What do you do if your passion for creative strategy isn't coming across in an interview?

Highlight instances where you collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams, demonstrating your communication and teamwork skills. It's important to show how you were adaptive with those strategies to different clients, their needs, the industries, and/or target audiences, showcasing adaptability

Staying inspired is crucial for any creative strategist, and there are several things you can do to keep your wellspring of ideas flowing. Make time for activities that stimulate you intellectually and emotionally. Read industry publications, listen to podcasts by creative minds, or explore art galleries and museums. The world of marketing and communication is constantly evolving. Stay ahead of the curve by taking online courses, attending workshops, or reading books on new trends and technologies. Don't limit yourself to marketing materials. Look for inspiration in everyday life, from nature walks to conversations with strangers. View creative roadblocks as opportunities for growth. Don't be afraid to experiment and take risks.

Use this opportunity to show your passion and stand out from the crowd. Demonstrate your enthusiasm with questions like, “What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you see for Company X in the coming years? How do you envision the creative strategy evolving to address them?" Focus on a key skill like collaboration by asking, “What's the collaborative process like here for developing creative strategies?" Express your passion for the company or industry and ask, "What excites you most about working on the [Specific Brand/Project] at [Company Name]?" Another great option: "If I were to join the team today, what's one strategic initiative I could start working on to make an immediate impact?"

In my years as a hiring manager, personality played a significant role in the candidates who stood out and made an impact. As much as managers are looking for someone talented and possessing the right skill set to do the job, they are equally focused on someone who seems like a joy to work with —— someone who brings passion and professionalism but also a sense of play (especially important in a creative role) and adventure; someone who will be flexible, adaptable, positive, and inspire others. I wanted someone who felt like they'd fit in with the team and be a team member others would want to learn from and be eager to collaborate with. Skills can be taught, but a great attitude is worth its weight in gold.

This may seem like it's not that impactful, but I know firsthand how much of an impact a thoughtful, professional thank-you note via email following an interview can be -- and you'd be surprised how few people take this golden opportunity to sell themselves. A post-interview note lets the hiring manager know you're eager and enthusiastic. It lets them know you left the interview just as excited (hopefully more so) than you entered it, that you loved what you heard, and that you are fully invested. It's a great opportunity to remind the manager why you'd be a great fit for the role, and you'll get huge bonus points if you reference points brought up during the interview to show you were paying attention and truly care.

Reflect on feedback from past interviews to fine-tune your approach. Staying open to learning and adapting is key. Plus, networking within creative circles can offer valuable insights and build confidence.