creative professionals

Designers Should Pay Extra Attention to How Resumes Look

DESIGNERS. A new survey by The Creative Group suggests that your resume may be the right place to start demonstrating your knowledge of good design. Nearly half (46 percent) of advertising and marketing executives interviewed in the survey said for those pursuing creative roles, how a resume looks matters as much as what it contains.

“While the content of a resume is crucial, it first has to capture a hiring manager’s attention. This is especially true for those in creative fields, like design and marketing, and applies to both print and online versions of resumes and portfolios,” said Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group. “Hiring managers should be able to find information quickly and easily, as well as get a sense of your attention to detail.”

The national survey was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service for interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals. The independent research firm that conducted the survey asked advertising and marketing executives, “How important would you rate the overall look and feel of a creative professional’s resume when you are evaluating potential hires?”  Their responses:

  • 46% Very important
  • 43% Somewhat important
  • 7% Not important
  • 4% Don’t know/no answer

The Creative Group offers five tips for developing a resume that’s easy on the eyes:

Consider the user experience. Most hiring managers spend seconds scanning resumes to spot the ones they want to read in detail. Use simple fonts, standard margins, section headings and bullet points to highlight key attributes and help employers navigate the information.

Don’t overdesign it. While it’s OK to incorporate elements of your personal branding (such as a logo) into your resume, refrain from excessive embellishments. For example, including too many fonts and colors can be distracting. Instead, use your portfolio to showcase your creativity and artistic style.

Paint a picture worth a thousand words. A well-done visual or infographic resume can help you stand out, as long as the graphic is tailored to the job opening. Make sure your graphics don’t overshadow the actual information, and offer a traditional version, too.

Take advantage of all your options. If you want employers to have a more complete picture of your individuality, you can use many different tools to build online profiles that showcase your strengths and career accomplishments. Links to these profiles are easy to share via email and social media. These sites offer more space to list relevant interests and links to a personal website, blog or online portfolio.

Prepare a ‘plain’ version. Although most email systems can accommodate attachments (such as Word documents and PDFs), not every hiring manager or organization is able or willing to accept them. Cover your bases by pasting a plain or ASCII text version of your resume into the body of an electronic message or online job application.

About the Survey

The national study was developed by The Creative Group and conducted by an independent research firm. It is based on more than 500 telephone interviews — approximately 375 with marketing executives randomly selected from companies with 100 or more employees and 125 with advertising executives randomly selected from agencies with 20 or more employees.

About The Creative Group

The Creative Group specializes in placing a range of highly skilled interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals with a variety of firms on a project and full-time basis.

LINKS

The Creative Group

The Creative Group e-Zine

Writing an Effective Resume

 

Is the Push for Productivity and Conformity Stifling Creativity?

Interviews of 5,000 adults in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Japan provide new insights into the role of creativity in business, education and society overall.  The survey was conducted from March 30 to April 9, 2012. The results are published in Adobe’s State of Create global benchmark study.

According to the study, 8 in 10 people agree that unlocking creativity is critical to economic growth. And nearly two-thirds of respondents feel creativity is valuable to society. Yet only 1 in 4 people believe they are living up to their own creative potential.

Pressure and Risk Aversion Stifle Creativity in Business

The survey found that people spend less time creating at work than they do outside of work.

Although workers are increasingly expected to think creatively on the job, 75% of respondents said they are under growing pressure to be productive rather than creative. Across all of the countries surveyed, people said they spend only 25% of their time at work creating. About 69% of respondents believe that risk aversion in business stifles creativity.

About one-third of respondents said they would like more time to think creatively, an environment in which to think creatively, and training to learn and use creative tools.

Education Systems Promote Standardization

More than half of those surveyed feel that creativity is being stifled by their education systems, and many believe creativity is taken for granted (52% globally, 70% in the United States).

“One of the myths of creativity is that very few people are really creative,” said Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., a leader in the development of education, creativity and innovation. “The truth is that everyone has great capacities but not everyone develops them. Too often our educational systems don’t enable students to develop their natural creative powers. Instead, they promote uniformity and standardization. The result is that we’re draining people of their creative possibilities and, as this study reveals, producing a workforce that’s conditioned to prioritize conformity over creativity.”

Other Findings

Here are a few other noteworthy findings:

  • The decreasing amount of leisure time is seen as the factor that decreases creativity the most.
  • In the U.S., 72% of respondents agreed that there is increasing competition to have what you create noticed.
  • 7 in 10 respondents said they prefer to work by themselves when being creative.
  • In the U.S., 84% said they like to share what they create with others. This compares to 69% globally.

