What are the key things senior marketers look for in creative (i.e., non-technical) entry-level job candidates?

To find out, The Creative Group surveyed more than 400 senior advertising and marketing executives in the United States.

Some 34% of respondents say previous experience, including internships and freelance projects, is the most important factor they consider when evaluating an entry-level candidate.

Interview performance is the second most cited factor (28%).

That's followed by resume (22%), references (9%), portfolio (5%), and social media presence (2%).

About the research: The report was based on data from a survey of more than 400 senior advertising and marketing executives in the United States.