Be specific, be concise, be ready - advice from our creative panda

I work with some of the best digital creative talent in the market place and what makes these people the best isn't that they are superior to other designers or content writers out there. It's not necessarily down to experience or length of service in a particular business either. It's more often than not the delivery and presentation of their skills, achievements and aspirations. Their portfolio's are up to date and user friendly, their CVs clearly detail their technical and creative expertise, and there is a clear understanding of the trajectory they want their career to move in.

There is cohesion between their own creative sensibilities and the format/presentation of their work and resume - whilst "taste" will always remain something very personal to the viewer, there is a clear sense of identity and a pride in the creative work they have produced to date. 

Specialising in recruitment for roles which have very subjective metrics, it can often be hard to qualify what makes one persons portfolio/work samples/task better than someone else's. My advice would be this - just because you work in a creative field doesn't mean you can't apply the same methodical and ordered approach to your job search as those working in more strategic or less subjective specialisms. 

Be specific 

Just because you're more creatively inclined than your Trading or Analytical counterparts doesn't mean specificity isn't key! Make sure you detail your core responsibilities, achievements and skills in your CV. Whilst a beautiful, creative layout might be expected from a designer or content specialist it doesn't mean you can sacrifice specificity. Changing jobs is a serious business - be clear. 

Be concise 

You may be a wordsmith who could rival Shakespeare himself (!) but that doesn't mean I (or my clients) have the time or inclination to read 6 sides of CV musings. I would far rather have the core details and insights cited and then engage in conversation about the finer details. Whilst it's not as clear cut as "less is more" there is real value in a clear and concise delivery. 

Be ready 

There is nothing worse than having your job search in full swing, or being headhunted for the perfect role and then halting the process while you get your work together. Worse still - save your work/update your portfolio as you go. You have no idea how much of a disservice you do yourself by having a gap in your creative portfolio. A very wise person once told me even if you're ridiculously happy in your work and career you should always have your CV/Portfolio ready to go. Because you never know what might happen next. And if your dream job comes knocking and you miss the boat because you took a week to get your online portfolio up to date, believe me - you will kick yourself. 

Let your creative tone of voice shine through in the presentation of your work. One of the questions I get asked most frequently by my clients is regarding how much of the work in your portfolio is reminiscent of the company's brand guidelines and how much is your aesthetic and creative sensibility. Use the opportunity to let your copy/designs shine though. If it's true that we have "seven seconds to make our first impression" then make it count! 

Did you enjoy these words of wisdom from Yasmin? She is the go to panda for all things creative. Why not connect with Yasmin on LinkedIn?