In this downturned economy and up against an army of talented creatives, securing employment in the design field has become as much about talent and education as it is about knowing how to work around the system.
Here are three great ways to ensure you're making the most out of your search for a job in design.
An article I recently read by an online colleges resource outlined some useful tips on how to grow as a designer and increase your chances of being hired.
The article lists "keep an open mind" as tip number four, explaining that experimenting with design and taking criticism are both important in the design process.
Keeping an open mind is also important in searching for a design job.
As a potential employee, you need to understand that even if a job is not completely ideal, it may still provide a good growing and learning experience.
Open your search to positions you may not have thought to seek out (ex: web designer or illustrator instead of graphic designer).
In addition, ask for critiques on your interview style and portfolio if an employer has decided to hire another interviewee.
Strive to grow and improve in all aspects.
Always be on the lookout for companies to apply to.
Even if a firm is not advertising an open position, send the hiring manager your portfolio with a cover letter inquiring if they have an opening or encouraging them to keep you in mind for the future.
Browse job listings often, looking beyond the typical monster.
com and craigslist.
org sites, and into design-specific job forums.
If you need help getting started, here are a few great pages that post job opportunities: Coroflot, Behance, AIGA, Smashing Magazine, and design:related.
When talking about finding a job in design, or any field, I always refer back to an article published by Styleapple that claims the first rule of finding a job in design is to stop looking for one.
While this may sound confusing at first, what the article really means is to establish yourself as a hirable employee and let the jobs come to you! Finding a job without looking for one takes a lot of self-promotion and networking.
The Styleapple article suggests creating an online design portfolio, starting a blog, and engaging your audience by promoting your work on professional social media accounts.
Along with these strategies, attending networking events and design conferences are a great way to make yourself discoverable to recruiters and other professionals.
For more self-promotion tips, my favorite resource is the Red Lemon Club, a blog authored by illustrator Alex Mathers.
The blog is regularly updated with useful content for designers and other creative professionals who are aiming to attract clients.
By keeping an open mind, broadening your search, and spending time self-promoting and networking, you'll be on your way to securing employment in the design field in no time.
Be sure to check out the links in this article to find additional tips and tricks for working towards a more employable you.