You’ve just graduated.
You’re waiting for the dream job to come and knock on your door.
You’ve sent out hundreds of applications with little success; you’re wondering why? The answer isn’t nice, but you need to work for it. Applying for jobs is a job in itself, so take it seriously and put your all into it.
Keep working – even outside of work
Out of everything, the most important factor is always going to be your portfolio. We need to know that we can get along and work together yes – but your portfolio will always top this. If you’re not getting any positive responses then ask yourself why? What could you improve on or change? Don’t just sit around and wait – get better. If you’ve got the time to keep working then do, get imaginative and work on what you really want to work on now – the passion will come through in your portfolio, trust me.
Research
This is a big one. We are 100 times more likely to read an application and look at your work if you prove that you already know a bit about us. If you’re applying to a company or studio that you really love, then take a bit of time and do your research. Find out as much as you can about the company, most importantly find a name to address the covering email to; if you can’t find one make a quick call to enquire who the best person would be to send an application to. Always address the covering email to the relevant person and have a look at any significant company milestones which you can use as discussion points, show you’re keen by asking questions. Review their portfolio – which clients inspire you and what did you like most about the project?
Confidence
I know this is tricky, interviews are nerve-racking and it’s understandable that these nerves will show, but it will also have an effect on how we perceive you. As a studio we need to know that you have confidence in yourself and in your work – that you honestly believe that if we hire you it will improve our business. Companies want to know that you will fit in with the team, so practice talking about yourself and your work aloud confidently, give mock presentations to tutors and take every opportunity that comes to you if it involves putting yourself and your work out there – any feedback is good feedback. Show us that you really love what you do, the last thing any company or agency wants is an employee watching the clock, we want you to love your job, and if we can’t see that come through, then you won’t be right for the position.
Play to your strengths
Show us the work that you’re really proud of. Don’t show us the work that you dibbled and dabbled in for a couple of weeks, less is more in that respect. If you don’t like it, if it didn’t work, then leave it out. We want to see what you’re passionate about and what you love working on. This is difficult when you’re a newcomer I understand, but like I said before – if you feel as if there are things missing from your portfolio, then now is the time to change that and make work that you’re really passionate about.