Job seekers hoping to land creative gigs are up against stiff competition, new research by The Creative Group shows. Advertising and marketing executives surveyed said they receive 23 resumes, on average, for every open creative position. They then meet with six applicants, on average, before filling the role.
The national survey was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service for interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm.
Additional research from The Creative Group shows an uptick in hiring in the last six months of 2014, but companies are being selective when adding to their creative teams. "With such a strong demand for individuals who have the right combination of technical and soft skills, job seekers must take every opportunity they can to impress hiring managers," said Deborah Bottineau, senior regional manager of The Creative Group.
"The best way to demonstrate that you're a good fit for the role, team and work environment is to be well-prepared for every step of the hiring process, starting with the initial application."
The Creative Group offers five tips for standing out in the job search:
- Study up. Before applying for any position, review the firm's website and social media feeds, search online for news articles and company reviews, and ask people in your network for insight. The data you gather will help you better communicate in interviews specific ways you can contribute to the organization's success.
- Avoid resume mistakes. Including information that's not targeted or job specific is the most common resume gaffe, according to advertising and marketing executives. Know your audience and tailor your application materials to their specific needs.
- Get ready for interview curveballs. Hiring managers may ask tough interview questions to gauge your interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Prepare responses to common queries but also practice thinking on your feet. Consider situational examples that highlight your ability to work well with a team or where you helped your organization meet a difficult objective.
- Be yourself. Hiring managers want to get a sense of who you are, from your personality to your passions, to ensure a good fit. You're going to make a stronger impression if you answer questions honestly versus firing off cookie-cutter responses.
- Follow up with finesse. Within 24 hours of an interview, send a personalized thank-you email to each person you met with, reinforcing your interest in the position and key qualifications. It's a seemingly obvious but often-overlooked step.
