Top 5 things to never do when inquiring about a graphic design position
Studiobanks receives tons of email from young designers looking for entry-level design positions. However, the majority of the emails we receive I delete immediately. Having your email deleted is the worst thing that could happen. Even if the firm isn’t currently hiring, you should want them to save your information for when the time comes that they do need to hire someone.
To that end, here are my top five things to never do when inquiring about a graphic design position. While these will not ensure that your information is saved, it will at least ensure it is not deleted immediately.
1. Never send a resume in Word format.
When applying for a design position, a resume should be treated first as a representation of your layout and typography skills and then as a representation of your experiences – in that order. As a designer, you should know that Word is not a layout program. I have never read a resume that was submitted in Word. A well-designed PDF will say a lot.
2. Never send any questionable work samples.
If you think one of your portfolio pieces isn’t that strong, it probably isn’t. Do not include it. Think of the weakest link metaphor: To a creative director a designer is as strong as their weakest portfolio sample.
3. Never send more than one file that contains your work samples.
One of the most annoying things a job inquirer can do is send their work samples as individual files. Designers should create a well-designed, multi-page PDF portfolio of their work that creative directors can save and browse through with ease.
4. Never send work samples in their native format.
If a creative director ever wanted to look at your raw Photoshop files he or she will ask. Sending your work samples in their native format shows a glaring lack of attention to detail and professionalism. Again, a well-designed, multi-page PDF portfolio is your best chance to have your information saved.
5. Never call yourself a company.
In a strange and recent trend, graduating design students are creating pseudo company names for themselves (ie: Graphiz House, Mike’s Creative, Smith Designs). This is confusing and tacky. If you are starting your own company, great! But, if that’s the case why would a design firm want to hire you?
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Much agreed Banks. These are 5 things that all designers should know, especially entry level seekers. I hope you find exactly who you are looking for because I hope to see the bar raised there at Studiobanks even further than I have seen over the past several years!
"However, the majority of the emails [resumes] we receive I delete immediately."
You might want to reconsider that statement/action.
The ADA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Rehabilitation Act, and ADEA require employers to retain all resumes and job applications on file for one year. Though most HR professionals recommend two years.
The laws are so vague that they do not specify solicited or unsolicited resumes. And the state may specify a longer period.
Even when I had a sole-prop. and was registered with the state DOL I retained all resumes in the off-chance I hired someone and an unconsidered applicant sued under one of the Acts.
Great post, Banks. My only counter thought is on point #2. I think it behooves a CD to look at the strongest piece in the pile, and ignore the rest. The goal is to see the potential in every GD. You'll come out more a winner when you can learn to identify the potential and then be the one to bring that potential out of the GD through mature creative direction.
I see your point. However, if you were a young designer inquiring about a potential job, why chance things by sending any weak work samples?
6. Never -- under any circumstance -- 'dress up' for the interview.