landing a job 101 extended

Landing a Job 101

Christina Bittinger-Melito Senior Designer (print/web) Frank. Strategic Marketing

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014

1. Define what kind of creative you are

Define what kind of creative you are

What is your design specialty? What are you very good at? What do you desire to do most, even if you don’t have a lot of experience doing it?

•  Print Designer •  Web Designer •  Print & Web designer •  Photographer •  Videographer •  Illustrator •  Motion Graphic Artist •  etc

2. Create your identity and portfolio

Create your identity and portfolio

What is an identity? •  Logo (possibly) •  Font(s)/Typeface •  Grid/structure •  Tone (voice) •  Typography •  Grid •  Stationery Suite •  Business card •  Resume •  Mailing envelope •  Leave-behind piece •  Website •  SWAG (button, magnet,

sticker, candy)

What is a portfolio? •  Book/Box of work •  Website gallery of work •  LinkedIn portfolio •  PDF of sample work

PORTFOLIO TIPS:

•  Recreate your resume in word, as some online job search engines require a word document version of your resume

•  Make sure the PDF of your sample work and resume do not exceed 5mb

•  Make your PDFs interactive (links and social media contacts should be hyperlinks)


What makes an identity successful? •  Clean, clear, and concise

message about your skills •  Over all style is unique •  Memorable •  No spelling or grammar

mistakes •  It’s not cumbersome or hard

to engage with •  Resume and leave-behind

are mail-able •  Obeying a grid system

What make a portfolio successful? •  Physical size is manageable •  Craftsmanship is perfect

(box/book and work) •  There is not 1 weak piece •  There are 3-6 projects •  The work should show a

variety of skills and design choices (don’t use the same fonts and colors in all work/pieces)

•  Start and end with your two strongest pieces

RESUME TIPS: •  Make the reviewer’s job easy; to read

your resume, see your work, take in who you are as a designer

•  Ensure your personality shines through


Current Resume

College Resume


Online Portfolio Templates: •  Cargo: http://cargocollective.com/ •  4ormat: http://4ormat.com/ •  Indexhibit: http://www.indexhibit.org/ •  Dunked: http://dunked.com/ •  Carbonmade: http://carbonmade.com/ •  Behance: https://www.behance.net/ •  Behance Prosite: http://prosite.com/#login

(cost associated)

•  Wordpress: http://wordpress.com/ (requires development)

WEBSITE TIPS:

•  Choose and over-all aesthetic or template that pleases you and your style

•  Be sure to updated your portfolio as often as your work allows

•  Fill out as much information as possible (for SEO purposes)

•  Do not take credit for something you did not do and/or give credit to others that worked on a project

•  If you are a poor photographer, find someone that is to help you photograph your work (or Photoshop your work)

•  Feel free to show process or sketches of work


Photoshopped (more control)

Photographed


Behance LinkedIn

3. Do your research

Do your research

It’s important to understand your audience.* It’s as if you are doing a research project or report on your career. Knowledge truly is power (and confidence). *Agencies, art/creative directors, Talent Acquisitionists, etc.

Who/what to research? •  Top design agencies in

your area (Baltimore) •  Salary standards

(for your area, Baltimore) •  Job titles and descriptions •  Design standards/trends •  Di!erence between

agency/in-house/corporate

•  Super star art directors or designers

•  Award winning work from Baltimore

Do your research

What agencies look for (in a new designer): •  Passion •  Talent •  Character •  Ethics •  Loyalty (they are making an investment in you) •  Hunger/Motivation (to do good work) •  Constant-learner •  Selflessness (lack of ego) •  Good verbal and written communicator •  Confidence •  Positive Attitude

Do your research

Website resources: •  AIGA Salary guide, http://designsalaries.aiga.org/ •  Tips for job interviews, http://www.experis.us/Job-Seekers/

Research-and-Insights/Career-Center/20-Tips-for-Great-Job-Intervie.htm

•  BBJ Book of Lists, http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/research/bol-marketing/

•  Job Search Engines: AIGA Baltimore, Authentic Jobs, Behance, Creative Hotlist, Coroflot, Design:Related, Fresh Web Jobs, Krop, How Design, LinkedIn, Simply Hired, Smashing Magazine, etc.

•  Job Placement (temp, temp-to-hire): Aquent, The Boss Group, Profiles, Engine, Creative Circle, etc.

4. Networking

Networking

Networking is introducing yourself to new design contacts or associates. The more people you meet, the higher the chances you will meet someone in need of new and fresh talent.

