How to get a job in the Creative Industries

Job hunting 101

If you’re getting the itch to seek out the job of your dreams, then there’s some important stuff you need to do first. Here at mustard, we’re in the know – we’ve been in the recruitment game for a long time, and have some tips to help you successfully navigate your professional journey.

Landing a new role in the creative industries is a difficult task. The industry is competitive, and whether you’re a newbie or already have your name on the office door, there are a few strategies which will refine the process. So open your laptop and make sure you do all of the following…

1. Perk up your CV

At the top of everyone’s job search to-do list, it should be written in bold: “Vacuum clean your CV”. Your CV is your calling card and potential foot in the door, so make sure that its superficial appearance is as hot as its contents. Jacques Buffet, a professional résumé writer, has put together a brilliant and bang up-to-date guide for writing a standout CV here, so take a good look and see how your own holds up to scrutiny.

2. Find a ready-made network

Whether you’re looking for marketing jobs in Birmingham, or a position for an architect in London, the smartest decision you can make is to find a specialist recruitment agency. And we’re not just blowing our own trumpet here, we’re successful for a reason – the best recruitment agencies come up with the goods, full stop. Great agencies have networks of clients you couldn’t build up in a lifetime of conferences.

Specialist recruiters are often the first to know about the cream of job vacancies within industry, and are asked to find candidates. So, forget about online job boards – the high application numbers result in a forest of CVs, in which yours will be just another twig. Employers are aware that they’ll only be offered impressive applicants from their agency, and in turn those applicants will be soundly briefed with good advice for prospective interviews.

3. Before you speak to a recruitment agency, make sure you write down the answers to these questions first:

• Which specific role are you qualified to do and yearning for?
• Are there any companies in particular that have caught your eye?
• How much do you want to earn?
• Do you require flexible or part-time working hours, and/or remote work opportunities?
• Do you want specific benefits such as healthcare, a company car, or commuting loans?

Now you’re ready to call an agency. Or are you? Check out the rest of the list to ensure you’ve got all your ducks in a row:

4. Get linked in with LinkedIn immediately!

The best recruiters and agencies actively use LinkedIn, so ignore it at your peril. Switch on your ‘Open To Work’ feature on your LinkedIn dashboard, which opens you up to recruiters.

5. Sync your LinkedIn profile with your CV, and upload a good headshot

Your shiny CV is useless if your LinkedIn profile looks like you’ve just attended a career options class at uni. Update it regularly, and make sure it’s bang on message with your CV – if they’re not aligned, it may look like you’ve been economical with the truth. While you’re at it, post a recent photo on your profile. Again, make it professional – must we say it, but bin the one taken in the student bar.

6. Post articles of interest, events and photos

Make your LinkedIn homepage look lived in, interesting, and ooze with passion for your industry. This doesn’t mean you should clutter it with everything you come across, but if you attend a professional event, give it a plug via a photo of yourself there, together with a short, punchy and intelligent comment. Professionals often post a link to an article of significance to their industry too, and people in your network who like it will bring you to the attention of people in their network who may want to get to know you.

7. Follow the LinkedIn accounts of companies that make your heart beat faster

If you do, you’ll find out about their latest news and developments, and they may even follow you back.

8. Take a machete to your social media

Yep, you can bet your last five pound note that prospective employers look at it. These days, they’ll go through it with a fine-toothed comb. Get rid of the drunken selfies, and any close-to-the-bone jokes. Imagine your worst moment on Facebook being sent to your co-worker via a colleague’s email – enough said!

Finally…

If you’re ready to move on, and work in the creative industry, the world of architecture, or are blown away by designing games, then mustard is for you. We have five divisions that deal with these areas and much more. mustard fx, md, xp, id and be are waiting for your call. We’ve got the networks and the opportunities that will blow your mind. Press the following numbers on your dial pad: 0117 929 6060.