The creative job market is brutal right now. Open positions attract hundreds of applicants. Ghosting is rampant. And everyone seems to be calling themselves a “brand visionary,” “storyteller,” or “disruptive thinker.” When so many portfolios and résumés start to look and sound the same, how do you make yours rise to the top?
While there are no guarantees, let’s look at some practical ways to make real connections, land interviews, and ultimately get an offer – even in today’s hyper-competitive market.
Tailor Everything. Every Time.
Generic applications get generic responses (or none at all). It’s time-consuming, but customize your résumé for each role. Use the job description as your blueprint: mirror (but don’t copy) the language, highlight relevant work, and speak directly to the company’s needs. And although they don’t always get read, write a cover letter – especially if you’re applying for a writing role. Show some personality in your letter so the organization gets a sense of who you are as a human.
Apply directly on an organization’s website vs. through a platform like LinkedIn. Additionally, try to send your résumé and cover letter directly to the hiring manager.
Always highlight results on your résumé with numbers. Instead of stating “I’m a passionate storyteller,” say “I helped X brand increase engagement by 45% with a content strategy rooted in customer storytelling.”
Make Your Portfolio Work Smarter
Don’t just show pretty pictures or clever headlines – context is everything. Employers want to understand your thinking.
- Add brief case studies: What was the problem? What was your role? What was the result?
- Include process work or iterations if applicable.
- Show diversity in your skill set but stay focused – curate for clarity, not quantity.
Be Visible Where Creatives and Recruiters Hang Out
LinkedIn can be a little overwhelming right now, but a strong profile there can lead to opportunities. Make sure your headline states your title instead of something nebulous, or you’ll get overlooked. Don’t make recruiters (or anyone else) guess what you do. Actively comment on industry posts, share insights, and follow creative recruiters and companies you’d like to work for.
Also:
- Join relevant Slack groups and online communities
- Attend portfolio reviews, virtual creative meetups, or local creative events
- Engage with local agencies on social media
Pitch Yourself Creatively
If you’re applying for a creative role, your application should reflect creativity. A standard email with an attached résumé might get lost. Instead:
- Build a microsite tailored to the job or company
- Send a custom mock campaign idea (even spec work can show initiative)
- Create a short video introduction
- Mail a physical portfolio piece or clever promo item to the creative director’s desk
Yes, these things take time. But so does not getting hired.
Network Without Asking for a Job
Reach out to other creatives, not to ask for a job, but for a conversation. People are far more likely to refer someone they’ve spoken with over someone who cold-applied.
Ask for:
- A 15-minute Zoom chat to learn about their agency or work
- Feedback on a specific piece in your portfolio
- Advice on how they landed their last role
Keep it brief, friendly, and professional. Then follow up with gratitude and keep them updated if your job search progresses.
Be Ready to Freelance First
More companies are hiring freelancers or contractors before extending full-time offers. Don’t be discouraged because this can be a backdoor into a great job.
Have your freelance résumé and hourly/project rate ready. And treat every freelance project like a full-time audition.
Resilience Is Your Secret Weapon
This market isn’t a reflection of your talent. It’s a perfect storm of layoffs, hiring freezes, and an abundance of skilled professionals. Don’t let rejection (or silence) stop your momentum. Keep refining your work. Keep making connections. Keep showing up.
And don’t forget: we can help with your next role. Let’s get creative!