Where to network: •  Paper Shows •  Design Lectures/conferences •  Educational events/seminars •  Agency open houses/tours •  Design-related happy hours •  Design award ceremonies •  Guest speakers at college

classes/lectures •  Anywhere (where there

are designers)

Networking

Associations and Organizations who put on events: •  AIGA •  Adobe •  The Production Club

of Baltimore •  Art Directors Club of

Washington D.C. •  MICA •  Stevenson University

•  Greater Baltimore InDesign User Group

•  Bmore Creatives (women’s networking group)

•  Meet-Ups •  PGAMA •  FPO/Brand New

Networking

How to network: •  Have business cards ready •  Walk up to someone and introduce yourself •  Shake their hand (firmly) •  Ask them what they do (in the design industry or job title) •  Ask them where they work and to explain what its like there •  Allow them to ask you what you do what your strongest skills are •  Convince them you are talented and confident •  O!er your business card and ask for theirs

•  Follow up with them by LinkedIn connection or email

5. Get an informational OR job interview

Get an informational interview (or job interview)

An informational interview is a practice interview with an actual design professional (typically a senior designer, art director, or creative director). You meet at their agency and ask them a list of questions. If they have time, present your work to them.

An Informational Interview is a meeting in which a potential job seeker seeks advice on their career, the industry, and the corporate culture of a potential future workplace; while an employed professional learns about the job seeker and judges their professional potential and fit to the corporate culture, so building their candidate pool for future hires. Source: Wikipedia


Who can help you in acquiring an informational interview: •  Ask professors for contacts •  Scour LinkedIn for senior designers, art

directors, and creative directors and connect/message them about an interview

•  Research your favorite agencies in town and email the art directors and/or creative directors for an informational interview

•  Cold call agency HR reps or talent acquisitionists •  Ask family or friends if they know of any

professional designers/directors •  Send your resume and/or leave-behind to your

favorite agency

TIPS:

•  Don’t be overly choosey

•  Be very flexible and accommodating to the interviewers time restrictions

•  Be willing to drive (however far is it)

•  Respond promptly (to emails or calls)

•  Be consistent and professional in correspondence

•  Take any interview seriously (as if you were trying to land your dream job)

•  Be appreciative and humble

•  Go on more than one interview


How to prepare for an informational interview: (have business cards, resumes, and portfolio ready,) •  Write or find a list of questions to ask the interviewer •  Pick your clothing attire: be fashionable but not gaudy, cover up

but leave the turtle-necks at home, be casual, be comfortable, be inspired by the professionals but be yourself at the same time. If you interview at a corporation, dress more conservatively.

•  (once the interview is arranged) research the person interviewing you— LinkedIn connect, read their bio, visit the agency’s website, review their work and/or awards they have won

•  Print several copies of your resume and have business cards printed and/or comped

•  Put together a portfolio (tailor the work to what the interviewer would want to see i.e. print vs. web, corporate vs. fun)


What happens in an informational interview: (have business cards, resumes, and portfolio ready)

•  You arrive at the agency (10 minutes early or call if running late) •  You ask the receptionist or greeter for the person you are looking

for and that you are there for an informational interview •  Meet and shake hands with the interviewer •  Immediately give them your business card •  Briefly explain your expectations of the interview

(“I have a list of questions and if time can you review my work”) •  Ask your questions but allow the interview to progress organically,

make it feel sort-of like conversation than question/answer session •  If you sense they are strapped for time, try and wrap it up. If they

seem eager to see your work, ask if they can review your portfolio •  Thank them for their time and e!orts (follow up with a thank you

email and/or mailer 1-2 days after interview)


An interview is when you present your work* and partake in a conversation about your work-style, skill set, experience, and desired salary. This is when you sell yourself.

*The presentation of the portfolio is the main element of a job interview.

A job interview is a type of employment test that involves a conversation between a job applicant and representative of the employing organization. Interviews are one of the most popularly used devices for employee selection. Interviews vary in the extent to which the questions are structured, from totally unstructured and free-wheeling conversation, to a set list of questions each applicant is asked. Source: Wikipedia


How to set up an interview: •  Find agencies or temp-agencies that are

recruiting/hiring (LinkedIn is the best) •  Email the art or creative director of an

agency that is currently hiring (unless a specific person has been tasked with accepting resumes)

•  Keep the email memorable and short. •  Attached PDF of resume and sample work •  Follow up on an email after 3-5 days if

you have not heard from them

TIPS:

•  Don’t be overly choosey when you first start out (your first job is a stepping stone)

•  Be very flexible and accommodating to the interviewers time restrictions

•  Respond promptly (to emails or calls)

•  Be consistent and professional in correspondence

•  Take any interview seriously (as if you were trying to land your dream job)

•  Be appreciative and humble

•  Go on as many interviews as possible


How to prepare for a job interview: (have business cards, resumes, and portfolio ready,) •  Do your research! (the agency, clientele,

design style, location, etc) •  Search the agency/company on Glassdoor:

http://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm •  Put together a portfolio (tailor the work to

what the interviewer would want to see i.e. print vs. web, corporate vs. fun)

•  Know and expect to explain why or how you are passionate about design

•  Know your strengths and prepare to sell them

TIPS:

