This Month's News
Portfolio Prep 101
April 30, 2010
It seems like graphic design jobs are very hard to come by these days. Even if you do find one, the competition is fierce. So it is important that you prepare for any design job interview you might be blessed enough to land. By creating an amazing portfolio, you have a greater chance of standing out against the competition. And believe me, there is more competition these days than ever before. On average, for each design job posted, over 200 applicants apply within the first week (with more to follow the second week). Then you figure in that out of those 200 applicants, that at least 50 are qualified. From there the employers have to decide which 5 to 10 applicants to bring in for an interview. Get the idea yet? Good, so don't get caught with your portfolio unzipped and consider the five key tips below to help you be more prepared for your next design job interview.
1) Build a Website
A website displaying your work is a must. If you don't have one, then take the time to create one. Make sure it's not a template website, and that it is custom designed. If you don't know how to code, find someone that does and then do some trade work or pay them for their services. Having a website will put you leaps and bounds ahead of the competition, and shows your future employer that you can keep up within your own industry.
2) Update your portfolio
Updating your portfolio is key in wining over the hearts of those are interested in your skills and talents. Make sure all your pieces are current and up to date and tailored specifically to the job your applying for, both online and print. Remember, just because a design piece you did five years ago was considered “da bomb” does not mean it could hold it is own up against a more current piece. If you are growing as a designer, then your work should be as well.
3) Update your resume
This may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised how many designers forget to do this. Make sure to only include relevant information concerning the job you are interviewing for. For instance, it is not necessary to list your job at Taco Bell last summer unless there is some skill or ability you learned there that you could use to your advantage (but most likely not).
4) Prepare your elevator speech
What is an elevator pitch you ask? Image you are in an elevator and you just met the Design Director for the largest design firm in your city. As you enter the elevator he turns, says hello and asks you “so what do you do for a living?” The average designer responds, “I am a graphic designer,” leaving nothing for the other person to engage with. What if instead you said, “I take peoples words, and turn them into art.” That leaves the person you are speaking with a huge fat questions mark over their head, and causes them to engage asking more about this amazing talent of yours. Be creative, in actions and words.
5) Prepare to interview them
People always forget that if you made it to an interview, the chances are they need you just as much as you need them. You should always do your research on the company you want to work for, and prepare a list of questions to interview the person who is interviewing you. It not only shows your knowledge of the company, and desire to know more, but it also show them that you are confident (not cocky) in what you do and lets them know you want to find the right fit for you. Remember, you are important too.
Well, there you have it. Those are the five most basic and important tips. The last bit of advice I have is to remember to breathe. You made it this far. Now relax. Breathe, be confident (not cocky), be prepared, and remember that no matter what happens everyone has their place in this world and you will end up at the job you were meant to end up at.
