Forbes Communications Council: 20 Smart Ways To Scout Out Creative Candidates During The Hiring Process

Hiring creative talent is more than reviewing resumes or checking portfolios. It’s about spotting the spark—the instinct to push boundaries, solve real-world problems, and bring fresh energy to the work. In a world where marketing is changing daily, that spark matters more than ever.

In my latest Forbes feature, I joined 19 other marketing leaders to share smart, practical strategies for identifying truly creative candidates. The full article, 20 Smart Ways To Scout Out Creative Candidates During The Hiring Process, is a toolkit for anyone building a high-impact team—whether you're hiring your first marketer or growing a full department.

Here’s what I shared:

Have them share a time they broke the rules.
I ask candidates to share a time they broke the “marketing rules” on purpose. It reveals how they think beyond templates, challenge norms, and trust their instincts—hallmarks of a truly creative marketer. Bold ideas often start where the rulebook ends.

At Grounded Growth Studio, this lens guides how I build marketing functions for growing tech companies:
→ Process matters, but so does instinct.
→ Strategy sets the frame—but creativity drives momentum.
→ The best marketing hires are bold enough to test new paths and grounded enough to know when to pivot.

Whether you’re scaling your team, outsourcing marketing for the first time, or struggling to find the right fit—this Forbes piece is worth a read. It’s full of questions you can use today in your next interview to spot the kind of candidates who will energize your brand and help you grow faster.

The takeaway:
Creative talent isn’t just about portfolio polish—it’s about mindset. Hire people who think beyond the rulebook, and your marketing will go further.
Need help designing the right marketing team or structure for your stage of growth? Let’s talk.