Graphic Design/HTA

Invest in a good looking portfolio

During this difficult time in the job market we thought it would be good to share our experience and offer some handy tip’s when it comes to applying for graphic design roles. We hope they help…

1. When sending your CV always incorporate 3-4 of your best work examples, rather than your full portfolio, and try and make them relevant to the position/agency you are applying too. If your initial work examples are good enough you will have the opportunity to show off your whole portfolio in the interview. Make sure you label the files clearly with your name, keep file sizes small, under 1mb, 2 at a push. Prospective employers will get inundated with CV’s and don’t want to have to search through the pile to find yours or have their inbox blocked up buy huge portfolios, chances are it will get deleted. A website is always a good way to back up your CV and work examples, as long as they are well designed.
2. If you decide to do something different to get your CV noticed make sure the execution is perfect; there is nothing worse than receiving a hard copy of a portfolio or a conceptual application, only for the finishing to let it all down, this does not give a good impression.
3. Once you have sent your CV be patient, the recipient needs time to work through all the applicants and any respectable employer will email successful and unsuccessful applicants (Even if it is a mass email) to let them know the situation. There is nothing worse than not hearing about job you have applied for; unfortunately we have all been there!
4. Make sure your folio is clearly designed, presentable and don’t overload each page, give your projects space to come across clearly to the interviewer. Make sure the pages in your book are clean, a quick blast of Mr Sheen always has them shining nicely! Smeared/Fingerprinted pages are not desirable. It’s always nice when you see a different type of folio – maybe it’s not a bound folio with sleeves (avoid plastic Artcare cases). Loose sheets in a bespoke box are always nice to pass around and give you the flexibility to show your work to more than one person without having to all peer at a plastic bound sleeve. Bespoke sizes are also nice. Your portfolio is your work and a reflection on you – it should look beautiful and show that you have pride in what you are showing. Scrappy portfolios show that you don’t really care about your chosen profession. If you are going use the traditional portfolio spend some money, you can get some really good looking ones, first impressions count!
5. If you get called up for an Interview make sure you have the right address, obvious but essential, give yourself plenty of time to get there, give yourself some extra time for potential disasters on route e.g. delayed/canceled trains, traffic drink spillages etc be prepared for anything when going for an interview! If you get there early, find the studio then go for a coffee or something close by. Dress smartly but don’t wear a suit, part of the reason we are graphic designers is because we don’t do suits! Get to the reception a couple of minutes before the interview is due to start, too early and you put pressure on the busy interviewer.
6. Once in the interview listen to the questions properly, speak clearly, be passionate about your work and make sure you have a good understanding of each project in you folio. There is nothing worse than awkward silences while discussing your projects. Have hard copies of the project if relevant. For example if it’s a nice piece of print work tuck it into the folio sleeve of the project and show it to the interviewer while discussing it. This helps bring it to life and shows off any special techniques used as well as generating further conversation. If you have something to leave with the interviewer remember to leave it, it is easy to forget under the pressure.
7. Hopefully the interview all went well and you get called up for a second. If you are, this could be for a further more informal chat, maybe to see what other member/more senior members of the team think or if you are really lucky a member of the HR department – who rarely know much about what a graphic design role entails! When you get the call or email, ask if they require to see your folio again; if you or they are unsure take it as it better to be safe than sorry.
8. Once again be patient and wait to hear from the potential employer, you should defiantly hear something soon if you have made it this far. Obviously if a week goes by it maybe time to give them a polite call.
9. If you are lucky enough to be offered the job, discuss the salary; if you don’t feel they are offering a fair deal don’t be afraid to negotiate as it is in your best interest. You are in a good position, they want to employ you and probably don’t want to go through the interview process again, although they may have a back up in mind, don’t go mad and be realistic.
10. If you get the job then good for you, celebrate, you deserve it, chances are you have been chosen from a large number of applicants.

Obviously we are not saying this is a sure fire way or the right way to get a job but we hope it will help in what can be a very daunting process. GOOD LUCK!

Why not let us know your experiences or share some of your handy tips when it comes to the job hunt! We look forward to hearing them.