Recruitment is often treated like a race. Post the job. Review the resumes. Fill the seat quickly. But in Australia’s creative industries, where people are the heart of every idea, every campaign and every brand, that mindset simply does not work.
Real recruitment is built on relationships. It is about understanding people, not just positions. It is about values, ambition and energy. It is about placing the right person in the right environment so they can grow and thrive.
Why Fast Fix Hiring Does Not Work in Creative Industries
Creative businesses are built on trust, culture and collaboration. When hiring is rushed, people get reduced to checklists. Skills are prioritised while purpose, chemistry and values are overlooked.
This creates churn. The Media Federation of Australia reports that creative agency turnover has reached almost forty percent in recent years. That is not sustainable.
A poor hire can cost more than thirty percent of their first year salary. But the real impact runs deeper. It slows teams, delays work and affects morale. In creative settings, that can stall momentum across entire projects.
Hiring fast may fill a role today. But it creates bigger problems tomorrow.
What Relationship Based Recruitment Looks Like
Recruiting through relationships means playing the long game. It is not about shortlists. It is about conversations.
It means asking better questions. What motivates someone? What type of work brings out their best? What kind of team will help them shine?
At The People Place, this is how we work. We stay in touch with our network. We check in even when they are not looking. We celebrate their milestones. When the right brief lands, we already know who could be the right fit.
Five Reasons Relationships Make Hiring Better
One
Stronger alignment with culture
People hired through relationships tend to fit better. They also bring fresh thinking. In creative industries, that combination leads to better ideas and stronger work.
Two
Longer term loyalty
When someone feels seen and understood, they stay. Referral hires, which come through trusted networks, stay longer than hires made through cold outreach or job ads.
Three
Better access to great talent
The best people are not always applying. They are delivering. They are building. They are not looking, but they are listening. When the right recruiter already has the relationship, doors open.
Four
A stronger employer reputation
Candidates remember how they were treated. Even if they are not hired, a positive experience turns them into advocates. This matters in industries where word travels quickly.
Five
Better creative performance
Teams that are built on shared values perform better. Trust leads to better collaboration. Confidence fuels better work. The results speak for themselves.
A Real Story from Our Network
A creative strategist we had known for years was not looking to move. But we stayed in contact. We listened. We learned what mattered to her.
When a major Melbourne agency briefed us on a leadership role, we already knew she was the one to speak to. She joined. She has been promoted multiple times. She now sends brilliant people our way.
That is the power of long term relationships. They create momentum that benefits everyone.
What We See Across the Industry
We work closely with agencies and in house teams across Australia. The pattern is clear. The businesses that invest in relationships see stronger retention, better output and more consistent creative energy.
Recruitment is not a one time transaction. It is an ongoing conversation.
How to Shift From Quick Hires to Long Term Matches
Start before you need to hire
Reach out to great talent now. Build trust early. Stay visible.
Ask about values
Look past the job title. Understand what people care about and how they work best.
Stay present
Respond to messages. Give feedback. Be human in every interaction.
Think beyond today
Not every candidate is right for the role you have now. But they might be perfect for the next one.
Final Thought
Recruitment should never feel like a numbers game. It should feel like a partnership.
At The People Place, we believe in finding good people for good places. That means hiring with purpose, not pressure. It means building relationships, not just filling roles.
If you want to build stronger teams, reduce churn and create a better future for your creative business, start with people. Start with trust. Start with relationships.
📩 Email us at hello@peopleplace.com.au
🌐 Visit peopleplace.com.au
