Hooooold up, my creative skills can help get me a job? Hell yes. No matter what you do – writing, visuals, speaking, there are ways to leverage these in the hunt for a job.
Let’s get started.
You Have A Unique Point Of View
Everyone’s mind works in different ways. Imagine a scenario where you’re applying for a job where most of the team members are likely to be more analytical or technological than creative. There’s so many missing qualities that you could then bring to that team (therefore making yourself indispensable!)
Place emphasis on these creative skills you have that others applying for the same position may not have, as these are what will make you stand out and get the job. (However, always make sure you convey how you’ll use those skills actively in a role, don’t start chatting about things that are completely unrelated to the job description!)
Use Online Platforms To Show Your Creative Skills
Being a creative means you can use loads of different platforms to reach people. YouTube, blogs, social media…each one you use increases the chance that an employer will see your skills. Especially if you link them or post them on your LinkedIn. Be proud of what you create!
Put anything you create out in the world for people to see, so you can prove your skills to those who may be looking to hire you for a job – they won’t doubt your abilities if they can see it firsthand.
Visual Personal Branding
How can you stand out online and establish an online presence as a creative? Two of our favourite words… visual branding!
You’ll likely have seen some people on LinkedIn who you now recognise from even the faintest flash of their profile picture background… that could be you. Even if you’re not a graphic designer, there’s tools to help you out. Canva is a great one, especially for creating things like cover photos.
Think about what represents you. Are you playful, unapologetic, spirited or logical? There’s always a way to visually communicate this through colours and fonts alone – you want people to get a sense of who you are before they even read your LinkedIn profile or scroll through your website.
Here’s some examples:
For more LinkedIn tips, read our beginner’s guide to LinkedIn.
Out Of The Box Connecting (Postcards, Creative Messages)
Being creative opens up so many possibilities for connecting with people in unusual ways. Be unique and even a little bit weird with your LinkedIn invites. Make yourself different, because different = memorable.
If you have graphic design skills, why not make little postcards to send to people, a gorgeous design on the front and your CV/contact details on the back? (There’s loads of websites that let you print photos for cheap). If they like the design they might put it up in their office, and next time they need to hire someone they’ll immediately think of the cool person that sent them what’s on their wall.
Have a think about how your individual creative skills could be used to make a connection in a different way. One step closer to getting that job.
Spicing Up Your CV With Creative Skills
Add a little bit of spice to that. Design wise, content wise, create a portfolio, hyperlink examples of your creative work within your applications, SHOW OFF WHAT YOU CAN DO WHEREVER POSSIBLE!!!
Shout about your creative skills and people will take notice. After more CV tips to stand out from the crowd? Why not download our free ultimate guide to CVs!
