To attract creative employers, market yourself as a creative individual

The job market is tough to navigate. Knowing where to look for job postings is easy enough to grasp, but getting the attention of an employer is a whole other game. As the amount of new jobs in the U.S. increases, more applications will file into the hands of hiring managers. Creative roles are also becoming increasingly important to daily operations. Social media and interactive web design are influential in gaining the attention of clients and consumers. Boring advertising campaigns and basic web interfaces are easily forgotten.

For workers looking to tap into the influx of creative jobs in the United States, there are a few ways to help market yourself as a desired brand and attract employers. Knowing where job openings are cropping up throughout the country helps. Although some people immediately throw out the idea of relocating to another part of the country, San Jose, California, listed more job openings than any other metropolitan area in the United States in the second quarter of 2011, according to Indeed.com.

For every 1,000 people in San Jose, there were 187 new job postings, compared to only 44 for every 1,000 people in New York City. Among those new job postings were hundreds of creative opportunities for recently graduated and mid-level workers.

A good way to break into a creative marketing field would be to interact with professional associations related to your desired career. For recent graduates, it is common to feel completely lost. How can one get a job without experience, but at the same time, how can one gain experience without a job? The answer may be easier to find than you think.

Internships and fellowships are a great way to gain experience in your field of work. Becoming involved with a company on a temporary-hire basis can boost your resume and introduce you to a plethora of working professionals willing to help you break into the field. Company events and job fairs are great opportunities to get a copy of your resume into the hands of the right professionals.

A great tip to take into consideration while crafting your resume is to be creative with it. If you are looking to obtain a job as a marketing or advertising professional and you present a mundane list of characteristics, you won't get far in the eyes of that hiring manager. Consider where you are applying. Employers are looking for creative individuals, so taking a creative stance on a resume won't hurt. That is to say - don't go overboard, but make sure your resume reflects who you are. After all, it's your work you're trying to sell.