I recently came across this creative article talking specifically about junior design jobs within the creative industry and the best way to go about securing that 'dream' job.
Still a bit unsure of the best path for me post uni, I am open to all manners of advice and suggestions when thinking about the future of my practice and how to get to where I want to be. This article helps to generalise key points to consider and apply when stepping out into the big bad world, from interview techniques to creative outlooks and portfolio / skill advice.
Main advice and points to take on board:
"There are more graduates out there than vacancies, so a killer design portfolio isn't always enough, you need to do everything you can to make prospective employers take notice of you and, more importantly, want to have you around."
"You need to be curious to be a good designer,"
"Be collaborative, not precious or possessive."
"It's important that you take our client list seriously, but you shouldn't take yourself too seriously"
Michael Bierut points out that design is "almost always about something else"
• Ask lots of questions, not only of the interviewers but in daily life of the world around you and industry you plan on entering.
• Ask questions of those who I work with, so as to minimise mistakes and not look like an idiot in front of industry professionals
• Pay attention, listen to the answers to those all important questions. Take notes, make plans, be clear on what it is that is being asked of me
• Always give my all and be willing to participate and excel even if I am not 100% excited about the brief or task in hand
• Collaborate, be part of a team and work with others to reach the best end result. 2 heads are better than 1 therefore involve and make use of my peers so everyone can feel responsible and proud of the outcome
• Be personable, fun and enjoyable to be around while taking the right things seriously such as work, tasks, clients and time management. In interview - its not just the portfolio which gets you the job - employers must want to have you around also.
• Understanding of digital software and coding such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery are beneficial skills to have in the design industry. Online workshops and helpful tutorials: Code Academy,Code.org, Code Avengers and Code School.
• Master public speaking to feel more comfortable in guaranteed task such as project proposals, presentations and client pitches. Confidence and belief in what you are doing is key.
• Stay interested in all that is around me. Keep up to date with the latest new, trends and other areas of creativity and culture to help keep diverse and my ideas fresh and innovative. "don't immerse yourself in design and designers, and forget there's a whole world out there."
Great site: http://www.creativebloq.com/