You may not immediately associate the IT industry with creative careers, but there are actually many IT jobs that require creativity. IT careers such as UX design, front-end development, app development, animation and interaction design all require a creative mindset. Most companies need creative employees who can bring fresh ideas to their digital products and online presence, but finding candidates with the right balance of technical skills and artistic flair can be challenging. Here are some tips from our IT recruitment team to help you hire for creative jobs in IT.
Write specific job descriptions.
When creating the job listing, make sure to include specific details about the type of creative work the candidate will be responsible for. Clearly outlining the expectations for the role will help attract candidates who have the appropriate skills and experience. For instance, if you need a UX/UI designer, specify whether they will focus on website design or app development. Highlight the importance of user-centric design and usability testing in their responsibilities, and include the level of experience you are looking for in an ideal candidate. Consider if this is an entry-level position or a more senior position in the company.
Request and review a candidate’s work portfolio.
In addition to reviewing the candidate’s resume and cover letter, be sure to request and review their portfolio. This will give you a sense of their style, creativity, and technical proficiency. For UX/UI designers, assess how they approach and solve design problems, the creativity of their solutions, and the impact their designs have had on user experience. If the role is an entry-level position, the candidate may not have a robust portfolio. In this case, request to see any work the candidate feels reflects their skillset. This may include personal passion projects or classwork.
Ask interview questions to assess problem-solving skills.
Sometimes a person’s creative vision and the development team’s technical abilities to complete the vision may not align. It’s important to understand how a potential employee will react and adapt in these situations because you want to hire employees who can problem solve and be willing to adjust plans as needed. During the interview process, ask candidates to describe a challenging project they worked on and how they overcame creative obstacles. Also ask candidates to provide specific examples of their past creative successes and failures. These stories give you insight into their problem-solving skills, ability to take risks, and willingness to embrace feedback.
Prioritize cultural fit.
Creative roles require collaboration, so it’s important to prioritize cultural fit during the hiring process. Look for candidates who share your company values and have a personality that meshes well with your existing team. This ensures a positive work environment and helps the candidate thrive in their new role. During the interview, ask the candidate how they work best and what type of work environment they seek in their next career move. Be transparent about the work environment and benefits your company offers. If a candidate prefers a relaxed work setting but your company leans towards traditional professionalism, it’s important they know the work environment to expect. This transparency ensures that both you and the candidate can make informed decisions during the hiring process.
Provide career development opportunities.
To retain top creative talent or promising talent on the rise, provide opportunities for growth and development. Encourage creativity by offering access to training, professional development, and networking opportunities. This keeps your team engaged and motivated to continue creating innovative and impactful work. If your company offers these opportunities, make sure to mention them to candidates. These benefits can set your company apart from the competition and help the candidate see the role as a path toward a fulfilling career.
With the right hiring techniques and a focus on nurturing your creative talent, your team can produce impactful work that drives success for your business. If you’re looking for creative IT professionals to join your team, contact Patriot Talent Solutions today and let us help you find the best candidate for the job.