Graphic Designers – Job Hunting Tips Please

Hi everyone!

I think I remember a while back that there are a few Graphic Designers on here as there was a topic or something about it.

Anyway, could do with some help / advise etc.

I’m currently desperate to find a new job. I’m absolutely miserable where I’m working at the moment and need to get out.

I’ve got my CV sorted. Portfolio ready etc etc. I’ve been sending off for jobs though and not really getting anywhere. All the jobs seem to be through recruitment agencies. You apply to the job you see online. Recruitment agency email back. You send your CV, work samples etc, you never hear anything back from ever again!

So far this year I’ve had 3 interviews, with one of these going on to a 2nd interview, where apparently I only just missed out.

So, any tips? Is there places I should search for jobs that bypass the recruitment agencies? Should I carpet bomb London from a Lancaster with flyers?

Cheers!

If you are only applying for advertised jobs then you are missing loads of opportunities. I’d start sending stuff directly to the creative director/company owner of companies you would like to work for. Tell them you saw the work they did on xyz, really liked it and think they are a company you will fit in well with. You get a load of ‘thanks for the interest, we’ll keep you on file’ but you only need one positive.

What nickjb said, but I’d ring the agencies first and find out the name of the Creative Director so you can send them your CV with a personalised letter.

You’ll also then know who to call a week later and ask if they received your CV, what did they think of it, and if you’re not successful what you need to work on.

Hi Guys, cheers for that. Do you think a CV and cover letter are enough, or do I need to do some crazy thing to stand out as well?

Yep, been in the design industry in London for nearly 25 years, getting a foot in the door without using rec agencies is tricky, get yourself on Linked In, maybe send a link to an online portfolio to creative/art directors of agencies you admire, don’t pester people though, if your portfolio is good then you should get work, if it’s outstanding then you should be snapped up pretty quickly, I’d be happy to take a look.

maybe give this a try:

http://www.creativepool.co.uk/%5B/url%5D

Do you have a website / dribbble etc account? An online presence is essential IMHO, even if you only work in print [disclaimer am a web designer/ developer].

Do you think a CV and cover letter are enough

you really need to get into peoples inbox with links to online portfolio, instant impact, most CDs don’t have time to read letters and cv’s, if they like your work then they’ll get you in for a interview.

you really need to get into peoples inbox with links to online portfolio, instant impact, most CDs don’t have time to read letters and cv’s, if they like your work then they’ll get you in for a interview.

Don’t CD’s get fed up of getting loads of emails from people looking for jobs though? What stops you from just pressing the delete button?

I do have an online folio, nothing amazing though as I’m print based

I do have an online folio, nothing amazing though as I’m print based

Hmmmmmm. I’m afraid that most, if not all design agencies will expect a level of web design knowledge. Not necessarily any techy stuff, but an understanding of interface design and web layout restrictions – what you can and can’t do. And examples of this. The days of being a print or web designer I think are gone. Most employers expect both. I’m not saying its right. It just is. So you’re restricting yourself already

So I’d spend a bit of time on your online portfolio. Rope in a techy to put it together for you. Maybe in exchange for some design for them.

If someone gets an email and CV the goes to a site thats, in your own words ‘nothing amazing’ then why would they go any further? Its your shop window, after all. You should be blowing them away!

Don’t start with ‘I’m looking for a job’ and certainly don’t put it in the subject, that’ll get you binned. Start with something they actually want to read, eg. ‘I’ve just seen you latest xyz work in design week…’ or ‘I was walking through Waterloo station where they have a massive poster of your xyz work…’. Massage their ego a bit, but be honest, I presume you will like their stuff if you want to work there. Then give them a link to your stuff which you think will fit in.

Don’t CD’s get fed up of getting loads of emails from people looking for jobs though?

Maybe, but if there’s a direct link to your work you’ve got more chance of catching someones eye. Is it also worth questioning why you’re un-happy in your current job, can you talk to someone to change the situation, the market isn’t great at the mo.

rewski, people have mentioned it’s not that great out there still at the moment. Wasn’t sure how true that is.

It’s just about bareable where I am at the moment if it’s not a good time to be trying to move. Just very frustrating. As the jobs gone from working on setting up the companies corporate guidelines and producing brochures, adverts etc, to spending most my day doing tedious web amends and advert amends that the office junior could do!

Hmmmmmm. I’m afraid that most, if not all design agencies will expect a level of web design knowledge.

It’s all relative though Binners! I can put sites together and create web banners, html emails etc, but I’m not an expert. Just like a carpenter isn’t an expert at plumbing but can probably put a heating system in if they needed to.

I know what you’re saying. Neither am I. I’m useless at techy stuff. But I’m good with site layout design. Maybe rope somebody in who’s a bit more proficient technically. Keep it really simple and clean.

I’m not saying its right at all, its just increasingly what people expect. Moon on a stick? And they can demand it because there are very few decent Graphic Design jobs out there at the moment.

Good luck with it!!!

You can make it even easier and just have your portfolio as a flickr slideshow or a personal blog, don’t bother with heavy flash site with animation.

I’d just be sending my CV out all over the place, you never know if something has just become available when your CV lands. Defo, get a wee website/tumblr blog or something so show off your work at a click. Links to other work you’ve been inspired by etc.

Jobs on here too, not sure if any are still available, but worth a look?

http://www.formfiftyfive.com/

most important thing is to keep on keeping on, if you get my drift. Been in the industry since 2001 and its an industry I grew up in as both my parents were designers. I’ve been pretty lucky and I now run my own company with a nice set of clients that I love, but its generally pretty tough by all accounts. You just have to keep getting up… some nice jobs advertised recently on linkedin so get on there and plug away. Best of luck.

Good advice ^^^

When we were full service we recruited quite a few designers and we were always impressed if someone had spent time/effort to do something a bit different (do not read off the wall!), something that may not be a standard A4 CV and letter as they do get lost in the filing trays.

As well as CDs hit the MDs desk too, if the CD does not have the headroom to look, the MD may and could pass it on.

I do have an online folio, nothing amazing though as I’m print based

No reason it can’t look good – why not spend some time getting some good images of the work, testimonials are always good.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice so far!

I’ll perhaps put my url up when I’ve done a few tweaks, but please just constructive criticism please! 😐