The study also sheds light on different cultural attitudes toward creativity. Japan ranked highest in the global tally as the most creative country while, conversely, Japanese citizens largely do not see themselves as creative.

The United States ranked globally as the second most creative nation among the countries surveyed, except in the eyes of Americans, who see themselves as the most creative. Yet Americans also expressed the greatest sense of urgency and concern that they are not living up to their creative potential (United States at 82%, vs. the lowest level of concern in Germany at 64%).

Generational and gender differences are marginal, reinforcing the idea that everyone has the potential to create. Women ranked only slightly higher than men when asked if they self-identified as creative and whether they were tapping their own creative potential.

Four in 10 people believe that they do not have the tools or access to tools to create. Creative tools are perceived as the biggest driver to increase creativity (65% globally, 76% in the United States).

Technology is also recognized for its ability to help individuals overcome creative limitations (58% globally, 60% in the United States) and provide inspiration (53% globally, 62% in the United States).

About the Adobe State of Create Study

The study was produced by the research firm StrategyOne and conducted as an online survey among a total of 5,000 adults (18 years or older) in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Japan. Interviewing took place from March 30 to April 9. The data set for each country is nationally representative of the population of that country.

LINK

Adobe State of Create global benchmark study

Survey Says Facebook is Preferred Social Network of Creatives

When it comes to connecting online with friends, colleagues and acquaintances, Facebook is the favored social-media site of people in creative fields, a new survey by The Creative Group suggests.

More than half (56 percent) of advertising and marketing executives interviewed said Facebook would be their social media site of choice if they were limited to using just one. LinkedIn and Google+ ranked second and third with 21 percent and 12 percent of the response, respectively.

 

Regardless of which social media site someone is using for business, staying active is essential, the survey confirmed: Nearly three in 10 (29 percent) executives said not keeping content fresh is the most common mistake creatives make in their professional online profiles.

The national survey was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service for interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals, and conducted by an independent research firm.

“Those in the creative industry tend to blend their professional and personal lives, including interactions they have online,” said Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group.

Farrugia cautioned, however, that it’s important to post prudently when business contacts are part of your online network. “Social media profiles have become an important branding and marketing tool for creative professionals. Whether the purpose of your account is purely to connect with friends or drum up referrals and job leads, make sure it paints the best picture of you.”

The Creative Group offers five tips for maintaining a polished and engaging presence on social media sites:

Don’t play the name game. While sites like Facebook and Google+ have guidelines that discourage the use of symbols, numbers or profanities in your username, that doesn’t stop people from coming up with unusual aliases. However, it’s best to stick to your first and last name and select a similar vanity URL that supports your personal brand.

Choose your interests wisely. Just because you’re a fan of reality TV doesn’t mean you have to list every show you watch. No matter how talented you are, a profile that goes into too much personal detail, particularly if those details are unflattering, will work against you.

Share quality content. The average Facebook user has 130 friends, according to Facebook Statistics. You can increase the likelihood others will see your posts by sharing rich content (like photos and videos) as well as information that will elicit comments, likes and shares.

Proof your posts. Always review your status updates and comments before hitting “Enter.” Posts strewn with typos or text shorthand detract from your credibility.

Be a regular. In addition to pushing out interesting content, engage with your online contacts consistently. By commenting on and sharing others’ posts, you’ll build a stronger sense of community.

For additional tips on using social and professional networking sites effectively, download Business Etiquette: The New Rules in a Digital Age by Robert Half, The Creative Group’s parent company. The publication contains insights from industry experts on topics such as email, instant messaging, mobile devices, and phone, video, and web conferencing.

LINKS

About The Creative Group

Business Etiquette: The New Rules in a Digital Age

 

 

Meet Other Solopreneurs at 2012 Creative Freelancer Conference

The Creative Freelancer Conference is a business-focused event for solopreneurs in design, writing, photography, and illustration. In addition to face-to-face networking with creative pros from complementary disciplines, you can learn some fresh approaches to marketing, client relations, productivity, and money management.

The 2012 Creative Freelancer Conference takes place Thursday, June 21 and Friday, June 22 as part of the HOW Design Live Conference June 21 to June 25 in Boston.  The Creative Freelancer Conference is held in partnership with the Marketing Mentor creative-business consulting firm.

Here are some sessions being planned:

Planning for Your First Year of Freelancing
Shane Pearlman will recommend ways to avoid common rookie mistakes and be more successful during your first year on your own. Among other things, he will explain the importance of creating contracts, getting deposits from clients, and tracking finances.

