The hiring landscape is dynamic right now, to say the least. Creative, digital and marketing professionals are navigating global and economic instability, tight budgets, lower headcounts and new technologies. It’s daunting to say the least. One solution has been to hire creative marketers into contract roles to help get the influx of work done on time. These individuals play a pivotal role in shaping a brand's identity, driving innovation, and connecting with the audience.

To hire the top talent in the creative field, WunderLand has five tips:

1. Look Beyond the Resume: Yes, a strong resume is important. It is equally important to delve deeper into a candidate's creativity and problem-solving abilities. Request a portfolio that showcases their best work and demonstrates their versatility. Look for candidates who can articulate their creative process, highlight their accomplishments and share how they've tackled challenges in previous roles. This will give you a better understanding of their skills and whether they align with your company's needs.
   
   
2. Cultural Fit Matters: A strong team that focuses on collaboration, open communication and a shared vision is key to success. When hiring creative talent, assess whether the candidate aligns with the company’s values and culture. How will they change the dynamic of the team? How will their personality and working style complement or enhance the existing structure? A harmonious team is essential for fostering creativity and seamless delivery.
   
   
3. Emphasize Soft Skills: Don’t underestimate the importance of soft skills in marketing. Candidates should have strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate and work with a team. Creativity needs brainstorming, feedback and iteration to be perfected, so look for individuals who work well with others. Assess how candidates approach challenges and whether they demonstrate resilience and a willingness to learn.
   
   
4. Test Their Creativity: During the hiring process, incorporate practical exercises or projects into the hiring process. The exercises could include a real-world problem for them to solve, or you can ask them to develop a campaign idea. Assessing their ability to think outside the box and present solutions will give you valuable insights into their process and skills. This approach can reveal more about a candidate's capabilities than traditional interview questions alone.
   
   
5. Offer Professional Development Opportunities: Top creative and marketing professionals are often eager to enhance their skills and stay updated on industry trends. Demonstrate your commitment to their growth by offering opportunities for professional development. This could include access to workshops, conferences, or online courses. A culture that values continuous learning not only attracts top talent but also ensures your team remains at the forefront of industry advancements.

Hiring is a strategic investment and should be treated as such. If you need to hire creative, digital or marketing professionals, WunderLand has a community of talented, vetted professionals. We take time to review candidates and ensure they’ll fit in with your team. Contact us today!