To land a job as an art director, the presentation of a strong conceptualized portfolio is only part of the equation. What additional knowledge helps the novice creative not only during the initial interview but to succeed once they land the job? This study looked to identify what additional skills and traits working art and creative directors felt young creatives needed beyond their portfolio in order to land their first job in advertising. The results suggest ways forward in how to prepare students to incorporate design, business, and personal skills into a well-rounded creative and personal brand.