Options for Growth
Luke Mysse will discuss traditional and non-traditional ways to grow your business, and talk about how to decide which of three business models is right for you: solo, solo plus a virtual team, or full staff.

Why a Bigger Business Isn’t Always Better
For many owners of creative businesses, success is more about satisfaction than size. Adelaide Lancaster will present examples of many different ways entrepreneurs think about business growth. While gaining clarity on growth options, you will learn how to determine the right direction for your business and recognize your ability to create work based on your needs and goals.

Building Your Prospect List: Quality vs. Quantity
Success in any business start-up requires knowing how to identify your addressable market and build a marketing funnel to convert prospects into customers. Allen Murabayashi will offer practical advice on identifying your prospects, building a prospect list, and converting the prospects on your list into paying clients.

Skillful Communications with Clients
Understanding what your clients really want and giving it to them doesn’t mean you have to function simply as an order taker. Many clients expect you to take a leadership role and prove that your expertise can truly help their businesses. Marcia Hoeck explains how to start client relationships out right, by setting the tone for conversations and becoming a valued resource without being a doormat. Learn how to discuss tough issues like a pro, and put yourself in a position of strength.

Is Your Website Generating Business?
To ensure that your website is generating quality leads for your business, Mark O’Brien will take you through Newfangled’s 9-Step Website Planning Process. Learn how to use SEO to attract the right prospects, craft a content strategy that will convince prospects of your expertise, and generate quality leads through clear calls to action.

The Nuts and Bolts of Pricing and Negotiating
Creating a pricing structure for your business can be tricky. Do you base your pricing on the value of your services? Or is there another (better) metric? Sarah Durham will show you how her time-tracking structure works, and offer advice for implementing it. Learn how to realistically create estimates and methodically manage pricing to ensure you end up profitable. Get tips on talking money with potential clients and using figures from the past to inform future projects.

How to Create and Execute Your Marketing Plan
An inconsistent, haphazard approach to marketing can lock you into the dreaded feast-or-famine cycle of freelance work. And, it may force you to take on undesirable clients and projects and accept sub-par fees. Ed Gandia will share a practical framework for developing a marketing plan aligned with your goals and personality. Discover strategies that can help you enjoy the process of marketing your services.

Live Audit
Marketing Mentor founder Ilise Braun and David C. Baker will provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at a fellow creative freelancer’s business. They will examine in-depth the freelancer’s finances, day-to-day business practices, and work style. During the audit, Braun and Baker will identify the freelancer’s successes and mistakes and suggest the type of results they can attain and the opportunities they should seize.

LINKS

2012 Creative Freelancer Conference

HOW Design Live

Marketing Mentor

Hiring in Creative and Marketing Fields to Be Strong in Q1 2012

Hiring in the creative and marketing fields is expected to remain strong in the first quarter of 2012, according to “The Creative Group Hiring Index for Marketing and Advertising Professionals.”

  • 18 percent of executives interviewed said they plan to add full-time staff in the next three months.
  • 4 percent forecast reductions in personnel.
  • 76 percent expect to make no changes to their current staffing levels.

The national study was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service providing interactive, design and marketing professionals on a project and full-time basis, and conducted by an independent research firm. It is based on more than 500 telephone interviews—approximately 375 with marketing executives randomly selected from companies with 100 or more employees and 125 with advertising executives randomly selected from agencies with 20 or more employees.

Key Findings

The net 14 percent of executives planning to hire in the first quarter of 2012 is up 10 points from the same time period last year and down six points from the previous quarter.

  • 45 percent of respondents said it’s challenging to find skilled creative professionals today, down 12 points from three months ago.
  • 89 percent of marketing and advertising executives are confident in their companies’ growth prospects for the first quarter, unchanged from fourth-quarter 2011 projections.
  •  Account services, brand/product management, and public relations are the specialties in greatest demand, according to respondents.

“Many companies are looking to refresh their branding to reflect new product and service offerings, as well as take their marketing campaigns to the next level in the year ahead,” said Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group. “Businesses also may have more budget dollars to invest with advertising and public relations agencies, driving demand for account services and PR professionals.”

When marketing and advertising executives were asked: “In which of the following areas do you expect to hire in the first quarter of 2012?,” their answers were as follows:

Perspectives on Business Growth

Marketing and advertising executives’ confidence in their ability to attract new business remained steady from last quarter: 89 percent of those interviewed said they were somewhat or very confident in their firms’ prospects for growth in the first quarter, unchanged from three months ago.

