In our line of work, creativity is arguably the most critical trait.

With that being said, it’s unfortunate that the current job market makes our industry seem as if we’re lucky to work for them. In hindsight, I think should be the other way around. There are thousands of freelancers. Unfortunately there aren’t many good ones, which ironically is also the cause for the dramatic decrease in our services, especially with the growing popularity of uniformed theme purchases (premium Wordpress anyone?). This means that every now and then an employer is lucky enough to “catch” the perfect freelancer. One who is consistent, punctual, and affordable.

But these freelancers are the ones who are the ones who are really fishing. They are looking for ads with creative employers who they feel will bring a positive working environment that’ll help push the project forward towards completion. Without an equally passionate or creative employer, it’s difficult to really convince yourself to work there.

So, my plea to employers - if you want a dependable, conssitent quality freelancer, it’s in your ads. Write good ones, and they will come.

Here are some examples for my fellow freelancers to apply for, and to serve as examples for employers.

Julian is looking for a Web Designer to “Help our company catch up to our growth and communicate our thought leadership.” on Smashing Jobs - check it out here.

The Authors Channel is looking for a Marketer to drive “3 million visitors per month, and we need someone who knows how to effectively use all media in order to get that traffic.” on FreelanceSwitch Boards - check it out here.

SEOmoz is looking for a Designer to “come to a place where your talents are appreciated, your voice is heard, and your code has an impact.”” on 37Signals Board - check it out here.

Woot.com is looking for a Designer to work with “the world’s first, best, and handsomest deal-a-day website, [that] drops mad bargainz every night at midnight, alongw ith near-lethal doses of irreverence and snot.” on 37Signals Board - check it out here.

“Large Business Consulting Firm” is looking for a Designer to “deliver the visual design and strategy for a few key pages” on 37Signals Gigs - check it out here.

So freelancers - it is equally important to pick out creative clients that’ll help put you in the mood when you design. You’ll find that you do your best work when it’s for important clients, or for people who you know can push you to be creative and allow you the space and time to work.

And in turn, you’ll see that the most creative individuals apply for the job ads that seem the most creative and will allow them to have the best opportunity to work efficiently.