If you are out (or nearly out!) of your graphic design program and are worried about finding graphic design jobs, you are not alone. While graphic design jobs are quickly growing due to companies embracing various online features of business, competition has also never been fiercer, and you will need to stand out if you want to succeed as a graphic designer. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to give yourself a boost when you finally enter the job market and start looking around.
Since most graphic design jobs are digital or at least involve digital components, start your search online. There are many different websites designed solely to help graphic designers find jobs around the internet. Try Coroflot, Behance, Krop, and other well known sites where designers go to find new jobs. Be sure to also include a few searches on local job websites and among local companies to see if anyone nearby needs to the services of talented graphic designer. Standard national job boards can also be very useful, if you narrow your search parameters in the correct way.
Your first tool will naturally be your resume. As you have probably heard, graphic design resumes should be elegant and refined, an exhibition not only of your qualifications but of your talent. Remember to make good use of white space and avoid overcrowding. Simplicity is always best. Pay attention to the words you use to--many graphic designers end up writing at least some web copy, so showing your skills at brevity and succinct explanations can also go a long way to winning over an employer.
You have probably also heard how important your portfolio will be. A portfolio is the main tool of any graphic designer and should showcase your best work. Consider making several different portfolios, each aimed at a particular type of job. Use an online service or website to show your work, rather than sending anything hard-copy--most employers will not allow it, anyway. If you can, make your own website advertising your services and providing all the links necessary to past published work and current portfolio pieces. A well-designed website can impress even the hardest-to-please employer.
Lastly, keep in mind that many graphic design jobs involve much more than just design. Graphic designers often have to juggle several different jobs, including marketing and management tasks. Show any business and leadership experience you have to make sure employers know you are also skilled in the business side of graphic design. Experience with business software, accounting practices, management techniques, and other business applications looks very, very good on a graphic design resume.
This article was added on Sunday 13 June, 2010.