LINKS

The Creative Group Hiring Index for Marketing and Advertising Professionals

The Robert Half Professional Employment Report

About The Creative Group

RELATED POST

Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide Shows Gains for Creatives

Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide Shows Gains for Creatives

Professionals in creative fields can expect average starting salary gains of 3.5 percent in 2012, according to the recently released “The Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide.” The guide lists starting salary ranges for more than 100 positions in interactive, content-development and management, advertising and marketing, and public relations.

Professionals with interactive skills, such as user experience (UX) designers, are especially sought after as firms look to improve their web presence and transition many of their marketing programs online. Other in-demand creative professionals include online project managers, search-engine optimization (SEO)/search-engine marketing (SEM) specialists, video producers, web analytics specialists, and web designers/developers.

The figures in the guide are national averages for the U.S., but can be adjusted for more than 130 U.S. markets, using the local variance figures also included in the guide.

The Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide is one of five new Salary Guides released by Robert Half International. The Salary Guides include:

2012 Salary Guide from Robert Half for accounting and finance

Robert Half Technology 2012 Salary Guide

The Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide

Robert Half Legal 2012 Salary Guide

OfficeTeam 2012 Salary Guide 

Among the fields researched, technology positions are projected to see the largest gains in starting salaries, with an anticipated 4.5 percent increase in base compensation. Accounting and finance professionals can expect starting salaries to rise an average of 3.5 percent. Starting salaries for administrative professionals are expected to rise 3.4 percent, and starting salaries in the legal field are anticipated to rise 1.9 percent on average.

Salary calculators that can be used to determine average starting salaries in hundreds of local markets can be accessed via the links to the Salary Guides above.

Since 1950, Robert Half has produced Salary Guides to offer business owners and hiring managers information on prevailing starting salaries in their geographic areas and insight into employment trends. Information in the guides is based on the thousands of job searches, negotiations and placements managed each year by Robert Half’s staffing and recruiting managers, along with the company’s ongoing surveys of executives. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics has used the guides when preparing its comprehensive Occupational Outlook Handbook. The salary guides only report starting salaries, because continuing salaries are based on many other variables, such seniority, work ethic, job performance and training.

On the Robert Half International website, you can find a variety of reports and white papers, including “Business Etiquette: New Rules for the Digital Age.” The guide discusses etiquette related to Facebook, Twitter, instant messaging, and phone, video, and web conferencing.

LINKS

About Robert Half International

Salary Guides

The Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide

About The Creative Group

Business Etiquette: New Rules in a Digital Age

 

Marketing and Ad Execs See Modest Increase in Hiring in Q4

The hiring of full-time creative and marketing professionals is expected to increase slightly in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the most recent The Creative Group Hiring Index for Marketing and Advertising Professionals.

Twenty-five percent of executives interviewed said they plan to add full-time staff in the next three months, and 5 percent forecast reductions in personnel. The resulting net 20 percent of executives anticipating hiring is up one point from the third-quarter forecast.

The national study was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service providing interactive, design and marketing professionals on a project and full-time basis, and conducted by an independent research firm.

Key Findings

The findings are based on more than 500 telephone interviews—approximately 375 with marketing executives randomly selected from companies with 100 or more employees and 125 with advertising executives randomly selected from agencies with 20 or more employees.

  • The net 20 percent of executives planning to hire is up one point from third-quarter projections.
  • 57 percent of executives said it’s challenging to find skilled creative professionals today, up 15 points from the previous quarter.
  • 8 to 9 percent of marketing and advertising executives are confident in their companies’ growth prospects for the fourth quarter, a two-point increase from the third-quarter projection.
  • Web design/production, account services, and social media are the specialties in greatest demand among the survey respondents.

“As more business is conducted online and via mobile devices, companies are moving quickly to promote their products and services using a variety of channels,” said Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group. “Experienced web designers and developers, and marketing professionals with proven success executing innovative social media campaigns, are sought by organizations of all types and sizes.”

Marketing and Advertising Specialties in Demand

When executives were asked in which areas they plan to add staff, web design/production ranked first, with 25 percent of the response, followed by account services (23 percent) and social media (22 percent). The 57 percent of executives who said it’s challenging for their firms to find skilled creative professionals, is up 15 points from the previous quarter’s survey.

Marketing and advertising executives were asked, “In which of the following areas do you expect to hire in the fourth quarter of 2011?” The top responses are shown in the chart below:

Perspectives on Business Growth

Marketing and advertising executives’ confidence in their ability to attract new business increased slightly from last quarter: Eighty-nine percent of those interviewed said they were somewhat or very confident in their firms’ prospects for growth in the fourth quarter, up two points from the third-quarter survey.

LINKS

About The Creative Group