Creativity Is Converging With Technology

BY LUCY MARINO, executive director of the marketing and creative practice at global talent solutions firm Robert Half which connects employers with skilled marketing, creative, digital, advertising and public relations professionals to meet their specialized recruiting needs. Marino manages strategy and operations for the company’s marketing and creative talent solutions teams across U.S. locations.

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Creativity is converging with technology in 2025, and companies are searching for talent that thrives at the intersection. Businesses are investing in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and hyper-personalized customer experiences. However, new research from Robert Half reveals that 56% of creative and marketing leaders say their teams have skills gaps, and 59% said the impact of those gaps has increased in the past year. That could be where you come in.

But landing a job in today’s employment market isn’t always easy. Demonstrating a blend of sharp design skills with an eye for user experience and emerging tech can help you get noticed by hiring managers.

Design Smarter: The skills employers are looking for today

Design has always been about problem-solving and storytelling, but in 2025 the scope is broader than ever. Designers aren’t just shaping visuals; they’re shaping user experiences, driving engagement and collaborating with data and AI tools to make their creative solutions more impactful. According to Robert Half’s Demand for Skilled Talent report, the most in-demand marketing and creative roles include graphic designers, UX designers and marketing analytics specialists​. That’s because companies want creatives who can:

• Master cross-platform design: Think mobile-first, responsive layouts and cohesive branding across web, social and apps.
• Think like a user: UX skills are in hot demand. Even if you’re not a full-on UX designer, knowing how to make user-friendly designs gives you an edge.
• Work with data, not against it: Marketing is increasingly data driven. Understanding how design impacts metrics like engagement and conversion rates can set you apart.
• Experiment with AI tools: Whether it’s generating concepts with DALL·E or using Canva’s AI features, employers want creatives who aren’t afraid to explore new tools.

How To Get Noticed: 6 job search ideas for 2025

How do you make your application compelling to hiring managers when you’re looking for a new position? Here are some tips:

• Update your digital portfolio

Your portfolio isn’t just a gallery of your past projects — it’s a reflection of how you think. Hiring managers want to see how you approach your work. Include a few projects as case studies that walk through your design choices, user considerations and even challenges you overcame.

For the portfolio itself, consider using interactive formats like Webflow or Figma prototypes to better showcase web or app designs. Whatever format you choose, ensure it’s simple to navigate and mobile-friendly — a clunky site can quickly create a negative impression.

• Pick up relevant certifications

An Adobe Certified Expert badge shows you’ve mastered the tools most designers use daily. Or try a short UX design course—even an entry-level one from a site like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera can teach you how to think about users, a perspective employers value. Certifications aren’t so much about collecting qualifications as it is proving you’re curious and ready for what’s next.

• Connect where the creatives are hanging out

Big networking events can feel overwhelming, and you really don’t need them. Instead, find places where designers already gather—online forums like Behance or Slack communities like Designer Hangout, for example. Share a recent project with a quick note about what inspired it or how you solved a problem. Maybe comment on someone else’s work with a kind word or a question. It’s less about selling yourself and more about joining the conversation. You never know who’s watching—a creative director might spot your post and reach out.

• Highlight AI experience and expertise

AI is now baked into most design workflows, so employers want to know you’re not stuck in 2015. You don’t need to be an expert, but showing you can use AI tools gives you an edge. Create a few assets using Midjourney, Canva or DALL-E, then tuck them into your portfolio with a line about how you used the software. It shows you’re not afraid of new tech, which matters—25% of leaders say their teams lack AI strategy skills.

• Tailor your pitch to the job

When you apply for a role, look at the job posting and pull out one or two desired abilities the employer lists that match your skills. Maybe they want someone who’s good at web design. If you’ve created a website you’re pleased with, mention it briefly in your email or cover letter, saying something like “I’ve worked on responsive web projects like the one you’re hiring for.” It’s a small touch, but it shows you’re paying attention and not just blasting out generic applications.

• Ask for feedback on your work

Reach out to a designer you respect— someone you follow online, perhaps, or know from a past job. Share a piece you’ve created and you’re proud of. Ask for feedback. Go beyond “thoughts on this?” and ask a targeted question like “Does this design flow logically for a user?” or “How would you have approached this layout differently?” It’s easier for people to respond when they know what kind of feedback you want — and it signals that you’re serious about improving.

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Today’s hiring managers seek new approaches and viewpoints in job applicants, not just technical skills. Whether you’re eyeing a permanent position or a contract role, showcase your creative vision. Don’t be afraid to put your work out there. The companies hiring aren’t just looking for talent — they’re looking for fresh perspectives. And yours could be precisely what they need.