Tips for finding and securing graphic design jobs
I receive a lot of email asking for advice about graphic design jobs, so to help, I’ve created this short Q&A video. The advice is pretty basic, but I’m asked often enough to warrant a post.
The following four questions are answered:
- I’m moving abroad. Do you have any advice for design job hunting?
- How should I make initial contact with the design studio?
- Should I offer to mail the studio a printed portfolio?
- Do you have any interview tips?
I’m not too hot at these video posts just yet.
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Update: 03 March 2011
Video removed. Sorry folks. Try checking the resources below.
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Referenced resources
- Studio Culture: The Secret Life of a Graphic Design Studio
- 15 graphic design interview tips, by Lee Newham
- CV/resumé tips for graphic designers
I normally answer reader questions via email or with a typed blog post — the old “your questions answered” series, for example — but it’s good to mix things up, and I’ve wanted some practice at creating videos since back when I took on the book project.
Do you have any tips for designers looking for jobs?
If you have another question you’d like me to answer, fire away.
Image credit: the type junkie
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43 appreciated comments on “Tips for finding and securing graphic design jobs”
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Well done, David. Look forward to seeing more vlogging from you.
I quite like this video post. It seems a little bit more personal than the usual written posts.
I think it shows that you are out of your comfort zone but the more you practice with this the better you get:)
Thank you David!
Thanks a lot, Vivien. Now that my book writing’s complete I have more time for a little experimenting.
Razvan, you’re right there. Some way to go before I make a presenter.
Tareq, very welcome.
Thanks David. Have placements to try and apply for next year, so every nugget of advice helps!
Good stuff (and yes, you’ll get more comfortable with these as you go). Timely advice as well.
Where are the placements you’re wanting, Jonathan? Back in the day, I was fortunate to win a travel bursary for an overseas internship. I applied to about 80 agencies / studios in the United States who I wanted experience with, and used the emails I sent as evidence for the bursary. I was eventually offered three placements, and chose one in PA.
Thanks, Allen.
Good insights David. I think showing a printed portfolio has its place and depends on a few case-by-case variables.
1 · If one of your specialties is printing techniques and there are some selections from your work that show of your experience (ie, letterpress, screen printing, die cuts, etc…).
2 · If you feel the person or shop you will be interviewing with has an interest in the aforementioned techniques. If it’s primarily a web design firm for instance, they may not be interested in your print design expertise.
3 · If the portfolio piece is better appreciated in person. If you’re showing work that perhaps communicates the concept or brand message through physical interaction.
Keep up the great posts David, it’s always nice exploring these topics with you and your readers :)
Thanks David, good to see you back on the video :)
I agree about not sending a print portfolio cold. Most hiring personnel spend less than 2 minutes looking through portfolios unless they like them. If your portfolio includes some impressive printed work (as Avery noted) you could note on your digital portfolio for them to request a print portfolio. That way you only need to prepare one for people that are actually interested.
A couple of interview tips:
1) Be real and straight to the point (no canned responses)
2) Back your answers with actual client experience
3) Demonstrate value to build trust
4) Be patient for a response
I recently had a group interview with four other candidates. While everyone gave generic responses, mine were backed up with related projects I had completed for my clients. With this tactic, I demonstrated value and experience to the company. Follow-up tip: be persistent and patient when waiting to hear back from the employer. Your potential client may be busy – have respect for their timeline. After a week, send an email followed by a quick phone call.
Hey Avery, like Nathan states, I think sending a printed portfolio “cold” isn’t a good idea, but showing one in an interview can be, I’m with you there.
Nathan, I’ll give more vlog posts a shot soon. I like seeing others in video, so I’m hoping they think the same as you, and are happy enough to see me.
Good tips, Chuck. The last thing you want to come across as is impatient. Thanks for the addition.
That’s a great down-to-earth video David, with some good advice. I recorded my own introductory video last week (yet to go live) so I know how hard it can be to record one. I took about 8 takes, hmm.
The only time I would send printed samples is when I know (through my contacts) that the majority of staff in a company only have access their company-intranet, rather than the Internet (to view my work).
In fact, one company I design for, even high-level staff aren’t allowed to use any PDF readers due to security concerns, so in that case, I would just print a few work samples off on a laser printer.
