Understanding hiring & business needs as a creative
When all you’ve been taught is to follow directions, ask for permission, get good grades, do as you’re told, and not question how the world really works…
It can be easy to fall into a “me” mindset, and constantly think that everything is up to you, and that you can and should do everything yourself.
Unfortunately, some of us learn the hard way that this is incorrect, and unfruitful.
In business, it’s often all about collaboration and adopting a “we” mindset. Yes, it can be a competitive space, but most importantly, collaboration is just the truth.
Hiring practices reflect this. The bottom line most employers look at when they screen applicants is:
is this person a good collaborator? Do we see them working well with our team and being easy to work with overall?
does this person possess the skills necessary to do the bare minimum requirements of the role?
can they deliver value to our team in some unique way? (if there are gaps, can this person fill them?) ideally, can they exceed them?
and lastly, if not, do they have the growth mindset to learn?
90% of the time the team will choose the person who is the right personality fit over the person who simply has execution skills. It is often about how you market yourself, what your LinkedIn says, your portfolio, and your story — first. Skills come second.
If you have a compelling personal story, they are more likely to reach out to you and consider you for a position. Skills will then provide the evidence and backup afterwards.
We are all people at the end of the day, and people simply want to work with other good people.
So, the next time you are applying for a new role, ask yourself this:
can I realistically see myself working with these people everyday? do I fit the culture?
can my skills be valuable here?
is this position paid fairly (at minimum, covering my survival needs?)
is this a beneficial relationship that will help my career grow?
You need to evaluate roles as much as they evaluate you, because your time and energy matter too. This is a business transaction at the end of the day, and you are the CEO of your life. Consider your salary as one income stream of a few others, and ask yourself — is this company, these people, this team, worth spending 40 hours or more a week of my time, skill set, and energy?
There is no perfect job out there, but let your values and bigger vision lead you in the right direction.
