Directives, Part I: If You Care, They'll Care

What's that? Your portfolio alone is enough to get you hired on the spot? Think again. The powers-that-be of the creative establishment want more than a strong book, they want to know you're bringing a certain je ne sais quoi to their team as well. In the first installment of a four-part series, Behance asked a select group of decision-makers from dynamic creative teams exactly what they're looking for in new hires and freelancers.

The deciding factor at POKE, says Tom Ajello, is a gentle balance between a few different elements. "Most of our creatives are as technical as they are creative. So [above all] I'd say we go for geekiness. I have to say though - heart and like-mindedness is most important to me. If you're amazing at your skill - that's awesome - but if you want us to get excited about YOU then we need you to be excited. Passion is key at POKE. We truly are trying to change the world here. And we do work quite hard, quite often, (mostly) doing the things that we absolutely love to do. What's more exciting than that?!"

"Chemistry is a big factor," according to Jessica Kolski at Saatchi and Saatchi. "[I'm looking for] smart, fresh ideas for a variety of brands. Something I've never seen before. Something that makes me laugh. The deciding factor between two equally strong portfolios probably lies in who is more passionate, and who is more motivated to create great work."

Doug Jaeger explains there's a similar mindset over at thehappycorp. "We look for talent that is exceptional in more than one specific area. We get our hands into some pretty interesting projects. We see everything from the point of view of design, we see design as the broadest possible way to solve a problem. Inherently you can design anything, and we look for candidates that see this way. Beyond this we value attention to detail, timeliness, curiosity, perspective, confidence, generosity and a good attitude."

He goes on to describe how a candidate's personal pride is also a major factor in his decision making process. "What I usually appreciate most, are when the talent shows that they actually care about their work. That they are doing what they really love, and by doing it really well, they earn the respect of the industry, their peers, and the people that see their work. I am always impressed with talent that seem to have a plan about themselves. To a certain degree they are their own project. They have a considered identity for themselves, and a way of capturing what they do."

Robbie Vitriano, founder of Trumpet, looks past what's on paper, towards the person who put it there. "A point of view and emotional honesty and/or maturity is important. We want people who clearly develop their brilliant ideas within a context of cause and effect, and a fundamental respect for people and their dignity. Ideas that offer what Bruce Mau describes as 'utility and delight in intelligent and sustainable ways.' You can't truly succeed as a creative without a fairly well developed sense of empathy. How much do they care? How faithful are they to their beliefs? We want simple and deep."

Ajello agrees that attitude is a critical element to team building at POKE. "It seems this place really thrives on the collection of beyond-awesome attitudes. I've seen people in the past for one reason or another 'burnout' on the digital space. This just isn't the place for them. The team is constantly running the court together looking to help each other out. If you don't have that spirit, our table will just eat you. Burp."

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Jessica Kolski has been a recruits creative talent for Saatchi & Saatchi in New York City, where she's been for three years, and whose client base includes JCPenney and Wendy's.

Tom Ajello is the Founder and Creative Director of POKE New York. He's an interactive design specialist, developing interactive marketing strategies since 1996. He aims to use Creativity and Value over Intrusiveness to implement experiences that start lasting conversations for honest brands.

Doug Jaeger is the erstwhile digital creative guru of JWT and TBWA\Chiat\Day and currently finds himself the founder of thehappycorp global. There, his team delivers brand design, websites, & experiences to their varied client base, and organizes secret NYC events through an off-shoot project, LVHRD.

Robbie Vitrano is the President and Director of Brand Design at Trumpet, which is a thriving example of how the world-renowned creative culture of New Orleans is being leveraged in the communications, innovation, media and technology field.