Competition for top creative talent is intense. Here's a look at the hiring environment by the numbers, along with tips for employers and job seekers to navigate bumps in the road.

1. Here’s What You Need to Know

2. Competition for top creative talent is intense.
Whether you’re looking to fill a job opening
or land work, here’s what you’re up against.
ON YOUR MARK,
GET SET, GO!

3. Average number of resumes
advertising and marketing
executives receive for an open
creative position
(up from 23 in 2014)
Average number of candidates
interviewed before a creative
position is filled
(up from 6 in 2014)

4. Average number of weeks
it takes to fill an open
staff-level creative position
Average number of weeks
it takes to fill an open
management-level creative position

5. of advertising and
marketing executives
said they are now
more willing to
look outside their
city or state to find
the right person for a
creative role than they
were three years ago.

6. For Hiring Managers
Pinpoint your needs.
Talk to colleagues about what skills and
experience are required for the role.
Then create a compelling job description.
Ask for assistance.
A specialized recruiter can help connect you
with great talent and take care of many hiring
headaches, like filtering through resumes and
setting up interviews.
TIPS
1
2

7. For Job Seekers
Explore your options.
Research what opportunities are available and
interesting to you, and consider working with a
specialized recruiter for help finding the right fit.
Put your best resume forward.
To be one of the “lucky 7” candidates selected for
an interview, make sure your resume and portfolio
are tailored to the potential employer.
TIPS
1
2

8. It’s interview time!
You’re one step closer
to landing the candidate
or job you seek. Keep
these stats in mind when
going through this stage.
PULLING AHEAD

9. Executives and workers were asked, “Which of the following is your
preferred way to communicate with job candidates/employers
throughout the hiring process?”
EXECUTIVES
WORKERS
Email Phone
call
Social
media
Text
message

10. Executives were asked, “When evaluating a candidate for an
open creative position, which carries more weight: hard skills or
soft skills?”
Much greater
weight on
hard skills
Don’t know
Much greater weight
on soft skills
Somewhat
greater weight
on soft skills
Somewhat
greater
weight on
hard skills
Equal weight on hard
and soft skills

11. TIPS For Hiring Managers
1
Get on the fast track.
Top talent won’t wait around during a prolonged
hiring process. Move quickly when interviewing
and putting together an offer once you come
across a strong candidate.
2
Keep in touch.
More than half of workers surveyed by Robert Half
said the most frustrating part of the job search is
waiting to hear back post-interview. Email or call
your top picks to update them on the progress of
their application.

12. For Job Seekers
Plan ahead.
If you’re invited to an interview, familiarize yourself
with the company and be prepared to discuss what
you can bring to the team. Showcase technical and
soft skills.
Interview the employer.
When meeting with hiring managers, ask about
the company’s long-term goals, career development
opportunities and workplace culture. This will help
you determine if the organization will be a good fit.
TIPS
1
2

13. Congratulations! You’ve
reached your destination –
but you still need to seal the
deal. Consider this
information when making a
final decision on a new hire
or job offer.
APPROACHING
THE FINISH LINE

14. Executives were asked, ”When extending a job offer to a top
candidate, how willing are you to negotiate compensation?”
Very willing
Somewhat willing
Not at all
willing
Don’t know/
no answer
Not very
willing

15. Workers were asked, “If you feel you deserve a higher salary,
are you more likely to ...?”
Ask for a raise from your
current employer
Search for a new job that
offers more pay
Do nothing and hope that you’ll
get a raise in the next review cycle
Not applicable – I am
currently satisfied with my pay 13%
16%
23%
49%

16. TIPS For Hiring Managers
1
Be competitive.
Offering an attractive salary package is a must when it
comes to recruiting top talent. Research current industry
standards and compensation trends using resources
like The Creative Group Salary Guide.
2
Up the appeal.
Show you support career development and work-life
balance by providing non-monetary perks like
ongoing training opportunities, alternative schedules
and generous vacation time.

17. For Job Seekers
Do your research.
Review salary surveys and talk to recruiters to
determine your market value and avoid underselling
or overselling yourself.
Have a backup plan.
If pay isn’t up for discussion, consider other
things you may be able to negotiate, like a
flexible schedule, additional vacation days or
subsidized training.
TIPS
1
2

18. View additional hiring and career advice.