March Edition: Your Portfolio is Not Enough
Creative Leaders and Hiring Managers
Your Hiring Process Is Broken, and Candidates Know It.
Your hiring process isn't just a back-end operation—it's your brand. And right now, a lot of organizations are damaging theirs. Candidates are talking, and if your process is messy, inconsistent, or just plain slow, it's costing you top talent.
Hidden decision-makers are making the process too long
Recruiters are flying blind without clear hiring criteria
Candidates are getting ghosted and treated like disposable assets
If any of this sounds familiar, it's time to fix it. Look around your organization, even if you don't recognize yourself in this description. It's happening.
I have a one-minute breakdown of what’s going wrong and how to improve. Watch the video here.
PSA to Founders, CEOs, and Heads of People
You don't have a hiring system; you have an application dump. And it's not working. If your job description hasn't been updated since 2017, if you're relying on automation to do the work for you, and if you're losing people in a sea of thousands of applicants, it's time for a reality check. Your next hire deserves a better process. Let's build it. Here's what's up:
Hiring is Moving Fast
If your process isn't straightforward and structured, you lose top candidates before they even interview. I just watched a great candidate get cut - not because of their portfolio, not because of their experience, but because of a hiring misstep. Don't let this be you.
Hiring is Up - So Are Applications
Applications are out of control. We're seeing an influx of candidates applying to 10, 15, or even 20 roles at a time, which is creating more chaos for recruiters and hiring teams. Your process needs to be dialed in if you want to attract the right talent.
The Hidden Decision-Makers
A panel interview may not seem like a dealbreaker, but the process can be derailed when hiring teams don't align on decision-makers beforehand. We've seen great candidates cut at the last minute because panelists supposedly there for a “gut check” suddenly raised red flags, sending hiring managers back to square one.
The Recruiter Blind Spot
If recruiters don't meet all key players ahead of time, they can't adequately prepare candidates. A hiring process that lacks transparency leads to misalignment, hesitation, and costly delays.
The Fix
First, clarify your hiring process before posting a job. Define decision-makers, involve recruiters at key stages, and set structured interview rounds that don't shift mid-process. When companies create a seamless, well-communicated hiring system, they close positions faster and attract more substantial talent.
Save your brand. Hire great talent.
Job Seekers and Career Dreamers
Your Portfolio Is Not Enough
Listen up, creatives. The days of “Here's my portfolio, hire me” are over. If you're not engaging, you're not getting hired.
A client of mine - a brand-side apparel company - just passed on a candidate for one simple reason: lack of engagement. Here's what that looked like:
No LinkedIn connection requests to the hiring team
No follows or interactions with the company
No visible interest in the brand
They looked at this person's online footprint and said, “Not invested enough.” And just like that, no interview.
The Moral of the Story
Companies are watching. They want to see you showing up. If you're serious about a job, act like it. Follow, engage, comment, and connect. Why? Because they notice.
Why Your Job Search Isn't Working
1. You're sending Word doc resumes
Sending a Word doc is so… 10 years ago. Get with it. Send your resume as a PDF.
Here's why:
If your doc isn't compatible, all the recipient sees are formatting disasters
Sending an editable document poses security risks for you and them
You have just given someone the ability to edit your document without you knowing
2. You're applying like it's 2018.
The hiring process has changed - and so should your approach.
Here's how:
You're relying too much on job boards instead of networking and referrals
You're not positioning yourself as a problem solver. Companies are hiring for future needs, not just past experience.
What You Should Do Instead
Update your LinkedIn profile for recruiter visibility—we can help.
Follow and engage with target companies and the people hiring for the roles you want.
Optimize your applications - tailor them to the specific job description; don't spam.
Get in front of decision-makers through referrals and smart outreach.
The Attention Economy
Hiring managers don't have time to dig through 500 applications to determine why you're the right fit. If you want a recruiter's attention, you must make their job easier—clear messaging, direct positioning, and an easy-to-scan LinkedIn profile.
Recruiters Are Not Mind Readers
You're missing the mark if you're messaging recruiters without first applying, connecting, or introducing yourself professionally. Your job search should not rely on someone stumbling upon your application at the right moment. Follow the system. Be intentional.
GET SCOUTED
BIG HINT
I get 2,000 emails and 1,000 DMs a week. Are you wondering why yours isn't getting a response? If you're not in my system, haven't applied, and aren't even connected, you're making it much harder for yourself.
Watch this quick explainer video to learn how to fix it.
Did You Know?
70% of my LinkedIn Tune-Up clients are NOT job seekers.
Are you surprised? I'm not. Of course, they're people who know that visibility equals opportunity. They're the founders, executives, and creative leaders you want to work for. And guess what? If your profile is outdated, unclear, or just plain underwhelming, they're not impressed, and you're leaving money and career moves on the table.
Here are 3 things you can do today:
Be findable. Recruiters and hiring managers are actively looking for talent. If your profile doesn't position you well, you're missing out on getting scouted.
Be intentional. Your LinkedIn profile isn't a resume - it's a branding tool. Are you telling the right story? Own your story. It's yours. Tell it well.
Be ready. Don't wait until you need a new job to fix your online presence. The best time to level up is right now.
Bonus
I just watched a great candidate get cut from the hiring process—not because of their skills, but because of one avoidable mistake. Don't make the same one.
Watch the video here.
Resources to Help You Stand Out and Get Hired
The one thing candidates keep doing wrong in 2025.
Why hiring managers second-guess their top choices - and how to fix it.
Your LinkedIn Profile is Your Reputation - Start Treating it Like One.
Creative Leadership Incubator
New Happenings!
Our Leadership Incubator Series is in full swing. Don't worry; we've got your back. New dates, times, and details are coming soon!
Coming soon: The KDA Creative Leadership Incubator series. Led by veteran advertising executive and author Bonnie Wan & leadership expert and strategist Rimma Boshernitsan, plus Special Guest Speaker yours truly, Keva Dine.
Get inspired to pursue your dream leadership roles with confidence!
Creatives will learn how to navigate change and lead with vision, exert leadership and organizational influence, and inspire teams while they explore personal awareness. They will leave with actionable strategies to transform their professional lives and the organizations they serve.
Register to get the latest KDA Creative Leadership Incubator updates
See you in the trenches,
Keva