Message From Diane Domeyer, Executive Director, The Creative Group
Here’s some good news for recent and soon-to-be graduates: You’re in the right industry at the right time. Demand is often outpacing supply when it comes to top creative talent. In fact, according to The Creative Group’s latest hiring survey, 58 percent of advertising and marketing executives said it’s challenging to find the professionals they seek. This is the highest it’s been since The Creative Group started tracking the figure in 2010. At the same time, the unemployment rates for certain creative positions – including designers and web developers – are well below the national rate. This means companies have to work harder to attract and retain these professionals. Some are even hiring junior talent who they can train if the candidates have strong soft skills and fit in with the workplace culture.
When we asked advertising and marketing executives in which areas they plan to add staff in the first part of the year, creative/art direction and print design/production ranked high on the list. Companies are also recruiting individuals with digital and mobile expertise, as well as hybrid talent who have a mix of skills – designers who can code, for example. Are you ready to take advantage of the job opportunities that are available today? Here are three things you should do right away:
1. Get Your Digital Portfolio In Order
No matter what type of creative role you’re pursuing, a digital portfolio is a must – it’s how you back up the skills on your resume. You can create your own website or use portfolio sites like Behance, Coroflot or Carbonmade to display your work. And be sure to test the site before promoting it to potential employers.
2. Polish Your Online Presence
In a survey by The Creative Group, 68 percent of executives said they are likely to review job candidates’ LinkedIn profiles; another 65 percent search for information on the Web using candidates’ names. Make sure the information you post about yourself online showcases not just your personal interests and hobbies, but also your expertise, dedication to your field and ability to communicate effectively.
3. Get Out There
Aside from your online presence and technical skills, you will want to be seen and make connections. Join industry and alumni associations and meetup groups, and partner with a specialized staffing firm, to expand your network. It’s a great time to be entering the creative industry, but it’s also a competitive job market. Hiring managers are being inundated with resumes and you have to work hard to stand out and prove you’re a good fit.
About The Creative Group
This specialized staffing agency is an energetic supporter of the creative community and very welcoming to young designers. In this competitive job market, creative professionals ‒ including those just starting their careers ‒ often turn to staffing firms for advice, information and assistance. The Creative Group is an outstanding resource, with a strong track record of placing interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals with a variety of firms. For more information, please visit creativegroup.com or connect at facebook.com/thecreativegroup or twitter.com/creativegroup
