I can't tell you how many times I've heard candidates say, "Culture and fit are critically important to me," and then never ask about our agency's culture in their interview. It has become something people say but don't necessarily mean.

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	West Herford (third from left) with his team at Rawle Murdy

Come on. These aren't just buzz words to toss about—they're aspects that are critical to choosing a place to spend 40+ hours of your life every week.

To be honest, I was just as guilty as the next person earlier on in my career. I'd jump at an offer if the account sounded cool or I'd heard that the agency was "the place to work." As a result, I've worked across the spectrum—from places where the creative is king to shops where the "suits" rule the roost. Ultimately, I figured out the best culture for me through trial and error—not optimal.

From the moment I walked into my current agency, Rawle Murdy, I was struck by the sincerity and integrity of the people here. Couple that with a genuine dedication to strategic and creative thinking, and well....that hit the sweet spot for me. Things just felt right, and I knew I'd found a culture that was in sync with what I was searching for.

When you walk into a place for the first time, be circumspect, ask questions—lots of them—and take notes. Then, go home and really think about the answers you heard. Did you like what you heard? Would you have answered questions similarly or not?

Fortunately, the industry's healthier than it's been in years, so there are other jobs out there. Make sure you're asking yourself if you think you'll be happy in the job—not just in love with the idea of having the job.

About the Author

West Herford is Director of Client Services for Rawle Murdy, a marketing, advertising, and public relations firm with a client list that includes Piggly Wiggly, Orient Express Hotels, Wild Dunes® Resort, and Circle K. Prior to that, he broke ground in his advertising career at companies like DDB, Arnold Worldwide, and Grey Worldwide.

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