How can creativity skills help your job search and career?

When you think of the word ‘creativity’, the jobs that probably come to mind include artist, author, and fashion designer, but this skill is about more than creating artwork or writing novels. Creativity is the ability to think about a task or a problem in a different way. It helps you to generate new ideas and unique approaches. Creativity is all about spotting opportunities where others might see a problem.

Employers are increasingly seeking job candidates with creative skills because they recognise the value that these skills can bring to their businesses, such as innovative thinking and the ability to easily adapt.

As a jobseeker, creativity can help you to stand out above your competitors. As an employee, it can increase the value you bring to a business and boost your chances of promotion.

Creativity is just one of the skills that are in high demand from employers. To find out more, read The top 11 career skills that employers want.

What are the top 5 creativity skills?

The top five creativity skills that are in demand from employers are:

• creative thinking: the ability to generate new ideas and approach problems in an unconventional way
• curiosity: seeking answers, embracing new ideas, and exploring emerging trends
• analytical thinking: breaking complex problems down into smaller parts, analysing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions
• openness: being receptive to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives
• adaptability: being able to adjust to changing circumstances, learn new skills, and thrive in dynamic environments

How to demonstrate your creativity skills during your job search

During your job search, your key goal should be to stand out from the crowd by demonstrating that you’re not only a good fit, but the best fit for the job. You have two opportunities to do this: in your CV and during your job interview.

 In your CV

The key to showcasing your skills in your CV is to first scour the job advert and description. What skills are listed? The skills themselves might not appear word-for-word but instead be mentioned as tasks, like ‘interacting and working within a diverse team’. In this case, you’re looking for creativity skills like adaptability and innovative thinking. Which of your own creativity skills are mentioned in the job advert and description?

Once you know which of your skills are relevant to the job, you can include them in the following sections of your CV:

• Personal statement: this is generally no more than two sentences, but you can briefly mention your skills, for example, an innovative computer science graduate.
• Job history: mention your skills but also include examples of how you used those skills, such as ‘I created and successfully implemented a new method of data collection’.
• Skills section: this is a list of the skills you possess that are relevant to the job you’ve applied for.

By using the exact skill wording from the job description, you can increase the searchability of your CV too.

 During a job interview

Examples of how you’ve used creativity skills in your current and past jobs can be useful when it comes to answering interview questions. Use the STAR method to prepare a number of these before your interview. STAR stands for:

• Situation: Describe the context or challenge you faced.
• Task: Explain what you were asked to do or what goal you had.
• Action: What steps did you take or what skills did you use to complete the task?
• Result: Highlight the outcome or effect of your actions.

These examples might include new ideas that you brought to your job, how you solved problems at work in a fresh way, and how you turned problems into opportunities.

Remember to share your openness to new experiences and learning and be enthusiastic about the job and the company.

You might also like to read Using soft skills to stand out in the job market.

How can creativity skills help your career?

The main benefit of having creativity skills is that it can increase your value in the eyes of your employer. Here’s why employees with creativity skills are in demand:

 Growth mindset

Employees with creative skills are enthusiastic to learn. They are open to pushing beyond the boundaries of their current knowledge and developing new skills. A growth mindset ensures adaptability and continuing relevance.

 Innovative approaches

Employers are constantly in search of ways to stand out from their competitors. One of the best ways to succeed is to develop new methods, services, and products. Employees with creative skills drive innovation in business.

 Adapting to change

Employees with creative skills are better at adapting to changing circumstances than their less creative colleagues. This adaptability also transfers to devising new ways for their employer to rise above the challenges of change.

Wrapping it up

Creativity skills aren’t simply for artists and writers. Instead, they can be beneficial for any type of business. As a jobseeker, creativity skills can demonstrate your relevance for a job, and help you stand out from other candidates. As an employee, creativity skills can increase your appeal to employers and smooth your career path success.