WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CREATIVITY IN RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION

All good HR managers understand the importance of looking at the individual as a whole in the recruitment and selection of candidates.

In addition to the skills and experience listed on their resumes, do they possess the intrinsic personality traits that can determine their success in your organisation?

Characteristics such as high levels of emotional intelligence are increasingly being looked upon favourably by recruiters and, according to a recent study, creativity could be the driving force behind the economy of the future.

The California-based Otis College of Art and Design published its 2013 Report on the Creative Economy, which explores just how much of an impact creativity and innovation has on the economy of the largest state in the US. A glance over the key findings from the report suggests that creative, talented employees will become the lifeblood of the economy – in California, the United States and beyond.

For example, the report revealed that 44 per cent of all workers in California are currently engaged in creative occupations. California's “creative economy”, which covers all jobs in the creative sectors, contributed 7.8 per cent of the state's gross product in 2012, the report also found.

Samuel Hoi, president of Otis College, said these figures back up the view that creativity is essential to both employees and workplaces now and into the future.

“Signals abound that creativity and innovation are pivotal to the economy and general well-being of people and communities,” he said in a February 6 statement.

“Artistic services and intellectual capital are inarguably essential to the 21st century economy, which is dynamic, knowledge-based, and increasingly global.”

The view that creativity is increasingly becoming a required trait in the modern employee is further echoed by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, vice president of research and innovation at Hogan Assessments.

“In the U.S., creativity is seen as a desirable personality characteristic, especially in business,” he was quoted as saying in the organisation's '5 Ways to Manage Creativity and Drive Innovation' white paper.

“What we are likely seeing … is something psychologists call the better-than-average effect – individuals consistently rate themselves better than average along desirable qualities.”

Although these reports are based in the US, it is worth considering their implications and applicability to economies all around the world, including Australia.

To make the most of your company's recruitment efforts, make sure you take advantage of personality assessment that can gauge a candidate's level of creativity.