Every creative knows the importance of a great brief. It’s your foundation and roadmap. It spells out the challenge, the target audience, the competitive landscape, the tone, the message, and what success looks like. A well-done brief can make or break a project.
If you think about it, job descriptions are essentially briefs. But too many candidates skim them like they’re so much fine print, and click “apply” without really absorbing the content. Then they wonder why they don’t get a response.
The next time you apply for a role, treat the job description like a creative brief by following these guidelines:
Understand the core problem you’re solving
Every creative brief starts with a challenge or a need. So does every job post.
Are they launching a new brand? Struggling to build engagement? Looking to improve their video content, maintain a consistent tone of voice, or create a campaign strategy?
The more clearly you understand the problem the role is designed to solve, the better you can frame your experience as the solution.
Find the unique selling proposition and connect it to yours
The USP is the most important part of any creative brief. It’s what makes a brand or product stand out in a crowded market. The same principle applies to job hunting.
When you read a job description, try to determine what’s unique about the role, team, or company. Then, identify your own USP. What’s the one thing you bring to the table that others might not? What combination of skills, style, and perspective sets you apart?
Then, show how your unique strengths align with what makes the role or company special. Ding, ding, ding! You’ve done more than apply. You’ve made a compelling case.
Match the tone like you would with any brand voice
Just like a brief gives you guidance on voice and personality, the language in a job post tells you a lot about a company’s culture. Are they playful? Buttoned-up? Buzzword-heavy?
You’d never create a campaign in the wrong tone. So don’t submit a cover letter that feels off-brand for a company’s culture. Show that you understand it by mirroring their style while staying true to your own voice.
Prioritize what matters most
Not every bullet point is created equal. A good creative brief separates the “must-haves” from the “nice-to-haves.” Job descriptions do the same, although not always clearly.
Look for repeated themes or emphasized qualifications. That’s where you should focus your energy in your resume and cover letter. Then, if you’re missing a few “nice-to-haves,” address those creatively. Frame transferable skills or past wins that show you’re still a strong fit.
Read between the lines
What’s not stated is often just as telling. Do they mention cross-functional collaboration multiple times? Then they’re probably looking for someone who plays well with others. Are they a startup asking for “flexibility” and “wearing multiple hats”? That’s your cue to highlight adaptability and self-direction.
The better you read the subtext, the better you can tailor your message.
Show that you’ve done your homework
With a creative brief, clients can tell when you’ve ignored the strategy and gone off in the wrong direction. Same goes for hiring managers. If your application is generic or focuses on the wrong things, it won’t land. But if you reference something specific from the job description or company mission and tie it to your experience, you’ll show that you’re engaged and qualified.
Final thoughts
Treat every job description like the beginning of a creative project. Read closely. Ask smart questions. Think critically about what they really need and how you’re uniquely equipped to deliver it. Then tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect those things.
That’s how you go from just another applicant to exactly the one they were looking for.
Want help finding your next creative role? Contact us today!
