Ditching CVs: A New Era for Hiring in Creative Agencies
A look at the evolving hiring practices for agencies in the creative sector.
Henry Russell
4 min read
A look at the evolving hiring practices for agencies in the creative sector.
Henry Russell
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Despite the positive shifts, the transition from traditional hiring methods does have challenges. Agencies must train their hiring teams to evaluate portfolios effectively. There is also the need for standardized criteria to evaluate creativity, which can often be subjective.
Moreover, some industry veterans argue that CVs still serve an essential purpose, particularly in roles where strategic thinking and project management play pivotal roles alongside creativity. Key insights from the Creative Job Market Report 2023 suggest that while hiring practices evolve, there is still a place for traditional methods as long as they are coupled with creative portfolios and demonstration of skills.
To ensure a well-rounded evaluation process, firms can employ a mixed-method approach—incorporating CVs alongside portfolios, interviews, and practical assessments. This could help strike a balance between assessing creative talent and still acknowledging traditional career pathways.
The push to move away from CVs is not merely a trend but a reflection of a shifting job market that values demonstrable skills and adaptability over static qualifications. As industries become more dynamic, especially in creative fields, the emphasis on portfolios, practical assessments, and real-world problem-solving will continue to grow. However, the evolution of hiring practices doesn’t necessarily mean the end of CVs. Instead, it highlights the importance of blending traditional approaches with innovative evaluation methods.
As the job market evolves, many agencies in the creative sector are reevaluating how they approach hiring, especially in the competitive landscape of advertising and design. Traditional CVs, often seen as the gold standard for recruitment, are beginning to lose their luster. A growing number of industry professionals argue for less emphasis on CVs for creative positions, favoring more innovative methods to assess talent.
In today’s digital age, traditional hiring practices may not capture the full spectrum of a candidate's capabilities. According to LinkedIn's recent job statistics for 2023, 70% of employers cited skills-based hiring as a top priority, highlighting the notion that experience alone may no longer warrant a position. This shift is particularly poignant within the creative industry, where portfolio work and tangible examples of creative flair may be more indicative of a candidate's potential than a one-page CV.
Creative agencies are turning to multiple channels to source talent. These channels include social media platforms like Instagram and Behance, where individuals showcase their portfolios directly to prospective employers. This allows recruiters to see a potential hire's work in real time, offering insights that CVs simply cannot provide.
Interestingly, a recent survey by Creativepool found that 64% of creatives prefer sharing their work through portfolios or personal websites over sending traditional CVs. This sentiment is echoed strongly among younger professionals. A third of respondents between 18-25 years old stated that they would be dissuaded from applying for a job that relies solely on a CV, feeling it does not truly represent their skills or experiences.
Abandoning traditional CVs for hiring in creative roles aligns with the broader trends of diverse hiring practices embraced by many companies. Focusing on creativity and skill sets promotes inclusivity and opens the door to a wider array of candidates. Diversity hiring statistics consistently show that diverse teams promote innovation and lead to better financial performance.
The implications of hiring without traditional CVs are becoming evident. Not only does it encourage a holistic view of a candidate’s ability, but it also sends a message: creativity is valued more than pedigree. For instance, companies such as Wieden+Kennedy have started incorporating portfolio evaluations and group projects in the hiring process, allowing candidates to showcase their true potential and fit.
