How the CMN Jobsboard is Helping Young Creatives Get Hired
Despite being most known for the mentoring programmes we run here at Creative Mentor Network, the work we do to promote socioeconomic diversity in the creative industries doesn’t stop there. As a charity looking to break down the barriers and make the creative world of work more accessible and inclusive to young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, we also run a Jobsboard, which helps our community find and access roles with companies who are actively looking to recruit from a diverse pool of talent.
Our Jobsboard helps young creatives find work, but also serves as an educational tool for employers looking to hire with us. The terms of service of the Jobsboard mean that all employers must list a clear salary when advertising with us. Transparency around salaries is very important to set expectations and also reduces inequalities in pay. All roles advertised with us must also meet living wage requirements.
Over the last year, we’ve shared over 100 jobs, internships and opportunities on the Jobsboard for our community to apply for. Coming from 42 of our partners, these range from roles in video production, editing, copywriting, account management and many more for entry to mid-level roles.
WORKING WITH TBWA\MEDIA ARTS LAB
We want to take this opportunity to talk about one of our longest-standing partnerships, with creative agency TBWA\Media Arts Lab, (also known as MAL). Not only have 23 of their staff been trained as mentors on our Break the Wall programme (with six more lined up with our latest cohort), but this year they have also hired seven entry-level roles directly from our Jobsboard.
It’s inspiring to see a workforce full of our alumni, both mentees and mentors, advocating for our work. Given that there are so many free places to advertise entry-level roles, we were curious to know why MAL keeps turning to our Jobsboard to find their talent.
“Our partnership with the Creative Mentor Network is one of the most treasured relationships we have at MAL. We strongly believe in shaping the future of our industry for the better, and CMN is key to that. Some of our strongest new talent has come via CMN. And based on the testimonials we receive, the mentorship aspect of the program has provided a lasting impact on all who have participated.”
— LIZ TAYLOR, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TBWA\MEDIA ARTS LAB EMEA
SUPPORTING HIRING MANAGERS
After talking to hiring managers at MAL, it’s clear that candidates from the CMN community are full of the passion and drive they are looking for; they really want to be a part of the company and the creative industries. The talent we are connected to comes with diverse perspectives and a range of interests, adding to the culture already at the agency.
“It has been a great experience interviewing job applicants from CMN. It’s allowed us to engage with candidates with diverse interests who share an enthusiasm to be part of this industry. The CMN applicants have been eager, and engaging and have shown real passion and potential. I believe that hiring from the CMN brings a new perspective to MAL and will help us continue to evolve as a company.”
— Rebecca Rickards (Producer, Broadcast Production Team)
“CMN enables our access to fresh talent with the power and motivation to learn and grow, talent which would otherwise have been challenging to identify. Fresh talent with diverse perspectives provides mutual benefits, like the flexibility and willingness to learn, and pushes us as a team to think and act more inclusively. I would absolutely recommend CMN for these benefits, and to make our agency and industry the more diverse and inclusive space we aspire for it to be.”
— Mike Bautista (Business Lead – Account Management Team)
HOW USING THE JOBSBOARD HELPS JUNIOR TALENT
It’s also important to think about the talent joining the agency beyond the hiring team. By working so closely with Creative Mentor Network, we know that MAL is aware of what’s needed to create an inclusive environment. They’re not hiring diverse talent as a box-ticking exercise. Having an inclusive culture means that talent coming through our channels is being set up to thrive and progress internally. For companies like MAL, this means there is greater retention of entry-level talent, placing them in a better position to progress throughout the company.
The alumni that have been hired from our community see the benefits of working with a company who are invested in doing the work that is needed to create an inclusive environment.
“The benefit of working with a company like MAL that works closely with CMN means that at some point in my advertising career, I am in a company that will be supportive of me if I decide to mentor someone who is passionate about a career in advertising and doesn’t know how to get their foot in the door.”
— Serena Cecilia (Account Executive, Account Management Team)
All of this is part of why our community love using our Jobsboard. Not only does it help them find a job, but it also connects them with a work culture that supports their progression within the creative industries.
“CMN constantly provides game-changing opportunities for young people across their platform, and the Jobsboard is another powerful tool that offers extreme value to the community.“
— David Abiona (Account Executive, Account Management Team)
Hiring from a diverse talent base is a vital step to meeting the DEI standards that the current workforce is looking for, making the CMN Jobsboard a great tool for any business's arsenal when looking for young and creative talent.
If you’re interested in learning more, or want to start hiring with us today head to our Jobsboard here.
