Top 10 Tips to Get a Graphic Design Job at an Agency
Finding entry-level jobs with agencies has never been an easy task for anyone. Spotting just what exactly a potential employer is in search of has been one of the biggest obstacles. Below are some tips that can help you land a graphic design job.
Submit A Quality Portfolio Of Your Best Work
You must be able to study and present your portfolio in an organized manner. Your work should be appealing in a way it impresses the potential employers. If you want to stand out from the competition you have to give a reason as to why you need to be given a chance. Keep in mind that the agency receives hundreds of job applications and doesn’t have the time to dig into hundreds of examples of your work. It is therefore advisable that you pick your best pieces of work, just enough to impress.
Research Thoroughly
It’s surprising how many candidates looking for jobs don’t do any research on their potential employers. Having the right personality the employer is in search of is partly due to luck. However, you will have an added advantage if you show commendable knowledge of the company and its operations. The research details will also help you determine if the company is conducive to your career growth. You will get the information by surfing through their website, social media platforms and find out more about their clientele base, what they offer, their biggest achievements and any other relevant information that will help you.
Leverage Contacts
They say that people are the best assets you will ever surround yourself with. You could dig into your LinkedIn contacts and search for mutual links to the target agency. Your school’s alumni could also help you with vital information about the agency you are applying for. You could set up a coffee meeting with anyone you find with links to the agency and get a better sense of the agency and what its like to work for them.
Be An All-around Expert In Graphic Design
Tony Guo, a marketing expert in Runrex.com insists on having more than just educational qualifications. He advises that every employer is out to look for a quality portfolio that matches the clientele’s base desire and needs. None the less, they will want to see if the candidate has some practical understanding of their day in day out work practices and at least have some commercial sense. An all-around graphic designer expert must also be in a position to communicate effectively in order to air their opinions which could be very useful in many circumstances.
Dress To Impress
The first image is paramount. Many will suggest that you dress casually without any too catchy components like flashy jewellery or sharp perfumes. Every agency has its own culture and it wouldn’t hurt to make a quick call to your contact at the agency and inquire about the dressing code.
Do All You Can To Stand Out From The Crowd
Today almost everyone has a bachelor’s degree when looking for a graphics design job. So why pick you? You will need to display your personality as a creative thinker who can bring in more quality into the team. Creativity is what sets apart the good from the excellent. Try and find more virtues to display such as talent, passion, and discipline.
Ask Questions During The Interview
Agency managers stress about the importance of asking questions during interviews. Having no questions shows one’s lack of interest in a job you are applying for and the agency. Also be sure to pick the right questions that align with opportunities for growth, challenges faced by the agency and so on.
Break Into The Market By Interning
A degree is vital when jump-starting your career journey as a graphic designer. However, many other job applicants will have the same degree that you do. You will be in a better position if you get an internship first before searching for a job. An internship gives you the experience you need to decide if that is the right career path for you. Also, an internship may open paths for permanent jobs at the same agency or other agencies.
Apply For Appropriate Positions
If you have completed your bachelor’s degree, the idea of applying for a low paying entry level job will definitely not sound appealing. However, that does not mean you will stay there for many years to come. Many agencies will revise your job position as you gain more experience and work your way up to becoming an expert. It is advisable that you apply for an appropriate position, however, low then work your way up to the top.
Spell Check Your Resume
Your resume speaks volumes about you. If you submit a resume with spelling errors, employers will mistake you for being careless and no one wants a careless employee who may bring in unnecessary costs.