What do they do? The team of four account directors act as a
one-stop shop for MTV’s nine European advertising windows, dealing with
clients and agencies across the Continent.
Good offices? The prime Oxford Street location speaks for itself - but
can be draining on the pay packet. The reception has a hi-tech feel,
with metal grates and a wall of TV screens. Beyond it, the bustling,
music-filled offices are also crammed with screens showing MTV’s various
channels.
What’s it like there? Trendy, not surprisingly. The youthful sales staff
say that even they feel old compared with some of the lissom types
wafting around in cutting-edge fashions. Name ’VJs’ like Trevor Nelson
occasionally make an appearance.
The ad team work hard to hit their targets and are expected to be highly
motivated. But they’re not averse to nipping down the road to Mash for
lunch.
What about perks? Pension scheme, 23 days’ holiday and six months’
maternity leave. Sales staff also get a mobile phone and a car
allowance. They regularly travel on business to locations ranging from
Switzerland to Tunisia. There are also conferences bringing all the
European sales staff together for a work-hard, play-hard session. The
last one was held in Bath and bonding continued into the early
hours.
How does it recruit? Mainly through consultancies, although letters from
talented hopefuls are always kept on file. A foreign language is
helpful, but not essential.
Is it good at training? There’s a programme covering all aspects of the
job and more besides. Staff talk to their line managers about which
courses they want to attend. Most are open to all staff, so it’s a good
way of meeting people from other departments.
How do you get ahead? You must be skilled in selling both UK and
pan-regional TV. And if you’re not interested in pop culture, you soon
will be.
