There’s a lot of variety when it comes to job descriptions, from the overly casual to the dense, dry and daunting. Ideally, there’s a balance. Learn how to strike it with these tips on writing job descriptions for creative positions. Are your job descriptions for...
Attention employers: Building a great creative team doesn't have to be a challenge. Knowing that the process is part art, part science will keep you on track. I recently spoke at the HOW Design Live Conference about top trends impacting creative teams, including...
What’s the best way to recruit — discreetly — at an industry event while respecting the privacy of fellow attendees? We’ve got some advice for you. When creatives talk about “networking” at industry events, they often mean executives pursuing new accounts or job...
Employers often highlight their career development programs as a way to boost their recruitment and retention efforts. That’s because so many job candidates and employees place a premium on companies that devote time, money and resources to helping employees learn and...
Employees who feel underappreciated, underpaid or unchallenged are big flight risks. Absenteeism, social withdrawal, a decline in work habits and a negative attitude are warning signs an employee is considering leaving. Reviewing compensation, perks and benefits is a...
Vacation season is upon us, but some creative professionals may be foregoing their R & R this year – whether due to personal finances, heavier workloads or both. In fact, 14 percent of advertising and marketing executives interviewed by The Creative Group said they anticipate taking less time off in the coming 12 months than they did the previous year.
Have you ever been excited to show a friend your new skinny jeans only to have the person say, “I was reading that wide-leg pants are really hot right now”? People like this – enemies disguised as friends – are known as “frenemies” and are common in life.
In fact, you may know them best from work. Unfortunately, few things can wreak havoc on your career like a colleague who seems friendly to your face and is anything but behind your back. What do you do when you discover a frenemy at your gate? Following are some tips:
Work-related stress is nothing new. But these days, stress in the office just might be nearing an all-time high. While many in-house creative departments are slowly adding headcount as the economy improves, many teams are still operating lean and having to take on heavier workloads.
Most creative professionals are familiar with the term career-limiting move – when you make a mistake so bad it jeopardizes your job, or even your career. While it’s true that some mistakes are difficult (if not impossible) to bounce back from, in many cases, most on-the-job gaffes can be smoothed over by taking the right action steps.
In a survey of in-house designers by The Creative Group, more than one-third of respondents said their company’s top creative leaders are “very respected” by other managers in the organization; and more than half said their leaders are “somewhat respected.” These findings speak to the increasing importance of creative leadership and the recognition that visual identity and design are crucial components of a company’s success.
For many creative professionals, particularly those who have taken on extra work during the downturn, an established routine can do wonders for maintaining on-the-job productivity. At the same time, sticking to the same schedule day after day and operating on autopilot, while comfortable, can lead to complacency.
If you manage a creative team, giving input on their work may feel like walking a tightrope: You don’t want to hurt feelings or crush spirits, yet you’re responsible for ensuring the final product is a success.
You might be a pro at spotting experienced talent, but what about when you’re hiring those fairly new to the work world? Employers are expected to hire 13.5 percent more college graduates in 2011 than they did in 2010, according to the most recent National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook survey.
Boost your marketability by adding a few in-demand skills to your repertoire. For example, being able to design eye-catching presentations with Keynote can increase your attractiveness to employers.
Communication is crucial for building a cohesive creative team – but it doesn’t always come easily, especially when you’re dealing with different personality types. Read about four personality types and tips for communicating effectively with each one in The Creative...
No matter how great your talent, you’ll likely be the recipient of bad news from time to time. How gracefully and effectively you respond to negative feedback can have an impact on your career. Discover strategies for making the most of a less-than-perfect critique in...
One of the easiest ways to acclimate to a new job and corporate culture is to pay attention to how others act in the workplace. Many unwritten rules – such as how people prefer to communicate and when people typically start and end their work day – can only be learned...
If you must leave your cell phone on during work hours, make sure that it’s always with you, and that the volume is turned down or the phone is silenced altogether. And use a standard, professional-sounding ringtone.
Join at least one organization where you can regularly mingle with other industry professionals, such as your local AIGA chapter, Adobe User Group, Ad Club, or of course...InSource.
At a loss for good ideas? The key is knowing where to look. Learn how to spot great ideas each and every day in an exclusive interview with creativity expert and author Sam Harrison.
Are you or your team at a loss for new ideas and creative inspiration?
Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group, responds to career-related questions from InSource members. This week, she addresses the issue of handling counteroffers.
Don’t play the blame game if something goes awry.
When something isn’t going quite right, or deadlines have you feeling flustered, take a quick breather.
Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group, responds to career-related questions from InSource members. This week, she addresses the issue of achieving better team dynamics.
Evaluate current production or design processes and offer suggestions for cutting costs or saving your company resources.
When following up on a job opening, chances are high that you will be interacting with the hiring manager’s assistant.
Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group, responds to career-related questions from InSource members. This week, she addresses the issue of pursuing management roles.
Managers appreciate designers who can roll with the punches and maintain productivity when faced with adversity.
Make yourself indispensable. Volunteer for key projects within your firm.
Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group, responds to career-related questions from InSource members. This month, she addresses the issue of managing a heavy workload.
Get good career advice. Nearly six out of 10 executives polled by The Creative Group said they have received bad career advice from their colleagues; 54 percent of respondents said their managers have steered them in the wrong direction. When...
Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group, responds to career-related questions from InSource members. This month, she addresses the issue of maintaining team motivation.
Develop your personal brand. If you’re struggling to get ahead or have been unemployed for a while, consider developing a personal brand. Figure out what is unique about you and make sure all your marketing materials – including your resume,...
Make an effort to schedule at least one networking date a month
Brainstorm in the morning. A survey by The Creative Group indicated that the morning is the most creative time for a majority of professionals
Your ability to post thought-provoking commentary, and build a large Twitter or Facebook following can influence an employer’s decision to hire you.
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