Designers are aware that our market can be really tough for freelancing. Many young graphic design students find it hard to establish profitable business during or just right out of school.
Applying for design job to the company can be a good solution; sustained income, ongoing projects, no or little responsibility for finding & building database of clients & of course gaining experience.
Even the most skilled designer can find searching for a dream job very stressful.

This article will give you an overview on recruitment process and what things you have to avoid in order to succeed (or at least have a chance for a job).

Preparation

Before you start looking around for job, you need to clarify 3 key points. Write the answers on the piece of paper – it will help you understand your goals.

YOU:

• What is your motivation & ambition?
• Where do you see yourself in the career path?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

YOUR WORK STYLE:

• What environment would you like to work in?
• Are you individual or team worker? (Or maybe both?)
• What style does your artwork represent?
• What do you like doing most and what the least?

THE JOB MARKET:

• What are the most prestigoues companies/agencies/design offices in your are?
• Would you like to work as in-house or studio designer?
• What type of candidates do these companies look for?

After doing the market research, you are ready for the next step: preparing your portfolio.

Creating A Portfolio

Design jobs are specific market. Contrary to other kind of jobs, in the interview you not only speak about your skills and experience but also show them – presenting your portfolio.

To create a job-winning portfolio select only your best piece of work. If you don’t have large collection of artwork, show your best pieces in the beginning and the end of your portfolio. This is because people tend to remember best beginning and the ends of a process – like your portfolio presentation.

It’s also a good idea to show some sketches to demonstrate your process of brainstorming and choosing concepts.

If you are not sure if your portfolio looks professional, find advisory sessions for reviewing and analysing your portfolio. Most of art schools and universities organise these sessions for students free of charge.
Think about your preferred design and work style, prepare yourself to discuss about your strengths and weaknesses in the interview.
Discuss about projects you are proud of with passion, show the interviewer that design is something you love. (However, it’s unlikely people choose this profession for money.)

You want to let your employer know that learning process will continue throughout your career.

Resume/CV & Motivating Letters

Professional CV is a must for everyone actively looking for job. Designers, however, should give extra attention to their CV look. Your resume should reflect your skills and abilities not only in words but also in the look of itself. You can’t afford to be wishy-washy.
[Soon article about: 15 Beautiful ideas for Designer's CV]

First, you have to follow certain standards of CV, giving the facts from your life an employer may be interested in. Remember to tailor your CV content to each job position you apply for. The biggest and most common mistake is to send the same CV to many different employers/ for same/similar positions.
No doubt, you save time but your CV is seen by employer to be made without effort.
Carefully read about requirements and ideal candidate description for a job and highlight these traits in your CV (if you have them!) Don’t lie, it will transpire during the interview.

Many designers prepare business cards & print stationery for themselves. Originally made, business cards give you opportunity to make an individual impression on your potential employer.

Tell Me Who You Are

Many employers ask for motivating letters: a short explanation why you think would be the best candidate for a job position. Again, as a designer you MUST represent yourself as willing to learn, enthusiastic & passionate for design. Many job search websites e.g. monster.com or totaljobs.com offer templates of motivating letters. It can be a good kick off for your final version.

Applying For A Job

There are many places your prospective employers list their jobs offers. However, if your dream company doesn’t have any job vacancies at the moment, it’s still a good idea to arrange an interview with them. In your motivation letter try to establish your interest relative to the company’s mission. Give a reason to interview you. Getting this ‘demo’ interview will be an excellent practice and preparation for your future dream job offer.

In The Interview

We always fear the unknown that’s why the first is always the most stressful. Before your real interview try to practice with your friends or in front of the mirror. Analyse your body language, point what may seem annoying for an interviewer. Remember, that people like people who are like them, so try to copy body language of the other person. If he/she speaks quiet, adjust your voice tone to his, if he leans in your direction, imitate it too.
[Soon article about: Contracts Winning Body Language Tips]

At the real interview try to relax. Remember to breathe. If you didn’t understand a question, ask to repeat it. The interviewer understands your position and he won’t knock off the points for your interview.
Interview should be a dialogue, as you have done your homework, ask questions about organisation and its current/best projects. Show your genuine interest. Suggest your help.
Remember the famous J.F. Kennedy’s quote:

‘Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.’ ?

it applies to your situation too. It’s not about what that company has to offer but how can YOU help with their needs.

Once I applied to London Advertising agency and got an ‘demo’ interview. However, I didn’t get the job. I made a reprehensible mistake not specifying what kind of job I would like to do. Because I have business management studies but graphic design is my passion I suggested that I could do either managerial or design job.
People like people who know exactly what they are good at and what they want. My advice for you is to be persuasive, show your future employer that you are an ideal candidate for this job.
After an interview, a follow-up note of thanks will be appreciated by interviewer.

If You Got The Job

When you are offered a job, you may be shocked/surprised and hard to negotiate. You want to get over it and relax. However, these last negotiations are the most important part for you. Don’t come out with quick ‘yes’ for an offer. Take time to consider all conditions of your employment.
Make research and establish your market value as a designer. Use salary checkers in your market and location and check top 5 salary tips.
Remember about perks your company can offer you: health insurance, paid holiday, flexible hours, car, etc. Discuss what would you get in a offer package. Be clear about your needs, avoid understatements, ask questions, and take time to consider the offer. Don’t made decision in a rush.

To Conclude

Applying for your first graphic design job doesn’t always mean your dream job. However, getting into design industry gives you valuable experience. Invest in your skills and experience, your next job search will be easier. You will have a clear image of the industry, its ups and downsides. Eventually you will find yourself in position you always wanted to be.
Remember, proper preparation to interview is a half- success. Communicate, ask questions, be courteous. Try to relax and believe in yourself!

Good luck with the interviews!!