•  Don’t be shy •  Don’t wait for

vacancies to appear •  Don’t “play down”

your work •  Sell your skills

appropriately •  Excitement is

contagious


What happens in a job interview: (have business cards, resumes, and portfolio ready) •  Arrive at 10 minutes early or call if running late •  You ask the receptionist for the person(s) you are meeting

and that you are there for an interview •  Meet and shake hands with the interviewer(s) •  Immediately give them your resume and business card •  Thank them for the interview and wait for them to start •  You will answer questions about your work and skill experience

as well as your preferences •  You may be given a design test •  You will be asked to present your portfolio (4-8 of best work) a good presentation formula includes a recap of the brief or assignment, an explanation

of how you met the objective and highlights of anything unique about the process.

•  You will be given time to ask them questions


Questions to ask in a job interview: •  What kinds of client to you have (any niche product

i.e. web vs. print, B2B vs. B2C, non-profits vs. higher ed.)? •  What are they looking for in a new candidate •  Are you replacing an existing position or is this a new position •  Dress attire •  O"ce/work hours •  What is the work-life balance like (do you work long hours)? •  Can you give me a high-level description of the

company benefits? •  Feedback on your work

Before asking any/all of these questions, feel out the success of the over all interview as you may be wasting time.

6. Maintain a social presence

Maintain a social presence

Be active on as many social media outlets as possible. Share relevant and trendy design (web, video, photography) content. Showing you keep up on trends and know how to navigate and utilize social media makes you well rounded and current.

Most popular social media sites: •  Facebook* •  LinkedIn* •  Twitter* •  Google+ •  Tumblr •  Pinterest •  Instagram •  Flickr •  Youtube •  Foursquare The list goes on *Should have accounts with

Maintain a social presence

Social Media Do’s: •  Post relevant content,

comments, articles •  Focus on social media sites/

platforms that are most popular •  Use social media regularly •  Be authentic •  Be aware of your audience

(and what they are looking for, i.e. potential employers)

•  Grow the right network (don’t friend or connect with just anyone)

•  Use Facebook privacy setting •  Google search your name

Social Media Don’ts: •  Talk only about yourself •  Plagiarize imagery •  Insult people or groups •  Talk politics, or religion,

if at all possible •  Only like other posts •  Post photos containing

alcohol or drugs

93% OF RECRUITERS ARE LIKELY TO LOOK AT A CANDIDATE’S SOCIAL PROFILE.

SOURCES: 2014 Job Seeker Survey by Jobvite

7. Know what’s going on in your industry

Know what’s going on in your local industry

You should understand what the design landscape looks like in your area. The more you know the better you can judge the health or evolution of your career or work place. You can better navigate through the industry when you know where to be and when it’s the right time to move.

• Are agencies failing? (high turnover) • Are agencies growing very quickly (maybe even too quickly)? • Who are the best designers and agencies in town? • Who is di"cult to work for (creative directors)? • Who has the best or most fun work/clients? • Who pays fairly (and does this come at an extra cost, i.e. work-life balance)?

8. Touch base with industry pros

Touch base with industry pros

Find a way to connect with design professionals. Drop a small note to remind them who you are (and that you are eager to work for them or meet them again). Contact them a few times a year.

How to connect: •  At a networking

event, grab their business card

•  By connecting with them through LinkedIn

•  Finding their work email from their agency website

•  Following them on twitter

Touch base with industry pros

Common messages or ice breakers: •  I see you are signed up for the such-and-such

event and I will also be attending… •  I saw some new work of yours and wanted to

say how inspirational it was… •  I noticed your agency won a new big client,

congratulations… •  I see that your agency is hiring… •  Congratulations on the job promotion… •  It was nice meeting you at the such-and such

event last week… •  I just updated my portfolio website and

wanted to share it with you (maybe even get your thoughts)…

TIPS:

•  Don’t email or contact any one person or agency too often (you may appear stalker-like)

•  Be sure to include your social media links and website portfolio in your email signature

•  Keep it short and sweet •  Speak in your own

voice as personality is memorable (for better or worse)

•  Try to add in a memorable moment from when you last spoke or met

•  Always sound appreciative (for their time or connection)

9. Don’t burn bridges

Don’t burn bridges

This term means don’t end any working or professional relationship on bad terms. Don’t be irresponsible to your duties as a designer, employee, freelancer, or producer, etc.

Reasons not to: •  Baltimore is a small city,

also know as Smalltimore, and your reputation will get around

•  (Collateral damage) A fallout can prevent you from obtaining future job opportunities

•  You may run into that individual at another workplace or event

•  It makes designers (as whole) look bad

•  Its bad practice

Questions [email protected]

Christina Bittinger-Melito Senior Designer (print/web) Frank. Strategic Marketing

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014

landing a job 101 extended

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