If you’re in marketing and advertising, you’ve probably heard the terms “fit” and “soft skills” thrown around. They’re both important—no doubt about it—but they’re not the same thing. Think of “fit” as that sense of whether a candidate can sync with a team’s vibe, pace, and creative energy, while “soft skills” are people-focused qualities that help them succeed in any environment, like communication, flexibility, and creativity.
So, What Really Is “Fit”?
In our industry, “fit” goes beyond just getting along with the team. It’s about aligning with a brand’s voice, understanding its audience, and thriving in the company’s unique environment. Is this person driven enough for a fast-paced agency? Do they have that creative spark to bring fresh energy to the work? That’s what we mean by fit.
But here’s the catch: focusing too much on “fit” can lead to hiring people who are too similar, which can mean missed opportunities for fresh perspectives and innovation.
Soft Skills: The Must-Haves for Success
Then there are soft skills—the universal qualities that help people work well with others, adapt quickly, and stay calm in a storm. In advertising, that means adaptability, creativity, strong communication, and teamwork. These skills are non-negotiable. With strong soft skills, you can thrive in any setting. But just because someone has these skills doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right fit for every team or company culture.
How to Balance Fit and Soft Skills in Your Hiring
The key to finding the right person is balancing fit and soft skills. Here’s how we do it:
Understand the Company and Team’s Unique Culture: We spend a lot of time with our clients, asking the right questions to find out what makes their team tick. Are they collaborative and laid-back, or fast-paced and competitive? This helps us understand what “fit” really means for each team.
Zero in on the Most Important Soft Skills: We work with our clients to identify what the role truly needs, beyond the job description. Is it creativity and bold thinking for a brand strategist, or a calm demeanor under pressure for a client-facing account manager?
Look for “Cultural Add” Instead of “Cultural Clone”: We encourage clients to seek out people who bring new perspectives or an extra layer of creativity—someone who isn’t just fitting in but actually adding to the team’s strength and diversity.
The Sweet Spot: Balancing Fit and Soft Skills
In the end, fit and soft skills both bring something valuable to the table. When balanced well, you’re not just adding a team member—you’re finding someone who will elevate both the work and the culture. In marketing and advertising, this balance is key: you want a team that collaborates well but also brings fresh, diverse ideas. By focusing on both fit and “cultural add,” you build a team that’s creative, adaptable, and ready to drive brand success
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