Sell yourself
You want work in a creative industry, but your CV doesn’t demonstrate any creativity! Standard A4 CVs are for getting a job stacking shelves in Tesco, not a junior designer position at a creative agency. We want our new blood to look exciting, bring something new to the party. We want wow factor that’ll push us in new directions not more of the same. Make sure that whatever it is that you send, firstly - blows you away. If it doesn’t then it won’t have the effect on us. Showing off is what designers do best, use that small window of opportunity to impress.
Horses for courses
If you want to be a Graphic Designer working in print, make it look that way. If you’d rather be a web designer? Then, you must have your own site that showcases the skills that you have. Make your submission relevant to the job you want.
Tip: Spend as much time on your submission as you would if it were for a client.
Who do you send it to?
Whatever you send, be it CV, e-mailer, show-reel or promo DM piece. Send it to the appropriate person in the company that makes the decision about hiring or work experience etc. Phone up and get their name, there’s more chance of making an impression if its going to the Creative Director than the Managing Director. Do your homework on the individual, sometimes a simple sweetener can go a long way in getting your foot through the door.
Sbellling, Grandma & tipo’s
Check, check & check again. There’s no bigger turn off than a poorly constructed email or letter that is riddled with spelling, grammar or typographic errors. Where our clients detail is of the utmost importance, how can we trust you with it, if you can’t look after your own?
Tip: When designing letterheads, comp-slips & business cards, refer to them as stationery not stationary (they’re not standing still!) and capitalise your I’s, you are important after all!
With that, all that’s left to say is good luck.
Ps: Make sure your package / letter has the correct postage on it. As its a real pisser for me, when I go to the Post Office and pay to pick up a really poor CV. Its also a sure fire way of not getting the job.
