When Zach Sweeney first heard about MiQ, the world of programmatic advertising was entirely new to him. He had been working at a recruitment agency in Chicago, honing his skills in sourcing talent, but was looking for a new challenge. So, when a recruiter reached out to him about MiQ, his curiosity was piqued.
"I didn’t think it was a real opportunity at first,” Zach laughs. “I had never even heard of programmatic advertising."
Despite his initial reservations, he did what any seasoned sourcer would do — he researched the company. Stories of innovation and creativity surfaced, and after the first conversation with his future manager, Zach knew MiQ was a place where he could grow.
“What really stood out to me was the radical candor at MiQ. My manager was honest from the start… We would be building the talent acquisition team together. That kind of transparency and opportunity to create something new was a big draw for me.”
Now, as a global talent acquisition operations lead who helped build the recruitment processes at MiQ, Zach knows a thing or two about how to make a good impression. Whether you’re eyeing MiQ careers or simply want to up your interview game, Zach’s insights will give you the tools you need to stand out.
First — why MiQ?
“We’re not quite a startup, but we operate with the agility of one,” says Zach, highlighting how MiQ careers offer employees the chance to steer their own path. “You get autonomy in your role and can make real decisions that impact the business.”
MiQ also boasts standout benefits, including 6 months of paid maternity and paternity leave, a generous monthly wellness reimbursement, a reimbursement toward your phone bill, a 401k, and comprehensive health care.
“We focus on making sure people feel valued and don’t burn out,” Zach adds. “MiQ isn’t just about growing the business. It’s about growing the people within it.”
Think you could see yourself here? Cue Zach’s top tips for landing the job.
1. Do your research on MiQ careers
“One of the biggest things that MiQ looks for in candidates is curiosity. We have five core values — agility, passion, determination, courage, and unity — and if you can show curiosity, you're already demonstrating agility and passion,” Zach explains.
Research is a crucial step in showing that curiosity. “When candidates come into an interview knowing about MiQ’s place in the ad tech industry, it goes a long way. You don’t need to know everything, but having a basic understanding of what we do shows that you’re invested in the opportunity.” Zach notes that this is especially important for candidates coming from outside the ad tech space. “Even if you’re new to programmatic like I was, showing that you’ve taken the time to learn about our offerings is huge.”
2. Prepare examples to showcase your skills
Zach emphasizes that MiQ looks for candidates who align with the company’s values, and one of the best ways to demonstrate that alignment is through concrete examples. “Be ready to talk about a time when you’ve shown agility, passion, or courage in your work. For example, if you’ve had to pivot quickly in a past role or if you’ve taken on a challenge outside of your comfort zone, we want to hear about it.”
This doesn’t just apply to technical skills. “We’re a client services business, so we need people who can be adaptable. If you’ve had a difficult client or project, show us how you handled it, or how you would have handled it differently. That kind of insight helps us understand how you think and how you’d fit into our team.”
3. Make the most of the assessment stage
MiQ’s recruitment process includes an assessment stage, which is a take-home portion when candidates are given 72 hours to complete an assignment. A panel then reviews it during an hour-long meeting. This typically includes people you’ll work closely with, such as your direct team members and adjacent teams.
“I’ve seen candidates do really well in the interview stages, only to lose momentum in the assessment. Make sure you’re reading the prompt carefully, and double-check that you’ve hit all the requirements.”
Zach advises candidates to practice before tackling the assessment. “Some of the tasks might be vague, but don’t let that throw you off. The best candidates dedicate time to the assessment and treat it like an opportunity to showcase their best work.”
4. Work with your recruiter
At MiQ, the recruitment team is an advocate for the candidate as much as for the company. “We want to make sure that the candidate feels MiQ is a fit for them, and also that there is a skills fit for the business,” Zach says. “We prep people for the assessment and for calls with the hiring manager because we want you to succeed. Use your recruiter as a resource, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to share any concerns or needs.”
Zach’s team also stays in touch with candidates, even if they’re not right for the role at the moment. “For entry-level candidates, for example, I’ll often suggest gaining a bit more experience at other companies, but I always encourage them to come back in a few years. We want to build relationships, not just fill roles.”
Ultimately, standing out at MiQ isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about demonstrating curiosity, adaptability, and a genuine passion for growth. By preparing thoughtfully, leaning into the company’s values, and embracing the opportunities provided during the recruitment process, your application will rise to the top.
Ready to pursue a career with MiQ, the programmatic media partner delivering first-class service and performance on ad campaigns? Explore MiQ career opportunities here.