BTW, you know you’re supposed to wait while Christmas day to wear questionable striped tops, right ;)
Do designers normally just ask if they’re openings available or do they find out first if the particular studio is hiring?
A(nother) really useful post, David, especially the discussion on to print or not to print. Thank you! Now I just have to knuckle down and get my disaster-prone, eternally-under-construction website up and running… :S
Incidentally, as an ex-people hirer I have a suggestion to make about how to approach interviews. Basically – don’t panic! Interviews really aren’t any different from any other initial meeting with someone you don’t know. Try to be natural – see if you and the interviewers like each other – be as polite and friendly as you would be when you meet a new neighbour, or a stranger in a coffee shop, if maybe a little more formal. Of course the interviewers will want to assess the quality of your work, but they will also be interested in you as a person, so it’s only good manners to be interested in them in return (although of course without being personal). All too often sheer nervousness can make candidates shut in on themselves, so that in a worst case scenario they can come across as being interested in getting a job, but not interested in the company, the company culture, and the people who work there. Treat the interview as a discussion, not an interrogation. Ask questions throughout, and don’t feel you have to wait till the end. And try to use phrases like “what, in your opinion…”, “how do you feel about…?” and “what do you think?” It shows that you value the opinions of others, that you have enough self-confidence to listen to alternative points of view, and that you have an enquiring mind.
This is probably the longest comment I’ve ever submitted to a blog. Big thanks to anyone who’s read all the way to the end! :D
Hey David,
Loving the video blog! Yea that was really helpful, I’ve been looking for placements for a year in industry next year and companies may send you an email back asking for dates etc but then never reply – absolute nightmare! I followed up some companies today with phone calls which was slightly daunting but we shall see what happens..
Frankie
“Interview tips? Certainly.”
lol. Sorry, the look on your face was hilarious for that sentence. I’d better not make fun, if I ever make a video blog I’ll no doubt look ridiculous through the whole thing.
I love the way you kept in the first part of the interview tips section…
I agree with most of what you said, and certainly it would be expensive to keep sending out lots of printed portfolios (since they should be of the best quality possible) but I think you should have a few around so you can send them out if requested.
as for the comment above somewhere about printing copies on a home printer, I definitely do not agree. My opinion is that even the printing quality should be to the same standard as the work you send out (so in my case a £30 home printer would be more than adequate)
In a few years, I hope to work abroad and expand my view of the world, good to know you’re open to offering advice. Thank you, David. I look forward to more vlogs.
The Lee Newham/Newman was hilarious!
These video posts are harder than they look, Andrew (Kelsall). And the jumper’s from my fiancee. She’s on her way to Yorkshire with a rolling pin. Watch out.
Kiren, isn’t that the same question asked twice? I’d ask if openings are available. It pays to be proactive.
Kate, how about putting your site live ‘as is’? Maybe the public status will help push you. Thanks for the interview tips by the way. Some great advice there.
Hi Francesca, I replied to your email with a little more info. Hopefully it’s of use. Let me know if I can do anything else to help out.
Andrew (Keir), don’t apologise. I was hoping the second take might pull a smile.
Chris, Omar, thanks for watching, guys. Four minutes you won’t get back.
Nice work David, taking it to the next level… looking forward to more.
Nice fireplace, David :)
Whenever I go to an interview I treat it like if I was going on a first date with someone; following those obvious rules like being on time, polite, well dressed, keep eye contact, etc. Someone previously mentioned checking your nerves at the door and I think that’s a good tip. It’s natural to be nervous during interviews (or on a first date), but if you’re well prepared (research the company beforehand, have questions ready, know what answers to give, etc.) then you shouldn’t have anything to worry. Take a few deep breaths before going in and say to yourself, “I’ve been in tougher situations than this, no sweat.” And I’d like to think that is very true for everyone.
Regarding the printed portfolio thing, I agree it’s really not necessary anymore, but a printed self-promo piece that shows 3-5 samples of your portfolio alone with a copy of your résumé doesn’t hurt. If the self-promo is unique I don’t think it’ll be disregarded.
What I meant by find out first was if the studio had a posting on their website about the openings…I guess I just answered my own question:)
@David → I’d better batten down the hatches…
“I was hoping the second take might pull a smile.”
