What do you do if your Creative Strategy interview lacks a compelling portfolio?

1 Focus on your skills

Your portfolio is not the only way to show your creative strategy skills. You can also highlight your relevant experience, education, training, or certifications that demonstrate your ability to research, analyze, ideate, plan, and execute creative campaigns. For example, you can mention any courses, workshops, or online programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in that relate to creative strategy, such as copywriting, design, branding, marketing, or communication. You can also share any projects or assignments you have worked on or are working on that involve creative problem-solving, critical thinking, or collaboration.

2 Showcase your process

Your portfolio is not just a collection of finished products. It is also a reflection of your creative process and how you approach each challenge and opportunity. You can use your interview as an opportunity to showcase your process and explain how you think and work as a creative strategist. For example, you can walk the interviewer through a case study or a hypothetical scenario and describe how you would conduct research, define objectives, generate insights, brainstorm ideas, develop strategies, and measure results. You can also use visuals, such as sketches, diagrams, or slides, to illustrate your process and make it more engaging and clear.

3 Be proactive and curious

Your portfolio is not a static or fixed document. It is a dynamic and evolving representation of your creative growth and potential. You can use your interview as an opportunity to be proactive and curious and show your interest and enthusiasm for learning and improving as a creative strategist. For example, you can ask the interviewer about their current or past creative campaigns and what challenges or successes they faced or achieved. You can also share your own observations, feedback, or suggestions on how you would approach or improve their creative strategy. You can also express your willingness and eagerness to take on new projects or tasks that would allow you to expand your portfolio and skills.

4 Be confident and authentic

Your portfolio is not the only thing that matters. You are also a person with a unique personality, perspective, and style. You can use your interview as an opportunity to be confident and authentic and show your passion and value as a creative strategist. For example, you can tell the interviewer why you chose creative strategy as your career path and what motivates and inspires you. You can also share your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and aspirations as a creative strategist. You can also showcase your communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills and how you would fit into their team or culture.

5 Seek feedback and advice

Your portfolio is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a continuous and collaborative process of learning and growing as a creative strategist. You can use your interview as an opportunity to seek feedback and advice and show your humility and openness as a creative strategist. For example, you can ask the interviewer how they evaluate creative strategy portfolios and what they look for or value in them. You can also ask them for any tips, resources, or recommendations on how to improve your portfolio and skills. You can also thank them for their time and input and follow up with them after the interview.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?