Gybe Fortnight: every interview leaves clues

Welcome to this edition of Gybe Fortnight - our round-up of what's moving in the marketing, digital and sales market, the roles and talent we're working with, and the headlines worth your attention.

Market overview

The general consensus between us and the candidates we speak with is that the market has slowed over the past few weeks, with demand dipping through the end of the financial year and the school holidays. It's worth remembering, though, that August and September are historically strong hiring months - so we'd expect activity to build again from here.

Insight of the fortnight: the interview doesn't end when you leave the room

The interview may be over, but the opportunity to learn from it has only just begun. One of the most common conversations we have with candidates after an unsuccessful interview starts with, "I would really appreciate any feedback you can share."

The best thing you can do is reflect while it's fresh. Write down the questions you were asked and how you answered them, then use any feedback to identify specific gaps rather than settling for vague comments. A few questions worth asking:

• "Was the example I shared commercially robust enough?"
• "Did I demonstrate the required level of strategic thinking?"
• "Was there anything missing from my leadership examples?"
• "How could I have better evidenced cross-functional influence?"
• "Were there any capabilities I didn't demonstrate strongly enough?"

Every interview leaves clues. The best candidates don't just prepare for interviews, they reflect on them.

Gybe jobs in market

• Senior Director, Marketing ANZ | Subway | Brisbane | permanent.
• Marketing Manager | Wingman Group | Brisbane | permanent.
• Head of Brand & Content | TAB | permanent.
• Social Media Lead | City Beach | permanent.

Interview question of the fortnight

"So, tell me - what do you know about us?"

Talent worth knowing

• Partnerships & Marketing Manager | $120k + super | available immediately - background across Apple, creative agencies and Suncorp, with partnerships, sponsorships and CRM expertise.
• Digital Product & Marketing Specialist | $100k + super | available immediately - delivered a 150% traffic lift and a 70% reduction in bounce rate across property, education and eCommerce.
• Art Director / Senior Designer | $130k + super | available immediately - 20+ years across Paramount, Network 10 and Foxtel, with branding and motion design expertise.

Headlines we're watching

• OpenAI has upgraded ChatGPT Ads with conversion-optimised bidding and automated spend pacing, with Australian ad penetration reportedly reaching around half of replies since the April launch.
• Australian ad spend grew just 0.3% in June, with analysts attributing the gain to one-off events rather than genuine market confidence.
• The federal government has reworked the News Bargaining Incentive scheme - News Corp has characterised it negatively, while smaller publishers remain sceptical.
• Agency new business heated up: Droga5 won Woolworths (around $8m a year) and Publicis landed Samsung (around $120m in billings), among other significant account moves.
• TBWA unveiled a global rebrand, a "handmade, imperfect" visual identity designed by DXD.

Get in touch

Whether you're hiring, exploring your next move, or just want to talk through the market, we'd love to hear from you.

• Libby Kidd: 0401 784 670 | [email protected]
• Michael Johns: 0406 210 924 | [email protected]
• Cass Barker: 0431 625 791 | [email protected]