Mission accomplished.
Nice and helpful post David
Hi Hank, it’s been a while. I hope things are great over there.
PG, the lit fire’s necessary. It’s freezing here. Thanks for your tips, too. The one about being in tougher situations is perfect. I hear it all the time, people getting nervous and anxious about interviews. I used to as well, but when you think of it as just a chat—a kind of “get to know you”—it’s much easier to stay calm.
Andrew, nah, don’t worry, she’s 5’3″ and 7 stone, and will probably get blown away on the trip across.
Cheers, Adam.
Hi David, just a little thing, but I tend to flick through your blog entries in spare quiet moments at work which I tend to be able to get away with. However, video entries are less subtle and would be considered more distracting so I can’t really justify watching them. Shame, would be more interested in a written post.
However, good on you for trying – the comments above suggest most people are much more appreciative of it so that’s the main thing!
Owen
maybe a summary at the bottom outling any main points spoken about in the video would help?
That’s just what I was thinking, Chris. Good idea.
Owen, I’ll be sure to cover the main points of video blog posts in text, too, and hope that doesn’t leave you wondering what’s talked about. If your boss complains about you visiting my site, I’ll have a word.
Thanks so much i loved it, your blogs are always so creative i wish i could have half the imagination you seem to have
Great stuff David.
I would like to add a basic portfolio tip: the smaller the better, obviously I don’t mean anything smaller than A4, I remember dragging around an A2+ folio, try getting that on a packed London bus at rush hour. Looking back now I realise how ridiculous I must have looked. It’s impractical, you need more work to fill it and the client would need a bloody big table. I now have a nice leather bound A4 folio, it cost a few pennies but looks so much more professional.
Thanks for the video. I actually had an interview for an internship this morning :).
I will be putting your other tips to use as well as I look for work in Ontario and set my sites on Europe as well.
Just a note to tell you how much I appreciate your efforts – timely information, concise, understandable, readable. You are truly a genius especially to those of us who aspire to be nearly as good as you. Keep up the good work. Merry Christmas
Best wishes
Graeme
Good luck with the internship, Jon. Who’s it with? Hoping everything works out well.
Graeme, you’re very welcome, and a very merry Christmas to you, too.
Great post!
I enjoyed the video! It is very helpful!
Hi David!
It’s great to see that your vlogging now. I’ve wondered about the portfolio lately myself. I’m a corporate in-house designer and have often wondered if I am doing a disservice to myself by not keeping the portfolio updated since I don’t have to worry about new clients, projects, ect. But, I really should update my site. I’ve neglected it for about 7 years.
I’m getting into blogging currently and the video aspect is very interesting. I just wanted to tell you that I find you to be very inspirational and I hold you in high regard as a designer and business person.
Seeing your vlogs is impressive because it’s more personable and you DO seem approachable. Keep going with the vlogging. You’ll get used to it I’m sure. Keep up the great work.
By the way, I bought your book. Can’t wait to get it and add it to the collection.
Happy New Year to you and all the best in 2010!
David,
Good tips and advice. Glad to see a sense of humor with the ‘scrap that’ clip!
Hi Zane, thanks for the compliment, and for buying my book. Hopefully you’ve received your copy by now. A belated happy new year to you, too!
Cheers, Robert. I’ll take any chance to poke a little fun at myself for being crap.
Great video David, very interesting. Will take a look at that book.
Thanks so much David,
These are all the info that I am seeking for. I was wondering if I should email them or make a cold call to a place where I love to work. I used to think that it seem daunting to email them because it make the potential employers think of me as lacking of confidence, and try to hide the personality. But also don’t know what to ask if I would make a call.
Your video helps a lot for me to make a decision of how to contact them. I am currently intern at one place, but I also love to work at other places I am dreaming of, but they are much more bigger than where I am interning, should I contact them? They are full of talented designers and not hiring.
It’s so great seeing you on vedio.
My pleasure, Tin. I keep meaning to post another short video. I’ll see what I can come up with. As for contacting the other studios/agencies, what have you got to lose?
After reading all these comments I really wish the video was still up! Is there a typed version anywhere?
Sorry, Lauren. There isn’t. But if you have a specific question you think I can help with, fire away.