Explore the inspiring story of a young designer who “beat” seasoned professionals through passion, creativity, and adaptability. Gain valuable insights on hiring values, portfolio improvements, and making the best interview impression.
A passionate young candidate can sometimes bring more value to a creative team than someone who is simply experienced but lacks real excitement for the work. In a real-life hiring scenario from the shoes and fashion industry in Singapore, it was clear that enthusiasm, adaptability, and shared values ultimately mattered more than raw technical skills when building a thriving, long-term creative relationship.
Skill vs. Passion: What Matters Most?
- Experienced candidates offer technical know-how and years of practice, but may fall short if their interest is only average.
- A passionate newcomer is often more eager to learn, adapt, and grow within a company’s culture, bringing a fresh perspective and unmatched energy to the team.
Why We Hired for Values
- Our team prioritized finding someone who was motivated by curiosity and excitement for new challenges, rather than just ticking boxes for experience.
- Candidates were encouraged to study the brand, create projects suited to our needs (not just generic schoolwork), and show how they could contribute creatively.
The Interview: Energy Over Perfection
- When the young candidate arrived, she forgot her portfolio—yet her positivity and creativity shone through during the interview.
- Her nervousness was honest and relatable, but her fresh ideas for brand-relevant projects demonstrated her real potential.
Building Creative Teams for the Future
- Hiring for shared values helps cultivate durable relationships, better team collaboration, and innovative collections.
- Technical weaknesses can be improved over time, but the spark of passion is much harder to teach. A company gains the most from those willing to learn, grow, and adapt as challenges come.
Portfolio Tip: Make It a Marketing Weapon
- Always bring your portfolio to interviews and be prepared to present your work with confidence.
- Ensure your portfolio is tailored to the target company; generic presentations rarely stand out.
- Sincerity matters: let your true passion show through both your work and how you talk about it.
Hiring for creative potential and aligning values gives teams an edge. When you bring energy, curiosity, and relevance to your interview, you show more than skills—you show how you can build something great together.
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