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Recruiters want you to be curious and open minded

"The best creative thinking comes out of a diverse group of employees, and we have at least 9-10 different nationalities working in the office here."

The UAE is a goldmine of talent and a good recruiting ground for creatives, the talent director of a global advertising agency network has said.
On her second visit to Dubai, Laura Field, EVP and talent director - International, FCB, said she believed a "too structured approach" is not a good thing for prospective job seekers, especially those just starting out. "While having a plan is great, you need to make some course changes along the way; be open and flexible."
FCB has seven offices in the Middle East - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Beirut, Kuwait, and two in Saudi Arabia. Field believes exciting things are happening in the creative industry in the region. The diversity in Dubai is a definite plus in her books.
"The best creative thinking comes out of a diverse group of employees, and we have at least 9-10 different nationalities working in the office here."
She said there's a lot of growth in the region and that Dubai has a "very strong talent pipeline".
The pipeline isn't just here in the UAE. "There are a lot of opportunities in Saudi Arabia," she said.
A friend shared an article with her that said the highest percentage of creative openings are emerging from Saudi Arabia. As for attrition, it is only a very slight problem, Field said, given the floating population of expats.
Clients in this part of the world though, Field said, want more locals on the creative team. And that is driving the recruiters to look at more Emiratis in Dubai. It is more challenging to find people to fill into the roles of strategists than for the creative side. But that, she said, is the case even in the UK and in Asia.
What about women being recruited? Field said there are very few women in senior creative positions, but that she knew from colleagues who work here that many of the women in the business are very dynamic.
Check boxes
Field now recruits only for the higher levels of operations. But she pointed out some attributes she looks for in candidates nonetheless, those just starting out on the creative side of work. "It's no rocket science, mind you," she said, when talking about what matters to her as a recruiter.
"A real open attitude, a natural curiosity, and a generosity to pass down that knowledge."
She's an advocate for new experiences, too. "Be well briefed on new technologies. Surround yourself with as much inspiration - whether an exhibition, or architecture."
In short, don't be dull. This applies as much to creative types, and young graduates as it does to old hands in any field.
nivriti@khaleejtimes.com